September was a month of celebration from Labor Day to Rosh HaShannah to Eid. Following Labor Day, I joined principals and teachers of PS 290 and PS 158 to greet parents and kids as they started a new year of learning and growing. On September 24, New York City schools closed for the first time ever for the Muslim holiday of Eid, truly making this a month of Religious inclusion, along with the Jewish High Holidays and the visit from Pope Francis who stayed right here on the Upper East Side.
The Pope's visit was about more than local significance, as he brought a message of inclusion, equality, and stewardship over the environment. I hope you will find that message throughout this newsletter, as I update you on what we've achieved over the past month, and what we can do together in October to make the world a better place. Before you read more, you might want to RSVP for our Senior Health Fair, sign up for a Participatory Budgeting Neighborhood Assembly, mark First Friday and Policy Night on your calendar, or reserve a spot at our Housing Legal Clinic.
Please also be aware of the oncoming Hurricane Joaquin. You can find information about Joaquin and hurricane preparedness at the website of the NYC Office of Emergency Preparedness.
I hope you enjoyed your September. How were your holidays?
Sincerely,
Ben Kallos
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Fighting Superscrapers and Celebrating Mr. Herndon Werth
- Holmes Towers: “Infill Housing”
- DEC Considers Impact on Air Quality of MTS
- Decide How to Spend $1 Million in the Community
Transportation
- Bike Safety Program Continues as Citi Bike Comes to Upper East Side
- Ferrying Progress for Roosevelt Island
- Hail a Yellow or Green Cab with Your Smartphone
Affordable Housing and Preserving Our Neighborhoods
- Rent Freeze Takes Effect
- Supporting Landmarks by Opposing Introduction 775
- Legislation to Protect Tenants
Education
- Opening a New School on the Upper East Side
- UPK on Roosevelt Island
- Cornell Tech Town Hall, Tonight 10/1
- First Day of School
- Ramaz Rededication
Equality and Transparent Government
- Calling for Low-Cost Internet and Free Computers in Proposed Charter-Time Warner Merger
- Fighting for $15 with Vice President Joe Biden and Governor Andrew Cuomo
- Talking Election Reforms and More on City Watch
- Getting Your Ideas: Crowdsourcing the Law
- How to Become a New York City Council Member
- Nextdoor
Community
- Getting Prepared for Hurricane Joaquin and the Next Emergency
- Celebrating the Holidays and Honoring Survivors
- Town Hall
- The WIRE in the Wall Street Journal
- Street Fairs
- Parades
- Welcoming Commanding Officer Delgado
Office Updates
- Legislative Corner
- In the Neighborhood
- Volunteer
- Here to Help
- Mobile District Hours
- Ben in Your Building
- City Council Events
Community Resources
- Bike New York
- Jewish Association Serving the Aging
- Department of Sanitation: E-Waste Recycling and Organics
- Community Events
Fighting Superscrapers and Celebrating Mr. Herndon Werth
As we continue to fight against the proposed megatower in Sutton Place, I had the pleasure of presenting Mr. Herndon Werth, the Sage of Sutton, with a Citation from the City of New York. The East River 50s Alliance and Sutton Area Community joined us for a reception.
The New York Times wrote an excellent story on August 19 about our fight against the 900-foot tower at 58th Street and Mr. Werth:
"But Mr. Werth, 81, whose longtime neighbors refer to him as the Sage of 58th Street, said his response was blunt: 'I told them,' he said, 'I ain’t going nowhere.'"
If your building has not already joined the The East River 50s Alliance or would like me to stop by to give a personal update to your board or tenants please let me know so I can join you for a "Ben In Your Building." Please also sign our petition to stop super scrapers.
Holmes Towers: “Infill Housing”
While I support the overall goals of the Mayor’s NextGen housing plan for NYCHA, I came out against the construction of 50% affordable/50% market-rate housing on NYCHA property at a public hearing in August, stating that I would only support in-fill under the following three conditions:
- Tenant Support
- Tenant Preference for New Units
- 100% Affordable Housing
Holmes Towers was later selected as one of two initial NYCHA developments that will see construction of a new building. Following this announcement, my position has not changed and I remain opposed to the plan as currently proposed, but will engage with the Mayor and the local tenants in a public process of discussion. I am grateful to Mayor de Blasio for engaging in this public process, and have gladly agreed to his request that I join him in meeting with tenants. I am joined in opposition to the currently proposed infill at Holmes by Congress Member Carolyn Maloney, State Senators Krueger and Serrano, Assembly Member Robert Rodriguez, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer who is also seeking 100% affordable housing. You can read more about our position in Our Town, DNAinfo, and the Daily News.
DEC Considers Impact on Air Quality of MTS
Although the ramp is moving one block north and we are seeking additional measures to mitigate the harm the Marine Transfer Station would bring to the community, I still remain opposed to this or any Marine Transfer Station in any residential community like ours. As covered in DNAinfo, thank you to the thousands of you who submitted a written comment to the DEC asking them not to renew the air permit, which would stop the MTS from ever operating. You can read my full submission online at BenKallos.com/MTS. We continue to wait on the DEC. We can only stop the Marine Transfer Station if we work together.
Decide How to Spend $1 Million in the Community
Participatory Budgeting continues on! Each year, I set aside one million dollars for the community to vote on. We’re still accepting proposals and looking for budget delegates to decide what makes it to the ballot. DNAinfo profiled how participatory budgeting works earlier this year and you can discover more at BenKallos.com/PB.
Our next neighborhood assembly will be at:
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Thursday, October 8 at 6:00pm
RSVP
If you can’t attend, invite us to your community meeting, and we’ll work with you there. Come learn more about Participatory Budgeting and how you can get involved in determining how $1 million get spent in the neighborhood. We are seeking ideas and delegates to champion projects and become involved in the process. I hope to see you there. To learn more, please visit BenKallos.com/PB.
TRANSPORTATION
Bike Safety Program Continues as Citi Bike Comes to Upper East Side
Bike Safety
Our Town's "Counting Bikes on the East Side" recently profiled results from a survey by Betty Cooper Wallerstein and the East 79th Street Neighborhood Association and highlighted the results of my investment in making our streets safer.
The results: 1,218 bicylists were counted by the volunteers over those 12 hours. Of those, 821 -- or about two-thirds of the riders -- traveled in the bike lane.
The group counted 277 riders who didn’t ride in the lane, 120 who were going the wrong way, and 178 who went through a red light.
While the findings aren’t likely to reassure Upper East Siders concerned about the dangers posed by bikes, Wallerstein said she’s somewhat reassured by the results.
“I was surprised,” she said. “I was expecting everyone to be going through the light. I was pleased to see some positive improvement.”
In September, DOT and I also hosted our second annual commercial bike safety event for local businesses, where we taught the rules of the road and distributed free safety vests, lights, and bells to all who participated.
This follows the results from the Bike Safety Program that I launched in June with program partners at the NYPD, Department of Transportation, Bike New York, Citi Bike, and Transportation Alternatives, which you can watch online. The NYPD statistics from the summer initiative, include a 52% increase in enforcement coupled with a 15% decrease in bike-on-pedestrian collisions year-to-date, as well as distribution of education safety materials, including 8,000 in August. Last year I surveyed 60,000 households on dangerous intersections, released the Livable Streets report identifying dangerous intersections, leading to the DOT's Manhattan Pedestrian Safety plan, which prioritized three Avenues and multiple intersections on the Upper East Side. The bike safety program expands on my Commercial Bike Safety program to include recreational and commuter cyclists in our educational outreach.
Learn more about the Bike Safety Program and all of my plans on bike safety at BenKallos.com/Livable-Streets.
Citi Bike
After a months-long public process that started in February through which many of you provided helpful suggestions for station locations, Citi Bike has come to the Upper East Side!The locations were chosen by you, the community, at numerous public sessions and requests for input online and through my mailed and electronic newsletter. Using your suggestions, we were able to help improve Citi Bike locations in the community, moving locations from East 72nd between 1st and York and East 84th street. I have concerns with the safety of a station outside PS 290, on 82nd Street and 2nd Avenue, which the school uses as a closed play street during the day and have met with the school and DOT to address concerns.
As Citi Bike expands I am working to make sure that these riders will be among the safest people on the road by providing a monthly free 90-minute bike safety class taught by Bike New York with a free day pass or a free additional month for existing members. The next Citi Bike Safety class will be on October 15 at 6:30pm in my District Office (RSVP). And until October 9, my constituents can get $25 off an annual membership by visiting CitiBikeNYC.com/kallos.
Ferrying Progress for Roosevelt Island
On October 8 at 7:30 PM, I will be at a Community outreach event held by the Economic Development Corporation at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the progress so far and to have your questions about the future ferry service addressed. Roosevelt Islanders continue to fight for a rapid completion of this investment in our waterfront and I will be there alongside you. You can read more about it at the RI Blogger, the Gotham Gazette and BenKallos.com/Transit.
Hail a Yellow or Green Cab with Your Smartphone
As part of a new Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) pilot program, New Yorkers will soon be able to electronically hail and pay for a yellow or green cab with their smartphones. This pilot program will allow yellow and green cabs to compete in the private market and, more importantly, offer consumers more choices. Almost a year ago, I authored legislation for a universal mobile app for yellow and green cabs and I’m pleased that the TLC is moving in the right direction. You can read more in the New York Observer.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND PRESERVING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Since I took office, I have worked with tenants, community groups, and fellow elected officials to fight for a rent freeze for all rent stabilized tenants. This June, the Rent Guidelines Board approved the city’s first ever rent freeze, which goes into effect for leases starting today, October 1. We celebrated this victory at the Urban Justice Center, who helped lead the fight for fairer rents. Call my office if you have questions about your rent or if you don’t know whether or not your apartment is rent stabilized.
Supporting Landmarks by Opposing Introduction 775
Thank you to all of you who have written to me in support of my opposition to Introduction 775. As you may have read in The New York Times, in “Preservationists Fight Bill Setting Time Limit on Landmarks Decisions in New York,” I am part of leading a coalition with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, Historic Districts Council, and some 60 preservation groups from all over this city in opposition to new legislation that would weaken the city’s historic Landmarks Law on its 50th Anniversary.
“‘We don’t want to create a situation where landlords can game the system and run out the clock,’ said Councilman Ben Kallos, a Democrat from the Upper East Side of Manhattan, who is a member of the Landmarks Subcommittee and an opponent of the bill.” Read more in The New York Times.
The City Council held a public hearing on the bill and the preservation community came out strong. I asked questions of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, who opposes the bill, and multiple public panels. Please continue to email me and my colleagues with your opposition to weakening our landmarks law, so that I can show them how important an issue this is for preserving our city.
Legislation to Protect Tenants
A coalition of 22 community groups and 12 council members introduced 13 pieces of legislation designed to improve living conditions and quality of life for tenants. We need to hold bad landlords accountable for maintaining their buildings and conducting repairs promptly. We must also ensure the Department of Buildings is transparent, accountable, and has the proper enforcement tools. Check out the New York Times coverage to learn more about why these bills are needed and how they will help.
My legislation from this includes two bills designed to protect tenants living in buildings which need repairs or are undergoing renovations:
1. Int. 930-2015 classifies buildings with exorbitantly high unpaid building/construction code and building-related quality of life violations as distressed properties. The City may commence foreclosure proceedings on distressed properties and transfer the buildings(s) to a responsible owner who will work with the City and the current tenants to make the necessary repairs and ensure the building conditions are safe and livable.
2. Int. 931-2015 expands which buildings are currently subject to a lien because of unpaid building/construction code and building-related quality of life violations. Currently, owners of large apartment buildings are not subject to the liens that smaller buildings are if the owner fails to pay a fine. This bill will provide a powerful incentive for building owners to maintain the integrity of their buildings and correct underlying problems.
EDUCATION
Opening a New School on the Upper East Side
I joined former Mayor Mike Bloomberg to cut the ribbon on the Iken Science Academy 3, 4, and 5s, the first STEM pre-school on the Upper East Side. Monica Iken Murphy is making impressive progress in bringing STEM education to our young people, regardless of gender. Learn more about the school at ikenscienceacademy.com.
My office has been working with Eva Bosbach and the Roosevelt Island Parents Network to address the need for more Universal Pre-Kindergarten seats on Roosevelt Island. Through our advocacy we were able to double the number of seats at P.S./I.S. 217, and I thank the Department of Education for this progress. There is still more to do, however, and I personally met with Chancellor Carmen Fariña to discuss this issue. We are working together to identify spaces and providers who can partner to open up more pre-K seats for our kids. Please let my office know if you would like to help provide UPK or if you have a child you would like to attend pre-K on Roosevelt Island.
Tonight, Cornell Tech holds a town hall at 6pm, at the Manhattan Park Theater Club, 8 River Road. Cornell will give a presentation on the programming that will take place at the new campus, as well as update the community on construction project and their ongoing work to bring computer science education to the Island's K-8 students, on which I will continue to work with them, P.S./I.S. 217, and the community.
Few days are more exciting than the first day of school, and this year I joined Principal Doreen Esposito to greet the parents and kids of PS 290 and Principal Dina Ercolano at PS 158 for morning drop off. Has your school put a capital improvement project on our Participatory Budgeting ballot yet?Visit BenKallos.com/PB to learn how.
Along with the start of the new school year, I was able to join Ramaz for the rededication of their KJ Main Sanctuary and Synagogue House as well as the official reopening of their expanded Lower School. Congratulations to Ramaz, a wonderful institution on the Upper East Side.
EQUALITY AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT
Calling for Low-Cost Internet and Free Computers in Proposed Charter-Time Warner Merger
When Comcast unsuccessfully attempted to buy Time Warner earlier this year, I led a coalition with Public Advocate Letitia James, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Senator Brad Hoylman, Assembly Member Walter Mosley, and Council Member Ruben Wills to require the deal to include benefits to New York City. Now we have a second bite at bringing low-cost Internet and free computers for low-income communities to the Big Apple. I authored a letter to the Public Service Commission (PSC) outlining our proposal, which was covered in the Daily News ahead of a PSC hearing where I testified. Read our letter to the PSC.
Fighting for $15 with Vice President Joe Biden and Governor Andrew Cuomo
I joined Vice President Biden, Governor Cuomo, and fast food workers for a rally, and then many more at the Labor Day Parade, in calling for a $15 minimum wage. Governor Cuomo has emerged as a national leader on this issue, and I am confident New York will lead the way on a minimum wage that works. Read about this effort in the Wall Street Journal.
Talking Election Reforms and More on City Watch
I joined WBAI’s Larry Schimmel on City Watch to discuss election reforms and other upcoming developments at the City Council. Thank you to Larry WBAI for continuing the tradition of free speech radio. Listen to the segment online.
Getting Your Ideas: Crowdsourcing the Law
I joined a global online conference with participants from eight countries to discuss how we can solicit and integrate the ideas of public citizens by crowdsourcing the law. We discussed how to design government crowdsourcing platforms, how to incentivize use, the impediments we face, and metrics for measuring our success. Thank you to Gov Lab for hosting this project. You can read more about it and sign up for the GovLab Digest on their blog.
How to Become a New York City Council Member
The answer is complicated. But when Gotham Gazette asked some of my colleagues and me what it takes, I shared how my experience in government helped prepare me for my current job. I would add to that understanding the community you seek to represent and listening to your constituents. If you have a first- or second-grade child, look out for our Council Member for a Day contest next spring.
I've adopted the neighborhood-based social media network Nextdoor, where residents of the Upper East Ride and Roosevelt Island can receive updates on meetings and forums, learn what's going on in the district, and interact with my office.
COMMUNITY
Getting Prepared for Hurricane Joaquin and the Next Emergency
Last night, I sponsored an Emergency Preparedness training with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Upper East Side Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) at Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center. Thank you to OEM Commissioner Joseph Esposito for joining us and to the CERT volunteers for their help at this event and throughout the district. Do you have an emergency plan? Visit Ready New York to learn more, and remember to stay tuned and visit the OEM website for Hurrican Joaquin updates in the coming days.
Celebrating the Holidays and Honoring Survivors
The Jewish New Year is a time to think back on the challenges of the past year, but also look ahead at the times to come. I had the honor of joining Park East Synagogue's Rabbi Arthur Schneier, several other Jewish leaders, and nearly 100 Holocaust Survivors at City Hall for the rededication of a Torah Scroll, recently rediscovered by the group From the Depths, which had been hidden for over 70 years in Northern Poland. Together we also celebrated the launch of a new $1.5 million City Council initiative to support Holocaust survivors living in poverty, which I am proud to support as Vice Chair of the Council's Jewish Caucus. For a lighter celebration, I also joined Rabbi Shmuel Metzger and the Upper Midtown Chabad to celebrate the new year with music at their New Year in New York event.
On September 17th, my office hosted a Town Hall with representatives from Department of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Homeless Services, MTA Capital Construction, and MTA Transit. We discussed many important issues in our community including the construction of the Second Avenue Subway, the expansion of CitiBike, and how to assist the homeless population. Watch the Town Hall.
The WIRE in the Wall Street Journal
If you live on Roosevelt Island, you know the Main Street WIRE. The WIRE and its publisher Dick Lutz were featured in the Wall Street Journal, an inspiring example of local and volunteer-run press. As Mr. Lutz says in the article, "It's a community institution."
This month I joined in on the outdoor fun at the Manhattan Chambers of Commerce Third Avenue Community Benefit Festival, the 92nd Street Y’s Street Festival, and the Ronald McDonald House Block Party. My team and I had a great time speaking to constituents, visiting with the Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and the officers of the 19th Precinct, and shopping around the other local vendors.
One of my favorite parts of my job is celebrating the history and hard work of New Yorkers. This month I had the pleasure of marching alongside many unions in the Labor Day Parade, including the United Federation of Teachers, the Transportation Workers Union, and the Service Employees International Union. I also celebrated the history of German-Americans in New York by walking in the German-American Steuben Parade with Friends of the Upper East Side Historic District.
Welcoming Commanding Officer Delgado
It is my pleasure to join the community in welcoming the new Commanding Officer of the 23rd Precinct, Captain Julio E. Delgado. Captain Delgado brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. I look forward to working with Captain Delgado and the brave officers of the 23rd Precinct to help better our community. I hope to see you at their monthly Community Council Meeting, on the 4th Wednesday of every month.
I also cosponsored two pieces of legislation that are now law.
1. Local Law 81/2015 limits the frequency and methods landlords, and those hired by landlords can use to try to convince a tenant to leave his or her apartment. Many tenants, particularly those in rent-regulated units, have been threatened or intimidated, bothered at unusual hours, or bothered at work by “tenant relocation specialists.” This law will make these tactics illegal.
2. Local Law 83/2015 defines repeated buyout offers as harassment. If a tenant declares, in writing, that he or she is not interested in buyout offers, it is no longer lawful to contact that tenant or their relatives about a buyout offer for 180 days. Landlords have the right to make buyout offers to tenants; but tenants should, and now do, have the right to refuse those offers without being harassed or intimidated.
This month I attended many community meetings, events and celebrations! A few to mention are: Stanley Isaacs Tenants Association, Holmes Tenants Association, CB8, CB11, 19th Precinct Community Council, East 79th Street Neighborhood Association, 345 East 57th Street Tenants Meeting, 2nd - 3rd Ave East 80th St Block Association.
Volunteers at our Council office learn firsthand about city government and work closely with the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island Communities. Volunteers can work regular business hours or nights and weekends with a focus on attending events and community organizing. If you would like to join the team or have further questions please email internshipbenkallos [dot] com.
Here to Help
We are here to help. My social work team can help you find out what services you are eligible for, and assist you in your application. Some examples include:
- For seniors: Medicare savings, Meals-on-Wheels, Access-A-Ride;
- Housing: searching for affordable units, free legal housing clinic at my office;
- Jobs: training and assistance, unemployment benefits;
- Families: Universal Pre-K, Head Start, After-School programs;
- Finances: cash assistance, tax credits, home energy assistance; and
- Nutrition: Food Stamps (SNAP), WIC, free meals for all ages.
Please also call me with any unresolved 311 complaints. Contact us at bkallosbenkallos [dot] com or 212-860-1950 to get started.
Get assistance wherever in the district you are when we bring our office to you.
Please join us at monthly mobile district hours from 2-5 p.m.:
- Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center, 415 East 93rd Street, 2nd Tuesday
- Lexington Houses, 1773 Third Avenue, 2nd Wednesday
- Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, 331 East 70th Street, 4th Tuesday
- Roosevelt Island Senior Center, 546 Main Street, 4th Wednesday
Appointments after 5 p.m. available upon request.
The "Ben in Your Building Program" is a chance to discuss issues of importance to you and your neighbors in person, in your home. If you gather 10 or more friends, I will come to you. Last month, I went to two buildings to discuss matters of importance in the neighborhood, including efforts to fight the marine transfer station, sanitation and condo owner issues. Please call 212-860-1950 or email schedulerbenkallos [dot] com in order to schedule a "Ben in Your Building" event.
10/1: Hearing of the Committee on Governmental Operations
10AM, Committee Room, City Hall
The committee will be discussing legislation designed to improving the City's voter registration and absentee voting programs. Click here to view the agenda. If you would like to provide testimony on the topic, please RSVP by emailing hearingscouncil [dot] nyc [dot] ny [dot] us.
10/2: First Friday
8am-10am, District Office, 244 East 93rd Street
Please call 212-860-1950 or RSVP online.
10/7: Community Rally for Rezoning
10am, 425 East 58th Street, Front Entrance
Council Member Kallos will join the East River 50s Alliance and other elected officials at a rally against the proposed megatower in Sutton Place and to call for changes in zoning laws.
10/8: Neighborhood Assembly for Participatory Budgeting
6:00pm-8:00pm, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, 411 East 76th Street
How will you spend a million dollars? Stop by and tell us how you will make the community an even better place with $1,000,000 in capital projects! Please call 212-860-1950 or RSVP online.
10/13: Policy Night
6:00-7:00 p.m., Second Tuesday of the Month, District Office at 244 East 93rd St.
If you are looking to become more involved in your community, please consider joining a District Five policy committee. Committees include education, environment, senior services and more. Please call 212-860-1950 or RSVP online.
10/15: Citi Bike Safety Class
6:30pm-8:00pm, District Office, 244 East 93rd Street
Citi Bike in conjunction with Bike New York will be teaching a free street skills safety class at the District Office. Participants will receive a free day pass or an additional month on an annual Citi Bike membership. Please call 212-860-1950 or RSVP online.
10/28: Senior Health Fair and Medicare Update and Enrollment Presentation
10:30am - 2pm, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, 331 East 70th Street (Subject to change)
The Senior Health Fair will offer a variety of free resources for seniors in the community from multiple nonprofit partners. The event will conclude with a presentation from Medicare Rights at 1pm on Medicare benefits, the Fall Open Enrollment Period, and programs that help to pay Medicare Costs. Please call 212-860-1950 or RSVP online.
Bike New York free bike safety assemblies at schools, youth organizations and summer camps. Any school or youth organization can contact Youth Programs Director, Zoe Cheswick, to schedule a free bike safety session for youth ages 5-18 at zcheswickbike [dot] nyc or 212-870-2097.
Jewish Association Serving the Aging
JASA's popular NextAct programs engage hundreds of New York's best and brightest (age 55+) who want to explore interesting topics, meet peers, become activists, and make an impact in their communities through Sundays at JASA courses at John Jay College, Advocacy training through the Institute for Senior Action, Lectures and courses through the Ellie and Martin Lifton Institute of Judaic Studies, and volunteer opportunities. For more information contact nextactjasa [dot] org or 212-273-5304, or visit www.jasa.org.
Department of Sanitation: E-Waste Recycling and Organics
It is now illegal, to throw electonics out in the trash. You can learn more about e-waste recycling and get recycling options right in your building if it has 10 units or more at the DSNY website. The City is also piloting an organics collection program: read more.
10/1: Asphalt Green Senior Field Day
10:00am – 12:00pm, Asphalt Green, 555 East 90th Street
Asphalt Green and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center will host Senior Field Day, a fun afternoon of games, raffle prizes and more! This event is free and open to all seniors community. Participants will enjoy a variety of activities including salsa, volleyball, soccer and an obstacle course. Lunch will be provided and the first 200 attendees will receive a free t-shirt.
10/1: Cornell Tech Town Hall
6:00pm, The Manhattan Park Theater Club, 8 River Road
Cornell Tech and the Community and Construction Task Force invite you to a presentation and discussions about current programs and the future Roosevelt Island campus.
10/2 and 10/3: Gracie Square Art Show
10:00am-5:00pm, Carl Schurz Park
It's the most wonderful weekend of the fall in Carl Schurz Park! Held every autumn since 1972, the GRACIE SQUARE ART SHOW is the region’s premier outdoor art show, judged among the top 100 open air art shows in the United States by the Art Fair Sourcebook!
10/3: How to Avoid Identity Theft
1:30pm, The New York Public Library, 328 East 67th Street
10/3 – 10/4: Gracie Square Art Show
10:00am – 5:00pm, Carl Schurz Park at East End Avenue and E 84th – E 88th Streets
The Art Show proceeds benefit the restoration and matinence of Carl Schurz Park. Admission is free. For more information visit www.graciesquareartshow.info or call 212.459.4455.
10/4: Sutton Area Community Annual Fall Fundraiser
2:00 – 5:00pm, Morso Restaurant, 420 East 59th Street
Join SAC for a fun-cilled afternoon with a live auction, silent auction, and raffle. Purchase tickets at http://www.suttonareacommunity.org/#!upcoming-events/caow.
10/6: Science Fiction Book Discussion: Journey to the Center of the Earth
6:00pm, The Roosevelt Island Library, 524 Main Street, Roosevelt Island
Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. The Science Fiction Book Discussion meets the first Tuesday of the month (September-June) at 6:30 PM to discuss a Science Fiction novel or short story collection.
10/07: The Upper East Side: A Framework for the Future of Five Neighborhoods
6:30pm, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, 331 East 70th Street, RSVP required.
Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts remains steadfast in its pro-active commitment to preserve the character of the Upper East Side in spite of development pressures stemming from the completion of the Second Avenue Subway, the City Planning Commission's proposed zoning changes, and existing permissible zoning on the avenues. At this event, we will review the findings of a new, detailed neighborhood study, conducted by BFJ Planning and commissioned by FRIENDS, which identifies the character of our community, and makes policy recommendations that aim to maintain its diversity, livability, and capacity for sensitive growth for future generations. Elected officials (State Senator Liz Krueger and Council Member Benjamin Kallos confirmed) will be on hand to listen to your concerns about how unchecked development could undermine the Upper East Side's unique sense of place.
10/7: Holmes Towers Stakeholder Engagement Meeting
6:00pm, Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center, 415 East 93rd Street
Representatives from NYCHA will meet with residents of Holmes Towers to discuss the NextGen Neighborhoods program.
10/13: Movie Night: Kill the Messenger
6:00pm, The Roosevelt Island Library, 524 Main Street, Roosevelt Island
Kill the Messenger (2014) (R) Based on a true story. Investigative Journalist Gary Webb uncovers CIA involvement in the importation of cocaine to the United States in the 1980's and its impact on the Crack epidemic. Starring Jeremy Renner. Directed by Michael Cuesta.
10/19: Voicepaint! Monday 10/19,
3:30pm, The New York Public Library, 328 East 67th Street
Talk into the microphone and make art with your voice! For ages 5 and up.
10/17: New York Opera Forum Concert of Idomeneo by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
1pm, The New York Public Library, 328 East 67th Street
10/18: Halloween Howl and Healthy Hound Fair
1:00-3:00pm, Hockey/Basketball Court, Carl Schurz Park
The HOWL is the Carl Schurz Conservancy's annual dog costume event. Over 200 creatively costumed pups strut their stuff before a blue-chip fashion industry coven of judges!
10/20: Movie Night: Time After Time
6:00pm, The Roosevelt Island Library, 524 Main Street, Roosevelt Island
Time After Time (1979) (PG) In this Science Fiction thriller H.G. Wells (Malcolm McDowell) persues Jack the Ripper (David Warner) from Victorian London into the future with the use of his Time Machine trying to aprehend the killer before he can continue his murders in 20th Century San Francisco. Directed by Nicholas Meyer.
10/22: State Senator Liz Krueger’s 9th Annual Senior Resource Fair
2:00 – 5:00pm, Temple Emanu-El, 1 East 65th Street
Free event open to the public, no RSVP required. Over 50 exhibitors will provide information for older adults on the wide range of services available to them.
10/22: Birds of Prey!
3:30pm, The New York Public Library, 328 East 67th Street
Encounter hawks, owls, falcons or other species up close. For ages 10 – 18.
10/24: PS 158 Octoberfest
12:00 – 4:00pm, Cherokee Place and East 77th Street
PS 158 Octoberfest is open to the public and has arts and crafts, carnival games, amusement park rides and a scary haunted house that is not for the youngest ones! It kicks off with a Halloween costume parade and features a DJ and lots of food.
10/26: Haunted Halloween Kids Magic Comedy Show
4:00pm, The New York Public Library, 328 East 67th Street