Construction workers have transformed Macombs Dam Park, directly behind the famous stadium, into the dust bowl from hell. Trees have been chopped down, bathrooms are shut, and tennis players must use portable toilets. Worse, heavy machinery has created a noise and dust nightmare for local residents. Evil empire—er, Yankee president Randy Levine says the new $800 million stadium is scheduled to open in 2009, and that the Yanks will hire as many Bronx residents as possible to help with the stadium’s construction.

-- Alban Hasanbelliu