As in lawns. As in money. Really, it's sort of a well-kept secret, just minutes from the George Washington Bridge. I think people value a sort of rural flavor. That flavor is much in evidence on an early spring morning, as willow trees weep pale green leaves and clusters of daffodils form roadside bouquets.
Ambiance is important here.
It's important enough that the city enacted a tree ordinance a few years back, forbidding residents to cut down more than three healthy trees per year on their properties. The man's actions did not go unnoticed. Neighbor telephoned neighbor, the outrage expanding as a rumor does. Part of the larger 1st Ward in this city of 25,000 residents, the serene hill area is home to a mere 2,210, according to updated census figures for 1998. Together with its twin, the 2nd Ward section of the East Hill, the area was once a bastion of white, Protestant Republicans.