By Joseph Morales

The 191st St Station on the 1 Train is known for its dilapidated and even dangerous conditions by some. This is largely because of the poor condition of a 1,000 foot long tunnel that serves as the entrance to the station from Broadway and West 191st Street. In addition to serving as a subway entrance, many walking in the community use it to get between Broadway and St. Nicholas Ave to avoid having to walk through steep hills on Fairview Ave or the desolate Gorman Park as one does not need to pay the subway fare for the sole purpose of using the tunnel. It is also worth noting that since the tunnel is technically considered a “tunnel street” it is controlled by the NYCDOT rather than the MTA. It is the only street of its kind in NYC.

              What makes the station unique is a myriage of graffiti that once spanned the entire length of the tunnel. While some may view it as a unique art piece, many may view it as an eyesore or sign of danger. A Daily News Report from this past week on the station was headlined “NYC subway stop infested by 1970s-style graffiti”. It is also important to note that the tunnel spans multiple blocks and is considered to be about a 5 minute walk, which may add to straphanger fears about crime regardless of the graffiti. The station is also known for having an overall grimy condition.

              As far as what could be found from media coverage from recent years, the graffiti in its current state at the station largely became an issue in 2015 after graffiti vandals destroyed a legally commissioned graffiti mural that covered the length of the tunnel. The mural then was initially constructed in response to community concerns over the safety of the tunnel due to its stygian darkness. The graffiti that has been e removed from the station had been featured in several streets art tours as well as the popular movie “In The Heights” according to the Gothamist.

              Now the graffiti has been completely painted white by the NYCDOT with as part of an “operation to fully clean and sanitize the tunnel” as well as prepare “a new art project for the tunnel” and change the vibe for riders and other street users who use the tunnel street. While it may help straphangers feel a stronger sense of security and the station’s reputation, many may still consider it to be a grubby place. On my visit to the station on Sunday, January 22nd, much of the paint was peeled from the walls of the tunnel. Though not widespread, graffiti already seemed to be showing signs of returning to the station, with even the countdown clock at the front entrance already being tagged once again. However, a little more than than 24 hours after I left, video from ABC7-NY shows widespread graffiti throughout the tunnel. 

              Many who felt that the graffiti was a part of the community culture and not part of the station’s issues are upset at the NYCDOT’s decision including local councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa, claiming that the community was never notified about the proposed project. She and Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance Executive Director Nira Leeya-Gutierrez said in a joint statement,“We have never advocated for the soul to be removed in the erasure of the local art that was emblematic of the tunnel.”. “The continual lack of transparency from city agencies has long damaged our community’s trust; we are angered and disappointed by the lack of notification and care employed by the Department of Transportation in painting the tunnel without community engagement or planning.” 

               The NYCDOT told Patch that the paint over had to do with “preparing a new art project for the tunnel”, but did not talk to Patch in regards to notifying the community in advance. NYCDOT Comissioner Ydanis Rodriguez told ABC7-NY “We are planning to look for potential artists that will design the 191st St Tunnel. This is a priority for me because I understand the symbolic meaning of this tunnel.” The city also said that once the new art project is complete, they will ad more police and security cameras in the tunnel to keep both the new artwork as well as the people safe. 

               In addition to the graffiti issues, in 2022 PIX11 and CBS-NY both reported on what was considered to be dirty conditions and signs of drug use being visible in the tunnel. On my visit, though I only noticed one syringe on the ground, I did notice numerous piles of trash as well as what appeared to be small amounts of floodwater throughout the tunnel.  

              One issue that has been overlooked in regard to the station is that eventhough the station has a ramp at the station entrance on Broadway and West 191st St, is very steep and is unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with disabilities. Considering the fact that the other two routes to the station from here involve either hills, stairs or both, this makes the station practically impossible to access for those with mobility disabilities, forcing them to navigate hills up to the nearby Dyckman St station, which will only first become ADA-accessible in both directions this summer. 

              While this station has been the subject of controversy for quite some time, hopefully the community, the NYCDOT, the MTA and all other partners can work together to determine solutions for what is a vital transportation asset for the Washington Heights community. 

Works Cited

Mocker, Greg. “Riders, neighbors demand action at entrance to subway in Washington Heights.” PIX11, 21 January 2022, https://pix11.com/news/local-news/riders-neighbors-demand-action-at-entrance-to-subway-in-washington-heights/. Accessed 23 January 2023.

Seiwell, Emma, and Bill Sanderson. “NYC subway stop infested by 1970s-style graffiti.” New York Daily News, 17 January 2023, https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-graffiti-washington-heights-subway-pedestrian-tunnel-20230117-thr2w2nz2rbi3ljfa424f5nxj4-story.html. Accessed 23 January 2023.

Mitchell, Jessi. “Multi-agency team created to clean up needles in Washington Heights subway tunnel.” CBS News, 16 February 2022, https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/washington-heights-subway-tunnel-needle-cleanup/. Accessed 23 January 2023.

Saltonstall, Gus. “Backlash After 191st Street Station Tunnel Completely Painted Over.” Patch, 23 January 2023, https://patch.com/new-york/washington-heights-inwood/backlash-after-191st-street-station-tunnel-completely-painted. Accessed 23 January 2023.

Chasan, Aliza. “Graffitied subway tunnel painted white: ‘Erasure of the local art.’” PIX11, 23 January 2023, https://pix11.com/news/graffiti-covered-191st-street-subway-tunnel-painted-over/. Accessed 23 January 2023.