District Lines Spring 2003

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

District Lines Spring 2003 DISTRICT LINES news and views of the historic districts council spring 2003 volume XVII number 1 p1 ~ Robert B. Tierney Takes the Chair at Landmarks p2 ~ President’s Column p3 ~ Olympics—Preservation Opportunity? p4 ~ Daniel Patrick Moynihan (1927–2003), Preservationist p5 ~ “Preserving the Suburban Metropolis” p7 ~ Conference Summary p8 ~ HDC Hosts Panels In Neighborhoods p8 ~ State Legislation Proposes New Rehab Tax Credits p9 ~ New Books about Old New York p10 ~ Mott Haven Historic District, the Bronx p11 ~ Recent Gifts And Grants Robert B. Tierney Takes the Chair at Landmarks In January the New York City Council ing the 1890s Ryman Auditorium (original lage, which is, of course, [one of the places] unanimously approved Mayor Michael home of the Grand Ole Opry) and the where landmarking started.”) During Tier- Bloomberg’s appointment of Robert B. 1890s replica of the Parthenon. In 1968, he ney’s AT&T tenure, from 1983 to 2001, he Tierney to the chairmanship of the Land- moved to New York and into a one-bed- specialized in relations with the city and marks Preservation Commission. Rumor room apartment in a 1914 building in the state governments and also served on the had long preceded confirmation, and as Greenwich Village Historic District. He boards of good-government groups such as early as last summer The New York Times still lives there, partly because of the well- the Citizens Union, Association for a Bet- began reporting that Tierney was a strong preserved neighborhood. “I don’t like ter New York, and the 14th Street/Union candidate for the job. Immediately before Square Local Development Corporation. his appointment he had been a visiting He has since resigned from almost all of his scholar at New York University’s Taub board affiliations, “to avoid even the Urban Research Center, but for much of appearance of a conflict of interest.” his career he had been a lawyer working as His background in law, government, AT&T’s director of public affairs. He was and civic-minded nonprofits, he explains, virtually unknown in the preservation is proving invaluable now. “There’s so community. But his record of government much interaction here with other city service and civic activism, as counsel to agencies, not to mention elected officials. mayoral and gubernatorial administrations And a lot of what we do is challenged, or and board member of numerous public- challenge-able. Transparency will be my policy foundations, was already impressive. goal. I’ll talk to anybody who wants to And, it turns out, he has been intrigued by talk to me. There’s nothing behind closed historic architecture since he was a child. doors here, which suits me fine.” When asked to describe his childhood Within weeks of his appointment as home, he chuckles and says, “It’s funny, this chair, he impressed observers with his is the first time anyone’s asked me that Parkhouse Virginia photo: enthusiasm, accessibility, and diligent since I took this job. I grew up in an 1860 Robert B. Tierney, newly appointed chair of efforts to meet with community groups, sea captain’s house in West Haven, Con- the New York City Landmarks Preservation activists, and past Landmarks Commission necticut, that my grandparents had bought Commission. He replaces Sherida E. Paulsen, chairs. Boyish, lanky, and affable, he’s in the 1930s. My parents always took good who remains as a commissioner. become a regular presence at preservation care of it—my mother still lives there.” events far into the evening. “I’m trying to Tierney spent his undergraduate years at be as open as I can, to listen and learn,” he Yale, earning a degree in English in 1965; change, so I guess I’m in the right job,” he says. “It’s an uphill learning curve—like and he also studied 20th-century architec- says, laughing. “Of course,” he added, “I continued on page 2 ture with historian Vincent Scully. “The lec- like constructive change.” tures were totally inspiring and completely He served as assistant counsel to for- SAVE THE DATE riveting,” recalls Tierney. (Since graduation, mer Governor Hugh Carey in the mid- he adds, he’s been attending as many of 1970s and then became counsel to former HDC’S SPRING EVENT Scully’s public lectures as possible.) Mayor Edward I. Koch, handling every- Antiques and Wine Tasting While studying law at Vanderbilt Uni- thing from budget policy to mayoral at Sailors’ Snug Harbor versity in Nashville, Tennessee, he admired staffing appointments. (The former mayor Staten Island the city’s architectural landmarks, includ- praises Tierney’s “superb judgment, won- derful sense of humor, and ability to meet June 12, 2003 Publication of this issue of District Lines has been made possible in part by the generous support of with and talk to and persuade people—and Call HDC at 212-614-9107 for details Alan M. Ades. he’s lived much of his life in Greenwich Vil- Historic Districts Council District Lines ~ Spring 2003 ~ page 2 Robert B. Tierney Takes the preservation’s demands. “Creating an Chair at Landmarks PRESIDENT’ S COLUMN Historic District,” the definitive how-to continued from page 1 manual by Eric Wm. Allison, former HDC president, is being reprinted by anything interesting. This is a wonderful popular demand, and “The New Bound- place to learn, with so many knowledgeable The Historic Districts Council will aries Initiative,” a study examining the people on staff.” He welcomes all manner welcome a new president this summer chronic under-designation of historic dis- of “constructive criticism,” he adds, espe- when David Goldfarb assumes the office. tricts, is nearing completion. cially from the Historic Districts Council. David’s dedication to preservation is leg- In the midst of several exciting years “The group is incredibly valuable to us, par- endary on Staten Island, his home turf. He came the horrible tragedy of September ticularly as city resources get tighter.” is also well known to Greenwich Village 11th. In the weeks following, somber He’s aware of the many challenges advocates who witnessed his extraordi- meetings were quickly convened when facing the Commission, he goes on. The nary legal skill in HDC’s lawsuit against many of us became involved in the effort research staff has been drastically New York University in an attempt to save to redefine what had been lost. In a reduced, boroughs outside Manhattan are Poe House and Judson House during the November 10, 2001, letter published in relatively under-represented in the land- planning of NYU’s new law-school build- The New York Times, I wrote that “what- marks rolls, changes are sometimes made ing. While the final outcome was disap- ever is done at the site must reweave the to approved applications without public pointing and the project is inappropriately damaged threads of fabric that terrorism review, and most commissioners are serv- scaled relative to both the block and the sought to tear apart, and create a sense of ing past their terms’ expiration dates. neighborhood, it would have been far place that fills the void and honors the “We have to be vigilant, to hold the worse had HDC not brought legal action losses of September 11th.” The rebuilding lines as best we can, without being anti- against NYU. process has been kept on an even keel by development,” he explains. “We need to It was an honor to work with David New York’s dedicated citizenry, and many strike an appropriate, intelligent balance. and to know his commitment to preserva- features deemed crucial by HDC to the As more buildings are designated, there’s tion firsthand. An NYU more to regulate and oversee—it’s a natu- Law School alum himself, rally expanding jurisdictional environ- David was unbowed by John ment. A lot of people here are already Sexton, then dean of the doing an enormously impressive job with school and now president of strained resources. There’s an incredible the university. In David’s esprit de corps at this agency.” new role he will watch care- fully to see whether Mr. Sex- ton really is listening to the community’s voice. In retrospect, it’s grati- fying to have led HDC into a DISTRICT new decade and to have worked with dedicated LINES board members. Roger photo: Virginia Parkhouse Virginia photo: news and views of the Byrom and his staff at Addi- son helped redefine our historic districts council Hal Bromm, outgoing president of the Historic Districts image and gave us a new Council, with Elizabeth Goldfarb, wife of incoming presi- organization identity. dent David Goldfarb, at HDC’s opening-night reception George Calderaro has also editor ~ Penelope Bareau (see Conference Summary, page 7). helped enhance our public layout and production ~ Ross Horowitz persona, improving HDC’s editorial consultant ~ Jack Taylor printed communications contributors ~ Simeon Bankoff, Penelope Bareau, with real style. Penelope Bareau has new site—the restoration of the former Hal Bromm, Eve Kahn, Edward S. Kirkland brought this newsletter to a new level and street grid among them—have been earned us high praise. Julia Schoeck, Teri embraced in new proposals. the historic districts council is the Slater, and Jack Taylor have been reaching HDC has many to thank for its citywide nonprofit advocate for new out to City Councilmembers who often growth and influence on making New york’s designated historic districts, had little idea of what great work we did York a better place through preservation and for neighborhoods meriting right in their own backyards. of our cultural and architectural preservation. the council is dedicated Our conferences have become resources, not least all our Friends who to preserving the integrity of new annual beacons for up-and-coming lend important financial support.
Recommended publications
  • Wanderings Newsletter of the OUTDOORS CLUB INC
    Wanderings newsletter of the OUTDOORS CLUB INC. http://www.outdoorsclubny.org ISSUE NUMBER 108 PUBLISHED TRI-ANNUALLY Jul-Oct 2014 The Outdoors Club is a non-profit 501(c) (3) volunteer-run organization open to all adults 18 and over which engages in hiking, biking, wilderness trekking, canoeing, mountaineering, snowshoeing and skiing, nature and educational city walking tours of varying difficulty. Individual participants are expected to engage in activities suitable to their ability, experience and physical condition. Leaders may refuse to take anyone who lacks ability or is not properly dressed or equipped. These precautions are for your safety, and the wellbeing of the group. Your participation is voluntary and at your own risk. Remember to bring lunch and water on all full day activities. Telephone the leader or Lenny if unsure what to wear or bring with you on an activity. Nonmembers pay one-day membership dues of $3. It is with sorrow that we say goodbye to Robert Kaye, the brother of Alan Kaye, who died in January. We have been able to keep the dues the same, and publish the Newsletter because of Robert’s benevolence to the Club. Robert wanted to make sure that the Club would continue after Alan’s death. Please join Bob Susser and Helen Yee on Saturday, October 18th, at the New York Botanical Gardens for a memorial walk in honor of Robert Kaye. CHECK THE MAILING LABEL ON YOUR SCHEDULE FOR EXPIRATION DATE! RENEWAL NOTICES WILL NO LONGER BE SENT. It takes 4-6 weeks to process your renewal. Some leaders will be asking members for proof of membership, so please carry your membership card or schedule on activities (the expiration date is on the top line of your mailing label).
    [Show full text]
  • July 8 Grants Press Release
    CITY PARKS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 109 GRANTS THROUGH NYC GREEN RELIEF & RECOVERY FUND AND GREEN / ARTS LIVE NYC GRANT APPLICATION NOW OPEN FOR PARK VOLUNTEER GROUPS Funding Awarded For Maintenance and Stewardship of Parks by Nonprofit Organizations and For Free Live Performances in Parks, Plazas, and Gardens Across NYC July 8, 2021 - NEW YORK, NY - City Parks Foundation announced today the selection of 109 grants through two competitive funding opportunities - the NYC Green Relief & Recovery Fund and GREEN / ARTS LIVE NYC. More than ever before, New Yorkers have come to rely on parks and open spaces, the most fundamentally democratic and accessible of public resources. Parks are critical to our city’s recovery and reopening – offering fresh air, recreation, and creativity - and a crucial part of New York’s equitable economic recovery and environmental resilience. These grant programs will help to support artists in hosting free, public performances and programs in parks, plazas, and gardens across NYC, along with the nonprofit organizations that help maintain many of our city’s open spaces. Both grant programs are administered by City Parks Foundation. The NYC Green Relief & Recovery Fund will award nearly $2M via 64 grants to NYC-based small and medium-sized nonprofit organizations. Grants will help to support basic maintenance and operations within heavily-used parks and open spaces during a busy summer and fall with the city’s reopening. Notable projects supported by this fund include the Harlem Youth Gardener Program founded during summer 2020 through a collaboration between Friends of Morningside Park Inc., Friends of St. Nicholas Park, Marcus Garvey Park Alliance, & Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy to engage neighborhood youth ages 14-19 in paid horticulture along with the Bronx River Alliance’s EELS Youth Internship Program and Volunteer Program to invite thousands of Bronxites to participate in stewardship of the parks lining the river banks.
    [Show full text]
  • Lower Manhattan June 25 | 4 Pm – 8 Pm
    PART OF THE RIVER TO RIVER FESTIVAL LOWER MANHATTAN JUNE 25 | 4 P.M. – 8 P.M. FREE NIGHTATTHEMUSEUMS.ORG visited visited visited African Burial Ground National Archives at NYC Municipal Archives National Monument New York City 31 Chambers Street (bet. Centre & Elk St.) 290 Broadway (bet. Duane & Reade St.) One Bowling Green (bet. Whitehall & State St.) nyc.gov/records nps.gov/afbg archives.gov/nyc Visitors can tour The Municipal Archives current exhibit, The Lung Block: A New York City Slum & Its The oldest and largest known excavated burial ground Connects visitors to our nation’s history. Our theme Forgotten Italian Immigrant Community. Join co- in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. is Revolutionaries and Rights and the historic strides curators Stefano Morello and Kerri Culhane at 6 p.m. It began to use in the 17th century but was only taken throughout history. Engage with costumed for an exploration of the history of immigrant housing rediscovered in 1991. The story is both of the Africans historical interpreters throughout the building. Stop and reform efforts in NYC at the start of the 20th whose holy place this was, but also the story of the into our Learning Center to discover many of the century through one community. Guests will also see modern-day New Yorkers who fought to honor these national treasures of New York, go on an “Archival a special preview of an upcoming exhibit with the ancestors. Programming: Tour the visitor center, view Adventure,” and pull archival facsimile documents Museum of American Finance opening this fall.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 Creative Engagement Grantees
    2020 CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT GRANTEES DANCE Celebrating 60 Years of Clark Center: A culminating event to celebrate the Clark Center's past and lay down a Clark Center NYC marker for future choreographers in honor of its 60th Anniversary. Escape from the House of Mercy: An hour-length piece performed at Danspace Project that takes inspiration Catherine Gallant/DANCE from a workhouse for women and girls formerly located at Inwood Hill Park, embodying a facet of NYC women's history. Create Choreography, Community Ceili, and specially-priced Family Shows: Darrah Carr Dance creates new work in their ModERIN style - a blend of traditional Irish step and contemporary modern dance. The four Darrah Carr Dance, Inc. performance series includes: specially-priced family shows with audience participation, a talkback with the artists, a pre-show conversation with the cast, and a community ceili with live music. Dominican Collectives Dominican Collectives Dance Ensemble: A series of performances in which Dominican Collective Dance Dance Ensemble, Inc Ensemble (DCDE) will present a series of traditional dances. Harlem Dance Club presents: MOTHERSHIP THREE: An annual dance and music festival set at The Richard Harlem Dance Club Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park. The MOTHERSHIP Festival celebrates community, spirit and inclusion through performances, live music, special guests and audience interraction. Jazz Choreography The JCE Jazz Dance Project: Two performances of original jazz dance choreographed by emerging and Enterprises, Inc. established choreographers, presented at the Salvatore Capezio Theater at Peridance. 3rd Annual Spot for Dance Festival: Jody Sperling/Time Lapse Dance take over a parking lane on Broadway Jody Sperling / Time Lapse @100th Street with a daylong program of free and public performances and workshops on Parking Day, a Dance global event where people transform curbside parking into public space.
    [Show full text]
  • Principal Characteristics and Components
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Development of the Geomorphological Map for Governors Island, Ellis Island, and Liberty Island, Upper New York Bay Principal Characteristics and Components Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/GRD/NRR—2016/1346 ON THE COVER Aerial imagery of (clockwise from left) Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and Governors Island, all managed by the National Park Service as part of the National Parks of New York Harbor. USDA Farm Service Agency imagery, obtained 15 July 2006 (pre- Sandy), extracted from Google Earth Pro on 21 April 2015. Development of the Geomorphological Map for Governors Island, Ellis Island, and Liberty Island, Upper New York Bay Principal Characteristics and Components Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/GRD/NRR—2016/1346 Norbert P. Psuty, William Hudacek, William Schmelz, and Andrea Spahn Sandy Hook Cooperative Research Programs New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Rutgers University 74 Magruder Road Highlands, New Jersey 07732 December 2016 U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Fort Collins, Colorado The National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science office in Fort Collins, Colorado, publishes a range of reports that address natural resource topics. These reports are of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and environmental constituencies, and the public. The Natural Resource Report Series is used to disseminate comprehensive information and analysis about natural resources and related topics concerning lands managed by the National Park Service. The series supports the advancement of science, informed decision-making, and the achievement of the National Park Service mission.
    [Show full text]
  • NYS Petition to Intervene and Request for Hearing W COS
    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION In the Matter of: Docket No. 50-247-LA License Amendment Request of Entergy Nuclear License No. DPR-26 Operations, Inc., dated December 9, 2014, for Indian Point Nuclear Generating Unit No.2 to May 18, 2015 Postpone Testing of Containment Integrity STATE OF NEW YORK PETITION TO INTERVENE AND REQUEST FOR HEARING Office of the Attorney General for the State of New York The Capitol State Street Albany, New York 12224 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 1 STANDING ................................................................................................................................... 2 CONTENTION NYS-1 ................................................................................................................. 5 Entergy’s Request to Amend the Indian Point Unit 2 Operating License and Technical Specification Should Be Denied Because It Involves a Significant Safety and Environmental Hazard, Fails to Demonstrate That It Complies with 10 C.F.R. §§ 50.40 and 50.92 or 10 C.F.R 50, Appendix J, and Fails to Demonstrate That It Will Provide Reasonable Assurance of Adequate Protection for the Public Health and Safety as Required by Section 182(a) of the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. § 2232[a]) if the Proposed Amendment to the Operating License Is Approved. .................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 10 Sidewalks
    Chapter 10 Sidewalks Sidewalks are a part of nearly every New York City neighborhood. In some historic districts, sidewalks aesthetically unify the streetscape. In these districts, sidewalk paving materials and location are considered significant features. Protection of historic sidewalks and uniform streetscapes in historic districts serves as the basis for LPC’s rules for repairing and replacing sidewalks (see LPC Rules, Section 2-19, available on our website, www.nyc.gov/ landmarks). Chapter 10 · Sidewalks · In This Chapter, You Will Find: · LPC Permit Guidebook · 10.2 Section A 10.3 In This How to Get Started Section B 10.5 Chapter, LPC Rules and Criteria You Will General Criteria 10.6 Bluestone Sidewalks 10.7 – Removing Bluestone Find: – Repairing Bluestone – Installing New Bluestone Granite Sidewalks 10.9 – Removing Granite This chapter explains LPC’s – Repairing Granite rules for repairing and replacing – Installing Granite sidewalks. Our goal is to help you submit a fully completed permit Concrete Sidewalks 10.10 application for work that conforms to the LPC Rules so you can get Repairing or Replacing Sidewalks 10.11 your permit more quickly. with Other Materials Accessibility Work 10.12 Vault Lights 10.13 – Installing New Vault Lights – Protecting and Covering Existing Vault Lights Section C 10.15 Technical Guidance and Resources Historic Districts with Sidewalks 10.16 Regulated by LPC Note: Sidewalks may need to Concrete Tint Specifications 10.17 conform to other applicable rules, requirements, and guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Parks and Recreation, and in some cases, the Public Design Commission. Be sure your proposal meets these requirements as well.
    [Show full text]
  • Governors Island National Monument Foundation Document
    NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Foundation Document Governors Island National Monument New York November 2018 Foundation Document HUDSON NEW YORK RIVER MANHATTAN NEW Castle Clinton EAST RIVER JERSEY National Ellis Island Monument Battery Maritime Immigration Building Museum BATTERY PARK Y Governors Island R R E Statue of National F Liberty Monument National BROOKLYN Monument Castle Williams Governors Island Fort Jay Historic District Statue of Liberty UPPER North 0 0.5 Kilometer NEW YORK BAY 0 0.5 Mile Governors Island National Monument Contents Mission of the National Park Service 1 Introduction 2 Part 1: Core Components 3 Brief Description of the Park 3 Park Purpose 5 Park Significance 6 Fundamental Resources and Values 7 Other Important Resources and Values 10 Related Resources 11 Interpretive Themes 12 Part 2: Dynamic Components 13 Special Mandates and Administrative Commitments 13 Assessment of Planning and Data Needs 13 Analysis of Fundamental Resources and Values 13 Analysis of Other Important Resources and Values 26 Identification of Key Issues and Associated Planning and Data Needs 29 Planning and Data Needs 30 Part 3: Contributors 36 Governors Island National Monument 36 NPS Northeast Region 36 Other NPS Staff 36 Appendixes 37 Appendix A: Presidential Proclamations for Governors Island National Monument 37 Appendix B: Inventory of Special Mandates and Administrative Commitments 41 Foundation Document Governors Island National Monument Mission of the National Park Service The National Park Service (NPS) preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
    [Show full text]
  • Wilbur Wright and the Hudson-Fulton Flights
    Wright State University CORE Scholar Following in the Footsteps of the Wright Following in the Footsteps of the Wright Brothers: Their Sites and Stories Brothers: Their Sites and Stories Sep 28th, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM The First Aerial Canoe: Wilbur Wright and the Hudson-Fulton Flights John Sanford Wright State University Follow this and additional works at: https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/following Part of the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Commons Repository Citation Sanford, John, "The First Aerial Canoe: Wilbur Wright and the Hudson-Fulton Flights" (2001). Following in the Footsteps of the Wright Brothers: Their Sites and Stories. 4. https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/following/symposium/program/4 This Event is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and Archives at CORE Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Following in the Footsteps of the Wright Brothers: Their Sites and Stories by an authorized administrator of CORE Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The First Aerial Canoe: Wilbur Wright and the Hudson-Fulton Flights John Sanford Special Collections and Archives Wright State University Wilbur Wright flew for just less than an hour in the course of four flights over five days in the fall of 1909 as part of New York City's Hudson-Fulton Celebration. These were flights, which he noted would mark the end of 15 months of near continuous exhibition flying by himself and his brother. And this was the case, as Orville Wright's flights before the German royal family at Potsdam in October were certainly not public demonstrations.
    [Show full text]
  • Rt-T-- Charge up the Hill to the Cannon Surrounded by Re Flos.Ers
    ãm ffi ffi ffi A Do-lt-Yourself Walking Tour 'SØelcome to Governors Island! This self-guided tour will help you explore some of the wonderful places GOVERNORS Start Here Small Ferry Dock on the island. All of the stops on the tour are in bold ISLAND FERRY ,/ Dock 101 and correspond to the building numbers on the map. LANDING d o NATIONAL MONUMENT cJo Building 140 was originally part of the New York Arsenal. ün PARADE Tour begins at Buildingr4S,the ferrywaiting GROUNDS room, which has restrooms and vending machines 4 withwater, soft drinks and snacks. I Across the street is Building r4o, the National Park Service visitor information center and bookstore, dú books aboutthe history of New York City, its harbor and the military eras connected with Governors Island. National Park Service rangers and volunteers can help answer questions. Please fill out a comment sheet and, if you're an island "alumnus," share your experiences about living here. rt-T-- Charge up the hill to the cannon surrounded by re flos.ers. IEilEEI Turn right at the cannon onto Andes Road and walk past the long brick Building rro. It is the last and largest in a series of warehouses constructed for the New York Arsenal, located here from t833to r9zo. F Because of its location, Governors Island was ffiqE strategically important in the defense of New York Harbor. It was a key distribution center for arms and ammunition for other army posts up and down the lnterior of Quarters 403 on Brick Row, 1995. Atlantic Coast, and the island arsenal was always officers and their families.
    [Show full text]
  • Governors Island Announces 2019 Public Season
    Contact: Sarah Krautheim/646.413.1547/[email protected] Governors Island Announces 2019 Public Season From May 1-October 31, New Yorkers are invited to enjoy the Island’s over 120 acres of expansive open space Ferries will be free for all visitors opening week, May 1-5, and a new ferry will bring increased service beginning in June Programming calendar announced with 70 free events and activities April 2, 2019. New York, NY. The Trust for Governors Island (The Trust) today announced its six-month public season along with its full lineup of programming and activities. Beginning May 1, New Yorkers and visitors alike are invited to enjoy the Island’s open space with unparalleled views of New York Harbor, car-free recreational activities and an expansive calendar of events and public programs just a quick ferry ride from Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. This year, Governors Island will be open daily from May 1 to October 31, with extended late-night hours every Friday and Saturday between Memorial and Labor Day. Ferries will be free for all visitors during the first week of the season, Wednesday, May 1 to Sunday, May 5. “We’re excited to kick off another season for New Yorkers to experience the culture and natural beauty of Governors Island,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With a new ferry and extended hours, more New Yorkers will be able to enjoy the Island than ever before.” “Governors Island continues to bring an easy and affordable escape to all New Yorkers right in the heart of the city,” said Michael Samuelian, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island.
    [Show full text]
  • Parks Stimulus Coalition Letter to Biden-Harris
    December 16, 2020 Dear President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, On behalf of the over 200 undersigned organizations representing millions of Americans, we urge you to include an emergency investment of $500 million for local parks in any stimulus or economic recovery package your Administration should put forward. During the coronavirus pandemic, the outdoors have taken on a whole new importance. Parks are where we turn for exercise, fresh air, and finding respite from anxiety and grief. But in too many communities, parks are too few and far between, unwelcoming, rundown, or unsafe. Elsewhere, open space is blocked by locked gates and “No Trespassing” signs. Just as America’s great outdoors have never been more in demand than they are during the pandemic, the consequences of park inequities—for our health, resilience, and prosperity—have never been more acute. COVID-19 is a wake-up call: the time to address the long-standing gaps in outdoor access and quality has come. As it formulates a plan for relief and recovery, your Administration can lead the way. Investing $500 million in local parks will have lasting benefits for public health. Scientific research finds that parks, green space, and outdoor activity reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, and improve physical health. During COVID-19, the health benefits of parks are more important than ever, and the effects of park inequities have never been more severe—especially as access to other physical activity opportunities and infrastructure is restricted. Physical activity is one of the most important things a person can do to help curb obesity and weight gain, and lower chances of developing or worsening chronic conditions—all underlying medical conditions that put one at increased risk from COVID-19.
    [Show full text]