What if you were to use a hammer also? Like, use it like you would to remove a nail, but put a pair of vice grips right above the claw to keep it from just sliding

No lie, last night I had a dream where I checked my phone to confirm the date

Also, or perhaps instead, take the Staten Island ferry around sunset/twilight. Its free and has the best view of the city IMHO.

Also? If you see baked ziti on pizza I would highly recommend it.