On West 86th Street, a quirky Upper West Sider’s holiday décor has sparked a mild neighborhood row.
Neighbors noticed a blinding purple glow coming from a window on the ninth floor of the Dexter House hostel, located between West End Avenue and Riverside Drive. “Disco guy” was dubbed the culprit, and some residents even complained that it was “light pollution.”
In a caption for a photo from the West Side Rag, it reads: The purple light emanating from a West 86th apartment window is disturbing neighbors. Gus Saltonstall/West Side Rag
One source told the paper, “At night, the light flashes in the windows of all the apartments across the street all night and is extremely disruptive,” and added that attempts to call local police on the non‑emergency line turned up nothing, since no statutes were being violated.
People were not impressed with so‑called “Disco guy’s” behavior. In one comment the writer asked whether the author should also defend the individual upstairs who tap‑dances from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. Another remarked, “I think the disco ball owner is not being a good neighbor.” Some feared the bright light could affect health, with one reader warning that “Neightbors are being hurt by light pollution.” and another warning, “Light pollution is a serious problem and flashing lights can cause seizures.”
When the building’s resident explained to the paper on a Saturday, he said the glow wasn’t from a disco ball but from a powerful, pulsating, rotating $2.50 Christmas light. He insisted he was unaware that it was disrupting the neighbors’ “tinsel.” The resident, who only spoke Spanish and declined to give his name, told The Post, “I would never think this would create such a scandal.” The doorman reported no complaints had reached him.
When the news spread, the resident explained that “People have the right to think what they want. I didn’t want any problems.” He had moved in six months earlier and had bought the bright orb three weeks prior from a 99 ¢ shop “to feel happy in my room for the holiday.” He added, “What problem is this creating? I stay in my room, I am peaceful, I am not bad.”
After learning of the fuss, he removed the light and gave it to his neighbor, Carol Moody. She commented, “Look how respectable he is, you told him there is a problem and he took it down. They should have come here and told the doorman, and the doorman would talk to him. This is crazy.”
Many readers agreed that the tenant’s vibe was a bit off. One joked, “I don’t suppose any of the claimants have ever heard of shades, drapes or blinds.” Another celebrated, “Let’s hear it for UWS privilege.” Still others mocked the scene: “All these liberals with their artisanal lattes and their over‑the‑counter omakases, Jean‑George French laundry turn down service — can’t even deal with a little Disco Fever.” A final note ended on a lighter note: “A little disco never hurt anybody.”
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