Homeless Man Says He Prefers to Live Outside–on Broadway
DHS conducts a “sweep” on Broadway in the West 70s periodically. But as Ethan, an unhoused area resident known locally by the nickname “Freckles,” told the Spirit, the minute city officials leave he’ll set up his “home” again. He said he prefers to live on the street.
| 07 Apr 2026 | 05:02
An unhoused individual, Ethan, known locally as “Freckles,” holds his cat “kitty” the day after a city sweep. He says he always returns to the Broadway and W. 75th St. location under a scaffold the minute city officials leave because he prefers to live outside. (
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Ethan at his “home” the day before a city sweep. (
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Ethan had a humble abode set up on Broadway and 78th Street before April 1 (
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The day before the sweep, April 1 (
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The day after Ethan, or Freckles as he is known, was back at his old spot. (
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Freckles said he simply clears his stuff off the sidewalk when he knows the city is conducting a sweep, and then moves right back in by the next day. (
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“He’ll have to go somewhere else. I’d love for it to not to be on the Upper West Side.” City Council member Gale Brewer, speaking about Ethan, aka “Freckles”