The below video, filmed about 16 years ago, begins by declaring: "Our purpose is to capture video images of Manhattan's historic sites before they disappear forever. Follow the Urban Eye as it scans the city's landscape in search of historic artifacts. Watch as we compile footage for our 1995 time capsule." These clips are part of a one hour documentary, where host Jerry Rio talks to New Yorkers about the changes the city is going through (back then, Tower Records was the enemy!). At the 8:30 mark (in part one) you'll meet our villain, who tells Rio, "I would hope the whole city would turn into a giant Wal-Mart! It'd be like white bread, which I love. I want no help for struggling, old companies. No room for entrepreneurs, no room for individuals." (If he's alive today, that guy is psyched).

Part I



Part II



Rio is still around today, sadly his latest YouTube video is called: "Wild drunk sexy party girls answer outrageous questions in nightclub." [via City of Strangers]