Asta Hansen and Chris Hansen-Nelson   (interview 1999 photo 1999)

   About twenty years ago, Chris moved from Los Angeles to New York City, where he has pursued a variety of creative endeavors: acting, founding and running a professional theater, and writing. The bills were paid by a series of "survival jobs," from waiting tables to temping as a computer programmer. Currently the senior documentation officer in Credit and Equity Derivatives in a securities firm, he continues to explore artistic paths, studying screenwriting at NYU.

   A three time Marathon Man, Chris would train for the NYC event by running along Fort Washington Avenue from his apartment in the West 150s, north to the Cloisters. He fell in love with the area above West 181st Street. While running past Bennett Park, he would look over at Hudson View Gardens ("A charming, pre- WW2 building . . . Lots of brick and wonderful little architectural extras."), while fantasizing about living there. Now, due to a happy set of circumstances, he does, and feels very lucky.

   Since 1994, Chris, his wife, and his fifteen-year-old son have been residents of the area now being called, "Hudson Heights".

   When asked about his activities and areas of interest, Chris responded, "All the summer activities in Bennett Park. All the activities year round in Fort Tryon. Great restaurants, from Indian food (Kismet) to two great coffee/dessert places (Helene's & Café Santiago) to the wonderfully, indescribable 'Bleu'. I am also active in the Boy Scout troop associated with Collegiate Church (181/Fort Washington). They are a great thing for the neighborhood and should be supported better."

   Chris adds, "The area is moving in the direction of being like the Village, only for families. I hope the trend of people getting out and spending time in the neighborhood continues."

   When asked of his friends' reactions to the neighborhood, Chris responded, "They can't believe this exists in Manhattan. Several are looking into moving here."