Monday, August 24th, 2009

Each week, My Upper West interviews an Upper West Side resident who helps make our neighborhood the diverse and interesting place we love.  Today, we talk to B. Jason Roer, Filmmaker and Children’s Fantasy Author, west 60′s.

How can people find out more about you and your work?
bjasonroer.com.

How long have you lived on the UWS?
I’ve lived here for 6 years now.

What made you decide to move to the UWS?
My wife had the WAY better apartment.

What is your favorite thing about the neighborhood?
We’re halfway between Riverside Park and Central Park.

Riverside Park or Central Park?
Split decision- I spend 50% of my park-time in each.

Describe your best celebrity sighting on the UWS.
I ran into Sting twice in 2 days.  I asked him to do a small role in a short film I was making.  He said yes.  I nearly passed out.  He’s a great guy.

What is your favorite meal on the UWS? Favorite place for a cocktail?
Fav meal is EVERYTHING at Nice Matin.  Place for drinks- depends on the time of year.  Football season? Blondies.  Rest of the year? Barcibo Enoteca on 69th.  I’m expecting free food and drinks. :)

If you could change one thing about the UWS, what would it be?
Enough with the banks already.

What would you like to see filling the empty storefronts in the UWS, or what would you like to see more of in the UWS?
I’d love to see Target move into the empty retail space on 66h and Broadway where Tower used to be.  Unless of course Tower wants to move back in.  Pretty please? Miss you Tower.

Horse and carriage rides in Central Park: romantic, too touristy, or cruel?
Actually wrote about this in my new fantasy/adventure novel.  It takes place in a mystical, hidden city under New York City, called Old York City.  And instead of horse and carriage rides, they’re Pegasus and carriage rides.  Way cooler!

What are you looking forward to most: completion of Lincoln Center’s renovations, Trader Joe’s on 72nd and Broadway, the shops at Columbus Square, or completion of the 96th Street subway station?
Trader Joe’s without a doubt.  Love that store.

What is your favorite thing to do in the ‘hood on a nice UWS day?
I go through epic walks through Central Park or Riverside Park and type out my notes for my stories on my trusty iPhone.  Of course, I do this even when it’s not so nice out too.  I just love being in the parks.

Who is your favorite UWS resident, past or present?
Another split decision.  My wife, Ellen, and my son, Jaden.

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