Information that may be of interest...
June 29, 2020
This information is provided by The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association. We are sharing it as a service to our members. If this notice does not interest you, please disregard it. You can also find these weekly newsletters online in PDF (printable) format at www.murrayhillnyc.org in the News section, look for Weekly Eblasts 2020. Please share this email with a friend, neighbor or colleague. You can sign up for these emails at www.murrayhillnyc.org, scroll down the Also Happening column. Reopening & coronavirus updates NYC's Reopening
NYC is on track for Phase 3 reopening on July 6.
NYC's Phase 2 businesses and nonprofits may reopen on June 22. Small Business Services guidance www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness. Phase 2 includes outdoor dining, in-store shopping and office work, with limits. As many as 300,000 more workers are expected to come to NYC. All of these businesses must operate at half capacity and with mandatory COVID safeguards in place, including social distancing and facial coverings. Phase 2 industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-two-industries
NYC's Phase 1 businesses and nonprofits may reopen on June 8. The COVID Stay-at-Home (PAUSE) directive has been extended to June 27. IMPORTANT NOTE: There is still no cure or vaccine for COVID-19. Even as the city reopens, we must all continue to wear face coverings in public, practice social distancing and wash or sanitize our hands and surfaces that are touched.
These are the businesses that can reopen in Phase 1 forward.ny.gov/phase-one-industries. Reopening is expected to bring 200,000 or more additional people to NYC. For more information about reopening see the MHNA Reopening page.
All New Yorkers can get tested for covid-19. If you participated in a protest or have been spending time with people outside your household, get tested! Sites run by New York State are free. Check with the others and with your doctor to find out if there will be charges. coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.
See the MHNA Reopening page for more details. Remember the Core 4 to prevent the spread of COVID-19
• wear face coverings when in public • maintain distance • practice good hand hygiene • stay home if sick
More details at the links below
• Reopening guidelines for New York State (NY Forward) NYC is still in Stay-at- Home (PAUSE) for industries that have not reopened. (updated) • Preventing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and medical information • Directives for gatherings and facilities • Transportation and travel (updated) • Legislation and executive orders • Assistance (and jobs) for individuals, homeowners, artists, workers, the unemployed (and pets) • Food assistance resources • Medical resources and calls for medical professionals and volunteers • Small business and nonprofits assistance and resources • Schools and children • Government offices and resource lists • How you can help - volunteer, suppliers, jobs and donation opportunities (updated) • Online entertainment, culture & learning • Neighborhood houses of worship, museums, educational and cultural institutions • Neighborhood restaurants, food & spirits that are open for delivery & pickup (updated) • Neighborhood retail, health care (including pets) & services that are open (updated) • Neighborhood businesses that are closed until further notice • COVID-19 scams and public service announcements (updated)
NYC Test and Trace Corps: NYC Health + Hospitals is operate the NYC Test and Trace Corps. If you test positive for COVID-19, you will receive a call from the Test and Trace Corps. These calls will either appear on caller ID as “Test and Trace”, or a 212 number. Contact tracers will
2 never ask for your Social Security number, your immigration status, any private financial information, or a credit card number.
Mental health resources: NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages. Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), text "WELL" to 65173, chat at NYC.gov/nycwell. The state's hotline is 844-863-9314 to get free emotional support, consultations and referrals to a provider. New Yorkers can access additional mental health resources at headspace.com/ny.
Domestic violence resources: All domestic violence shelters are operating and hotlines are available 24/7. National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-799- 7233), log onto thehotline.org, or text LOVEIS to 22522, Safe Horizon call 1-800-621-HOPE or visit Safehorizon.org/SafeChat to speak with an advocate. The state hotline is 800-942-6906.
Pet hotline: Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) is a member of the City's Animal Planning Task Force, which is now providing a COVID-19 Pet Hotline and supportive services for NYC residents with pets. If you have a COVID-19 pet-related issue call the hotline at 877-204-8821 (8am to 8pm daily).
FROM NOTIFY NYC: NYC beaches will open for swimming on July 1. New Yorkers must continue to practice social distancing. Only swim when lifeguards are present.
Travel advisory issued jointly by NY, NJ, CT: People coming from high-risk states with a rate of covid-19 infection higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or from states with more than 10 percent positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average must quarantine for 14 days (currently Arizona, Missouri, Alabama and Georgia). Anyone caught violating this advisory will be fined. New Yorkers who visit high-risk states and return must also quarantine for two-weeks. (effective 6/25/2020)
Related: E.U. Plans to Bar Most U.S. Travelers When Bloc Reopens June 26, 2020, nytimes.com, by Matina Stevis-Gridneff
Pence: 'We want to defer to local officials' on requiring masks June 28, 2020, thehill.com, by Zack Budryk
2020 TCS New York City Marathon, Scheduled for November 1, Is Canceled Due to Coronavirus-Related Health and Safety Concerns June 24,2020, nyrr.org, Press Release
3 Broadway League Predicts Broadway Will Not Reopen Until January 2021 May 26, 2020, iheartradiobroadway.com, by Deanna Moore Charlotte St. Martin, the president of the Broadway League, predicts that Broadway will not reopen until January 2021…Broadway’s post-pandemic reopening means safety protocols being in place to ensure audience members can sit next to each other as they did before, likely—at least in the first phase of reopening—wearing masks, with actors, singers, and dancers able to perform in the same numbers and proximity, and with the same energy, as before.
NYC COVID-19 TESTING CENTERS COVID-19 diagnostic testing centers in New York City. If you are protesting, please be safe, wear a mask, and get tested! Remember, testing is FREE and available. Free testing in Murray Hill and nearby:
CareMount Medical Appointment required, Referral required, Testing for all patients Verify testing center info before going. Address: 317 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016 Phone: (212) 726-7400
Tisch Hospital Appointment required, Referral required, Testing for all patients Located in: NYU Langone Health Address: 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016 Phone: (212) 263-5800
NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue Appointment not required, Referral not required, Testing for all patients Phone: (212) 562-4141 Address: 462 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016
MedRite Urgent Care Appointment not required, Referral required, Testing for all patients Verify testing center info before going. Address: 919 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10017 Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 10PM
ProHEALTH Urgent Care of Gramercy Park Appointment not required, Referral required, Testing for all patients Address: 291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010 Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Tue Phone: (646) 609-3403
4 In memoriam: Milton Glaser, Master Graphic Designer
Milton Glaser, Master Designer of ‘I ♥ NY’ Logo, Is Dead at 91 June 26, 2020, nytimes.com, by William Grimes He was also a founder of New York Magazine, created a memorable Bob Dylan poster and produced designs for everything from supermarkets to restaurants to “Mad Men.” [Editor's note: Milton Glaser was a valued neighbor and New Yorker. His ‘I ♥ NY’ logo for NYC during the city’s fiscal crisis in the 1970s was done pro bono. He never made a dollar from this design, although you now see it everywhere (not only for NYC). Look up at the corner of 3rd Avenue & 32nd Street to see the secondary name of the street, named after New York Magazine. His lovely studio and incubator for young artists on 32nd Street next to the PS116 school yard is in a historic building. He also taught at the School of Visual Arts on east 23rd Street. For eye candy, see miltonglaser.com.]
The MHNA Discount Program
Please be prepared to show proof of membership when you ask for a discount.
Restaurant and Food Discounts
General Discounts
Photo album
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34th Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenue, photo by Nancy Idaka Sheran
Elections
Suraj Patel files lawsuit in 12th District ballot battle with Rep. Carolyn Maloney June 25, 2020, nypost.com, by Carl Campanile and Priscilla DeGregory
We will not know the results from the June 23 primary elections in NYC until all of the absentee ballots have been counted. The counting begins on Wednesday.
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(opinion) Dropping the ballot: Find out how many New Yorkers failed to get their absentee ballots in time, and extend deadlines June 24, 2020, nydailynews.com, by Daily News Editorial Board For late and missing absentee ballots, of which reports are rampant, there must be an audit of every Board of Elections statewide, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo should extend next Tuesday’s cutoff for ballots to be received and also extend the postmark deadline.
Important election dates IN PERSON REGISTRATION for the General Election. You may register at your local board of elections or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act, on any business day throughout the year but, to be eligible to vote in the General Election, your application must be received no later than October 10, 2020. If honorably discharged from the US Military or have become a naturalized US Citizen after October 10, 2020, you may register in person at the Board of Elections up until October 24, 2020. ABSENTEE BALLOTS. If you want to vote by Absentee Ballot. Request your absentee ballot now for the general election online at vote.nyc/page/absentee-voting, and you can email the application to [email protected], or fax application to 212-487-5349, or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866- 868-3692). Mail application to the Board of Elections Manhattan borough office: 200 Varick Street, 10 Fl, New York, NY 10014, Tel: 1-212-886-2100. Register online: elections.ny.gov/VotingRegister.html. Important dates: elections.ny.gov/VotingDeadlines.htmlVisit the NYC Board of Elections website for further information and dates: vote.nyc
October 9 Register to vote. Mail registration for the General Election. Applications must be postmarked no later than October 9, 2020 and received by a board of elections no later than October 14, 2020 to be eligible to vote in the General Election. October 14 Notices of change of address from registered voters must be received by October 14. October 27 Last day to postmark an application or letter of application by mail for an absentee ballot. November 2 - Last day to apply in person for absentee ballot (you can fill it out there), Last day to postmark ballot. Must be received by the local board of elections no later than Nov. 10th. Military Voter Ballots must be received no later than Nov. 16. November 3 - Last day to deliver ballot IN-PERSON to the local board of elections (by someone other than the voter). November 3 GENERAL ELECTION (Early Voting from October 24-November 1)
Census reminder
7 If you haven’t already done it, please fill out the census form my2020census.gov to ensure our community gets our share of political representation and funding for the services we need. You do not need a Census ID to fill out the form. Anyone can fill out the census online at my2020census.gov, tap “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.” and then enter your address. It takes less than 10 minutes and has never been easier or more important!
Census Contest. In partnership with NYC Census 2020, Seamless is giving away ten $1,000 gift cards to New Yorkers who complete the 2020 Census. These gift cards can be used on Seamless to order meals for pickup or delivery from local restaurants in New York City. In order to qualify, an individual must first complete the census for their household, then register for the contest by offering proof to NYC Census 2020 of having done so and providing up to 250 characters about what winning would mean to them. Winners will be selected based on the quality of their answers to that last question. Enter at nyc.gov/CensusContest.
Upcoming events
Pride Month June 2020
Celebrate the LGBTQ community at these online events: cnet.com/news/pride-month-celebrate-the- lgbtq-community-at-these-online-events
Your guide to virtual events in June: thenextweb.com/insights/2020/06/08/pride-2020-your-guide- to-virtual-events-in-june
June 30 Urgent reminder from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)! The deadline for SBA to approve Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications is Tuesday, June 30. This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. Find a lender and apply today sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck- protection-program.
June 30 12-1:15pm Town Hall: Vaccine Confidence/Vaccine Hesitancy: Finding the Balance to Contain COVID-19 through Vaccination Join State Senator Liz Krueger and Dr. Heidi Larson to learn about the history of vaccine hesitancy, how the public makes decisions about the safety of medical interventions, and the importance of addressing inaccurate information to contain COVID-19 through vaccination. The event will feature a question and answer session with Dr. Larson. If you have questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations you are strongly encouraged to submit them in advance when you register. Register at tinyurl.com/ReopeningPart3. Once you register for the event, you will receive a confirmation email
8 with the call-in information. Speaker Dr. Larson is Professor of Anthropology, Risk and Decision Science at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and Director of The Vaccine Confidence Project (VCP), a World Health Organization (WHO) Centre of Excellence on addressing Vaccine Hesitancy. To view the event, go to facebook.com/statesenatorlizkrueger. You do not need a Facebook account to view the event. Attendees will be able to submit questions through Facebook during the event.
June 30 12-1pm Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, The Road to Success During the New Normal Join the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce webinar "The Road to Success During the New Normal" to Empowering Small Businesses. They will help you navigate the New Normal. Experts: Debra Guzov, Founder at Guzov LLC, and Ruth Colp-Haber Partner at Wharton Property Advisors, Inc. Register at manhattancc.org/common/Events/event_info.cfm?QID=29866&ClientID=11099&ThisPage=EventInfo
June 30 2pm Virtual Town Hall: Clearing the Air - Keeping Your Indoor Environment Clean, Safe, and Contaminant-Free With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic keeping people inside, and hot summer weather keeping windows closed and air conditioning on, concerns about air quality and safety have taken on new urgency for co-op and condo boards, managers, and residents alike. This informative event will bring together HVAC specialists and indoor environmental experts to offer insights into what your community can do to clean, sanitize, and upgrade its ventilation and airflow systems to be both safer and more energy efficient. Questions about airborne contaminants - including coronavirus, but also allergens, chemicals, and odors - will be addressed, as well as pre- and post-season equipment maintenance for common areas and individual units. Sponsored by O&S Associates, Inc. and presented by Cooperator Events. Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2715930989773/WN_HB2AHZIsQ6Wgp_0VliedwQ
June 30 2pm Virtual Panel: LGBTQ Filmmaking in the Nordic Countries In honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, Scandinavia House presents a panel discussion exploring some of the best lesbian, gay and trans films from Scandinavia and the Nordic countries. Please send audience questions ahead of the discussion to [email protected]. Questions will be chosen for a Q&A following the conversation. Presented by Scandinavia House. Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pz0nhG1ARbKi7H7MU5YnIg.
June 30 2pm For nonprofits: Reopening Safely & Legally, presented by employment attorney Lisa Brauner from Perlman + Perlman As states lift their stay-at-home orders, nonprofit organizations must figure out whether and how to safely and carefully re-open their workplaces while minimizing legal risk. We are seeing workers
9 around the U.S. holding “sick outs” and strikes over safety and health concerns related to COVID-19 and questions raised about refusing to return to work. This webinar will address some of the workplace legal issues being faced by nonprofit organizations as they re-open and how to avoid costly legal mistakes. In this webinar, you will learn about: avoiding legal pitfalls and minimizing legal risk, considerations when re-engaging volunteers and hosting events, best practices—policies and training. For CEOs, Executive Directors, CFOs, COOs, Human Resources professionals. Registration is required us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEucO6qrDkvH9Lti0h8y3QFOT0qQQxld_Cs. Please be advised that by registering for this event, unless we hear from you otherwise, we will include you as part of our regular mailing list. The event may be recorded by the Staten Island NFP Association, Inc. By enrolling for this event, you hereby: (1) give consent for the Association or any third parties to use recording of you in its online and video publications; (2) release the Staten Island NFP Association, Inc. its employees and any outside third parties from all liabilities or claims that you might assert in connection with the above-described uses; and (3) waive any right to inspect, approve or receive compensation for any materials or communications, including audio recordings, videotapes, website images or written materials, incorporating recordings of you. To revoke this waiver, please email [email protected]. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations please email [email protected] or call 347-674-6372 as soon as possible and at least two weeks in advance.
June 30 6-7pm Special Education town hall: “What Will Special Education Look Like This Summer & Fall?” Hosted by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer with INCLUDEnyc’s Lori Podvesker. They’ll discuss what a fall semester might look like for students with disabilities and how best to plan. Register at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NUxwS0WXRFa8wTIMDHj8nA.
June 30 7pm Citywide Graduation for the Class of 2020 The City will host a citywide graduation celebration on June 30. The graduation will bring the entire city together in celebration of the accomplishments and bright future of the Class of 2020, featuring student spotlights, musical performances, and special guest speakers—including award-winning artist, and former NYC Public School student and teacher, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The graduation celebration will air live on PIX11’s TV channel, website, and social media. It will also be livestreamed on the DOE’s and City’s social media channels, as well as at www.nycclassof2020.com.
Ongoing Webinars: Guidelines for Reopening Phase I and II Businesses in NYC The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is hosting several webinars to offer information and resources as businesses reopen. Learn about State requirements for reopening, recommendations and best practices, employee support, compliance and enforcement, resources available to help your business. Schedule of upcoming webinars (register here) eventbrite.com/o/nyc-department-of-small-business-services-5423713077.
July 1 Scholarship Application Deadline
10 For Baruch College students: Santander Universities Entrepreneurship Scholarships In order to encourage more first-generation undergraduates to study entrepreneurship, Santander Universities, a division of Banco Santander, S.A., has generously provided funding for a series of $750 scholarships to support CUNY students that take an entrepreneurship course at Baruch College during the Fall 2020 semester. Students interested in this opportunity must fill out the application by the July 1, 2020. Scholarships will be subject to verification of GPA, as well as fulfillment of any relevant pre- requisites for and completion of the course of interest. Questions can be directed to Scott Newbert, Academic Director of the Lawrence N. Field Center for Entrepreneurship at Baruch College ([email protected]). All entrepreneurship courses are zero-textbook cost and focus heavily on experiential learning. For more information about the Baruch College entrepreneurship offerings, please visit the Field Center’s curriculum website blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/fieldcenter/study- curriculum and/or reach out to Elisa Balabram ([email protected]), entrepreneurship area coordinator.
July 1 1-2pm Ready to Restart: Remote Work and Cybersecurity During COVID-19 As part of the Ready to Restart: Considerations for Reopening Your Business webinar series, join Marks Paneth LLP to discuss how to manage cybersecurity risk. With employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity and the management of cyber risk have become more critical than ever. Is your data secure and protected while employees continue to work remotely during this crisis? Has your organization implemented the necessary tools and training to mitigate cyber threats? Business continuity specialist Melissa Ouari from Marks Paneth’s Technology Services Group will lead this live panel discussion with guests Uday Madasu, CIO of the Jewish Board, New York City’s largest human services nonprofit organization and Marcus Fowler, Director of Strategic Threat at Darktrace, a leading cyber defense company. Together they will discuss: cybersecurity threats and cyber risks resulting from COVID-19, challenges of managing cyber risk with a distributed workforce (remote work) and considerations for the future, tools, strategies and best practices recommended by cyber defense experts, a CIO’s perspective on managing cyber risk during COVID-19. Register at event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&partnerref=Event&eventid= 2452921&sessionid=1&key=23338B7779F37F6E0EA350D4CD4DE3BC®Tag=&sourcepage=register.
July 1 5:30–7:30pm New York City Voter Assistance Advisory Committee Public Hearing on June Primary Elections The New York City Voter Assistance Advisory Committee will have a public hearing to hear testimony from voters about their voting experience during the primary. If you would like to testify, RSVP by emailing [email protected]. You can find out more about the public hearing at this link: nyccfb.info/media/advisories/nyc-voters-invited-to-discuss-voting-experience-public-hearing-on-june- primary-elections. NYC Votes will use this testimony to propose recommendations to improve voter experiences.
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July 4 8-10pm The Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® show This year, Macy’s celebrates the strength of the American spirit in New York City and across the country—hoping for a brighter future for everyone, everywhere. In partnership with the City of New York, Macy’s will produce its annual 4th of July Fireworks show with safety as the top priority for the enjoyment of New Yorkers and the nation. Live Television Broadcast with a spectacular display choreographed to an epic musical score! Set to a golden mile of fireworks firing simultaneously from barges in NYC waterways, this year’s Fireworks score will feature EGOT star John Legend. Additional programming will salute frontline workers with appearances by Mayo Clinic surgeon Dr. Elvis and Alicia Keys. The Young People’s Chorus of NYC will virtually record and offer vocals for both "American the Beautiful" and "Lean on Me." The exact locations of the barges will not be published to discourage crowds gathering. You can enjoy the event from home. Tune in to NBC from 8-10pm ET
July 6 7p–9pm Community Board 6 - Transportation Committee Meeting Zoom Meeting. Register at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WHpR63YWQ_-Gi_ISbckqGQ. Agenda: Presentation from the NYC Department of Transportation on protected bike lanes for 38th and 39th Streets, Discussion of making permanent the temporary 2nd Avenue bicycle lane from 42nd to 34th Streets, Update from the NYC Department of Transportation on the Open Streets program and proposals to use city streets for outdoor dining, Discussion of resolution requesting that DOT assess converting some commercial metered parking spaces to general metered parking in Community District 6, and more. For further details email [email protected]. CB6 calendar cbsix.org/calendar-page- agenda-view.
July 8 10-11am Reopening—What's Ahead? A Q&A with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer Calling the Business Community of Murray Hill to join our free Q&A with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. Hear her insights and bring your reopening questions, comments and thoughts
12 to our virtual gathering. Please submit your questions prior to the video meeting to Lilli Seidman Davis, Co-Chair of Business Forum & Discount Program at [email protected]. Register now. Details about the virtual event will be provided after you register. This event is organized by the Business Forum & Discount Program of The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association.
July 23 1-4pm City & State's 2020 Digital New York event: Technology and Innovation Toolkit for NY's Government New York's information leaders from government and industry will gather (virtually) for a dynamic program of candid discussion and thought-provoking presentations on the innovative ideas being used to improve the delivery of services to both citizens and government agencies. Will New York still hold its own as a center of tech innovation, after it rides out the devastation of COVID-19? Join DoITT Commissioner and Citywide Chief Information Officer Jessica Tisch and other top information leaders for a day of candid webinar discussions on all things digital Full agenda cityandstateny.com/events/2020-virtual-digital-new-york. Register (free) at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gqLEQz2MQo-LDyAR6-Ghag.
July 31 Submission deadline Grand Central Holiday Fair Now accepting vendor applications Apply to New York’s most coveted indoor holiday gift fair at grandcentralterminal.com/holiday-fair.
July 31 Application deadline Apply to be a trustee of the MHNA The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association is seeking new trustees to serve for the 2020-2021 year, beginning in September. The deadline to apply is July 31. Candidates are especially invited to apply if you have an interest or skills with: website operations, marketing, newsletter advertising sales, interacting with city and state personnel. As a trustee of MHNA, you will have a voice in decisions that affect your neighborhood: quality of life, safety, preserving historic Murray Hill. We will ask that you: be a member of The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, attend monthly board meetings, co-chair a committee, help with our annual street festival. To apply, please send a short bio that includes your ideas for improving Murray Hill, along with your contact information by July 31, 2020 to Ashley Petrylak at [email protected]. Flyer.
August 13 Application deadline TD Bank’s four kinds of grants for community nonprofits As part of their annual TD Ready Challenge, TD Bank will offer grants for Financial Security, Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities, and Better Health.
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Kudos!
The redesigned Mid-Manhattan Library now called the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (center) on May 4, 2020. Photo by Nancy Idaka Sheran. The New York Public library will offer grab-and-go service at some branches beginning July 13 The NYPL reopening begins on July 13 with grab-and-go service at eight branches in Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island. One of the Manhattan branches to reopen is the redesigned Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), formerly known as the Mid-Manhattan Library on 5th Avenue at 40th Street. The Science, Industry & Business Library (SIBL) relocated to SNFL's Business Center. Research libraries, including the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, will remain closed during this first phase of reopening, but will soon offer expanded scan-and- deliver service for onsite general research collections. Patrons will be able to request scans of material via the Shared Collections Catalog. To begin, hours at the SNFL grab-and-go location will be 10am-6pm Monday-Friday, and 11am-5pm Saturday. The building will undergo enhanced cleaning protocols, will have equipment such as plexiglass barriers installed, and all returned materials will be quarantined for 72 hours, as per expert recommendations. For more information on this first phase of the library’s reopening, please see the Frequently Asked Questions, which will be continuously updated. You can also contact Ask NYPL. Ask NYPL’s phone service will reopen on July 13. [Source: Anthony W. Marx, President, The New York Public Library’s email of 6/25/2020.]
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Murray Hill (and Kips Bay) in the news
Person Killed By 6 Train At 28th Street Station: Cops June 24, 2020, patch.com, by Anna Quinn A person was hit and killed by a 6 train at 28th Street station in Manhattan on Wednesday afternoon, police said.
Shooting Near Madison Square Park Kills 19-Year-Old Woman: Cops June 26, 2020, patch.com, by Anna Quinn A shooting on Fifth Avenue next to Madison Square Park killed a 19-year-old woman early Friday and left a man in the hospital, police said...Cops found the woman shot in the chest and the man, 21, with a wound to his leg near East 26th Street just before 12:30 a.m. Both were taken to Bellevue Hospital. Related: NYC Shooting Victim Pushed Boyfriend From Bullet's Path: Report June 27, 2020, patch.com, by Anna Quinn Erica Lopez, who died after a shooting near Madison Square Park Friday, may have saved her boyfriend's life by pushing him out of the way.
New York State's new license plate design officially launched. The new plate features Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline on a white and blue design with the state motto "Excelsior" at the bottom. The design was part of an online contest held last year and has been rolled out in twelve counties so far.
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Changes in the neighborhood
Lattice Cladding On Morris Adjmi’s 30 East 31 Street Nearly Complete In NoMad June 2, 2020, newyorkyimby.com, by Michael Young The exterior of 30 East 31st Street in NoMad is getting closer to completion. Located between Park Avenue South and Madison Avenue, the 39-story, 479-foot-tall residential property is designed by Morris Adjmi Architects and is being developed by Ekstein Development and Pinnacle Real Estate. Reuveni Real Estate is marketing the 42 units...30 East 31st Street looks like it could finish by the end of the year, or sometime in the first half of 2021 at the latest.
Final Touches Underway For NoMad’s New Tallest Tower At Madison House, Aka 15 East 30th Street June 1, 2020, newyorkyimby.com, by Michael Young Madison House, NoMad’s tallest residential skyscraper at 126 Madison Avenue, appears to be almost finished. The topped-out, 805-foot-tall structure is also addressed as 15 East 30th Street. Fosun Group and JD Carlisle are developing the 62-story tower designed by Handel Architects. Douglas Elliman is handling sales and marketing of its 199 condominiums.
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Construction site at 34th Street & 3rd Avenue, NE corner, June 17, 2020
Construction site at 34th Street & 3rd Avenue, SE corner, June 17, 2020
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Cement pour 169 Lexington Avenue, June 17, 2020
Traffic and transportation
Alternate Side Parking Regulations for street cleaning will be suspended through June 28, 2020. Beginning Monday, June 29, residential streets that have multiple ASP days will be cleaned – with vehicles required to be moved – only on the latest day in the week, through Labor Day. Building owners are still required to keep the sidewalks in front of their property and streets clean 18" from the curb into the street. Drivers will still have to feed the meters. Read more at the Department of Transportation (DOT) website www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/alternate-side-parking.shtml.
Schools & children
Grab & Go Meal Hubs at schools will continue operating on a summer schedule at 400 sites, weekdays from 7:30am - 1:30pm starting Monday, June 29. Find the closest open Meal Hub at schools.nyc.gov/freemeals or text “NYC FOOD” or “NYC COMIDA” to 877-877.
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Governor Cuomo announced $65 million in federal CARES Act funding is available for child care providers statewide through the New York Forward Child Care Expansion Incentive program, with $20 million in grants available for expanding capacity for reopening child care centers with proper precautions, and $45 million to cover costs for newly opened classrooms. The maximum awards for the $20 million in Reopening and Restructuring Incentives depend on the size of the program and range from $300 to $1,600 one-time grants. Child care programs may apply to Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) through July 15. Application forms are on this page ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/#covid-cc-subsidy.
Amid worries over internet access, NYC orders 40,000 more iPads ahead of summer school June 26, 2020, chalkbeat.org, by Reema Amin When a projected 178,000 students start summer school July 6, children without reliable internet access could face big hurdles getting online...On Thursday Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer sent letters to Verizon, Optimum, and Spectrum, asking the companies to extend their free internet deals through December 2020.
Homeless, housing and affordability
The City’s Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development has opened a new Housing Connect Portal for affordable housing lottery applications New Housing Connect Portal housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb. An important note: account profiles from the prior Housing Connect site WILL NOT carry over; you must visit the site to make a new account. Learn more at www1.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/housing-connect- rentals.page.
New rent guidelines for stabilized apartments Rent freeze for 1 year leases, and for first year of 2-year leases.
Pandemic-Emptied Hotels Could Become Affordable Housing, City Officials Suggest June 25, 2020, thecity.nyc, by Yoav Gonen Potentially thousands of vacant hotel rooms are ripe for conversion into permanent residences, deputy mayor, housing groups and hotel owners agree.
19 Related: (opinion) NYC must focus on filling empty buildings again — not profits or tax revenues June 23, 2020, nypost.com, by Nicole Gelinas “Enact a vacancy tax on retail, office and residential property.” New York City’s government and real-estate industry have a common purpose: to keep real-estate prices high…But what Gotham needs right now may be the opposite: lower prices.
Eviction proceedings are once again permitted—but only against tenants who are not in arrears because of COVID-19 factors. The moratorium on evictions due to COVID factors continues until August 20. Tenants should “answer” cases by phone. The Office of Civil Justice emergency hotline (staffed by attorneys and tenant advocates) will continue to operate as usual, weekdays from 9 am – 5 pm and can be accessed by calling 311 and requesting the Tenant Helpline. Experienced clerks will be available just inside court buildings to review documents and direct tenants appropriately. Tenants who must come into the building will be provided with masks if necessary. Social distancing will be enforced, with a maximum of two people per elevator.
Close to 20 Percent of NYC Hotels are Housing the Homeless June 25, 2020, Spectrum NY1, by Courtney Gross There are about 700 hotels in New York City. One hundred and thirty-nine of them are occupied by homeless people. That means almost 20 percent of the city’s hotels are operating at least, in part, as homeless shelters. Sixty-three of those hotels took in homeless people from the city over the last three months because of COVID-19. It’s unclear when they will leave...There are more than 17,000 single homeless adults in the city’s shelter system, and 13,000 are now living in hotels. The city’s homeless czar says this is not a permanent policy change. [Editor's note: There have been many comments and questions about this recently in social media. Hotels are also housing frontline essential workers and people who tested positive for coronavirus and cannot isolate in their homes.]
Budget & taxes
The New York State and NYC budgets are still in progress. The city is required by law to have a balanced budget in place by June 30. At this time there is a $9 billion gap. It is unlikely that NYS will give NYC permission to borrow to close its operating budget gap. The governor has warned deep spending cuts to local governments, education and health care are likely if the federal government does not approve an aid package of billions of dollars to offset losses due to the pandemic. The state has begun withholding payments to local governments. Billions of dollars in planned upgrades to the transit system—including modernized signals, new subway cars and elevators at dozens of stations—will be frozen indefinitely at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. To enable quick responses to the pandemic, Cuomo's office was empowered to make cuts to spending without initial legislative approval.
20 [Source (partial): City & State Coronavirus Update, email of 6/24/2020, [email protected]] Related: The sticking points as the New York City budget deadline nears June 26, 2020, cityandstateny.com, by Jeff Coltin The New York City budget for fiscal year 2021 is due before midnight on Wednesday, July 1...It’s hard to overstate the difficulty of setting this year’s budget. Related: Local Government Aid Withheld As Federal Assistance Remains Up In The Air June 24, 2020, spectrumlocalnews.com, by Nick Reisman Related: MTA Pulls Emergency Brake on All Major Projects as Financial Woes Mount June 23, 2020, thecity.nyc, by Jose Martinez Related: Pandemic May Force New York City to Lay Off 22,000 Workers June 24, 2020, nytimes.com, by Dana Rubinstein and Christina Goldbaum
Government, legislation, rules, policies (including pending)
Read: Trump executive order on safe policing for safe communities June 6, 2020, thehill.com, by The Hill Staff President Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order on police reform amid a broad national debate sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which has itself led to heightened calls to address racial justice issues in the United States. The executive order released following the president’s remarks instructs the Justice Department to allocate discretionary grant funding to police departments that are certified by federally approved bodies in police training and de-escalation techniques.
NYPD Body-Worn Camera Policy The Mayor announced a new body camera footage release policy to promote transparency and accountability. 24,000 cameras are currently deployed to officers, which is the largest deployment in the nation. All video and audio footage must be released within 30 days when an officer discharges a firearm that hits or could hit someone; when an officer discharges a taser in a way that results in death or substantial bodily harm; or an officer’s use of force results in death or great bodily harm. This new policy is effective immediately, and all footage will be publicly available online. Civilians involved or family will have a chance to view the footage before release.
NYPD Disbanding of Anti-Crime Unit Effective immediately, the 600 officers of the Anti-Crime Units (plainclothes cops) are being transferred to other units - neighborhood policing units and others.
6/16/2020 De Blasio Press Conference with NYPD updates Many fewer arrests in 2019 than in 2013, launched Neighborhood Policing, ended "stop and frisk" policy, still need more accountability and transparency. New policy for NYPD body camera footage: it must be made available online within 30 days if an officer discharges their firearm in a way that harms somebody, uses a taser in a way that harms someone, did actions that resulted in bodily harm.
21 Related: Union leader calls Corey Johnson racist in bid to remove NYPD from schools June 16, 2020, nypost.com, by Carl Campanile and Selim Algar Gregory Floyd, the Teamsters Local 237 president who represents 6,000 mostly minority NYPD school safety agents, hurled the race card at Council Speaker Corey Johnson for failing to consult him about a plan to slash the police budget by $1 billion and potentially remove the police from overseeing school security.
In wake of mass protests, NYC Council approves suite of police reforms June 18, 2020, politico.com, by Joe Anuta Chokeholds and other restraints are now illegal in NYC. The mayor said he would sign the chokehold legislation. The NYPD will be required to develop a standard set of disciplinary actions and require the department to explain whenever that standard is deviated from. The department will be required to report on the types of surveillance technology it uses on residents. The NYPD's internal system for flagging officers who have accrued complaints or disciplinary actions will be altered. Officers will be required to display their badge numbers and other identifying information.The mayor has also committed to transferring some money from the police department toward social services.
Related: Source: City Council Speaker Corey Johnson’s email of 6/27/2020 The New York City Council voted this week on a number of important, wide- ranging bills, including legislation: • legalizing the use of electric bikes and scooters throughout the City; • requiring the creation of an online, public database to track city expenditures related to the COVID-19 pandemic; • authorizing lower interest rates for certain property owners who can’t pay their property taxes on time as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; • requiring the City to develop policies and protocols for the safe reopening and operation of city agencies; • codifying into law the City’s outdoor dining program, which was first proposed by the City Council in May as way to help restaurants and bars get back on their feet again; and • requiring short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb, to provide data about hosts who may be violating short-term rental laws to the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement. You can read more about the passage of these bills on the Council’s website council.nyc.gov/press/2020/06/25/1997.
Cuomo signs rent relief and other coronavirus-related measures passed by N.Y. Legislature June 17, 2020, nydailynews.com, by Denis Slattery Gov. Cuomo signed off on a slate of coronavirus-related bills meant to aid New Yorkers hardest hit by the crisis—including a controversial measure providing rent relief to a limited number of tenants impacted by the pandemic. In all, the governor approved 20 pieces of legislation Wednesday that were passed by the Democrat-led Legislature late last month. One measure calls for $100 million in federal stimulus funds to be used for rental vouchers, but only covers people who were paying more
22 than 30% of their income in rent, lost income between April 1 and July 31 of this year, and make less than 80% of an area’s median income...Other bills enacted into law include a ban on utility companies shutting off service during a state emergency, a measure authorizing licensed pharmacists to administer a vaccine for COVID-19 once one is approved and a bill prohibiting health care employers from penalizing employees because of complaints of employer violations. Two other pieces of legislation will ensure that schools shuttered because of COVID-19 still receive state aid and establish a state disaster emergency loan program. Related: Senate Bill S8419 Enacts the "emergency rent relief act of 2020" to establish an interim residential rent relief program. Sponsor: Brian Kavanagh. nysenate.gov//legislation/bills/2019/S8419
[Source: Gov. Cuomo’s email of 6/16/2020] New York Passes Landmark Police Reform The State Legislature passed, and Gov. Cuomo signed, the "Say Their Name" landmark reform agenda that will help reduce inequality in policing and reimagine New York's criminal justice system. The reforms include: • Allowing for transparency of prior disciplinary records of law enforcement officers by repealing Section 50-A of the civil rights law • Banning chokeholds by law enforcement officers • Prohibiting false race-based 911 reports • Designating the Attorney General as an independent prosecutor for matters relating to civilian deaths This was followed by additional reforms: • state and local law enforcement officers to report within six hours when they discharge their weapon • courts are required to compile and publish racial and other demographic data of all low-level offenses • police officers are required to provide medical and mental health attention to individuals in custody In addition, Gov. Cuomo issued an Executive Order that mandates that every local government in the state has to undertake a comprehensive review of their police department's procedures and, in partnership with the individual communities they serve, adopt specific reform plans. These plans must be submitted by April 1 in order for local governments to be eligible for state funding.
Landmark Supreme Court ruling that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ+ workers from discrimination.
Landmark Supreme Court decision to uphold Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Public service notices
23 General Healthcare Notice As communities around the country continue to re-open, you may have questions about when to resume in-person visits with your healthcare providers, and what to expect during a visit. Always check with your doctor to see what's best for your healthcare needs. Here are some considerations for in-person visits: • Don't put off necessary care, especially if it's urgent or may lead to complications. • Continue preventive care such as immunizations and cancer screenings. • Providers and facilities will minimize exposure to covid-19, so you may experience some changes in office procedures during your visit.
New Yorkers - call 311 to anonymously report the use, delivery or sale of fireworks. If you see something dangerous, call 911. Be #FDNYSmart—leave fireworks to the professionals. Related: Map Shows Where NYC Fireworks Complaints Are Exploding This Summer June 23, 2020, gothamist.com, by Sydney Pereira, Clarisa Diaz, Jen Chung, Jake Dobkin and Beth Fertig
The American Museum of Natural History wants to know, What Do You Think About the Theodore Roosevelt Statue? Take the survey amnh.org/exhibitions/addressing-the-theodore-roosevelt-statue/what-do-you-think
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State Senator Brad Hoylman's Public Education Survey New York State Senator Brad Hoylman is asking parents to fill out a survey about their children’s remote learning experiences. The survey was created using a secure Google Form where you can share feedback on the school year and other educational issues. He's hoping you'll be able to share your family's story, if you're comfortable doing so. Senator Hoylman advocates for all our students in the State Senate. To fill out the survey, visit forms.gle/xsCRASyuWXsSdw7t8.
Scams
Scammers may use the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to steal your identity and commit Medicare fraud. In some cases, they might tell you they'll send a Coronavirus test, masks, or other items in exchange for your Medicare Number or personal information. Don't fall for it; it's a scam. It's important to always guard your Medicare Number and check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for errors. Only give your Medicare Number to participating Medicare pharmacists, primary and specialty care doctors, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. Remember, Medicare will never call you to verify your Medicare Number. Visit Medicare.gov/fraud for more information on protecting yourself from fraud and reporting suspected fraud.
NYC's Consumer & Worker Protection document COVID-19 Scams and Safety Tips.
Stories we are following
Watchdogs say Trump admin limiting oversight of virus aid June 16, 2020, apnews.com, by Matthew Daly and Mary Clare Jalonick Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., chairwoman of the House Oversight Committee, said the Trump administration “seems to be arguing that loopholes in the law exempt agencies from producing certain information,″ even as they express a commitment to transparency and accountability.
How Low Did Those NYPD Helicopters Go At Recent Protests? June 23, 2020, gothamist.com, by Stephen Nessen, WNYC A Gothamist/WNYC review of police helicopters from May 29th until June 16th found that four NYPD helicopters monitored protests for a combined 186 hours…The FAA wouldn’t comment on how the NYPD has been using its helicopters, saying in a statement that the agency must comply with its rules. The agency’s rule on helicopter height recommends flying at a lowest altitude of 1,000 feet in crowded congested areas. But it also allows helicopters to fly lower if it’s not a "hazard to persons or property." [Editor’s note: There were many calls to 311 about helicopter noise in the neighborhood during this period.]
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Wired email of 6/26/2020, by Steven Levy
Videoconferencing Needs to Climb Out of the Uncanny Valley June 18, 2020, wired.com, by Steven Levy Many people will continue to WFH more, but remote communication tools are still lacking. Tech companies are racing to add more presence to our telepresence.
Our government representatives When contacting your representative, be sure to state your address so that they know that you are a constituent. You can see the District maps and sign up for their emails on their websites. Manhattan Community Board 5: www.cb5.org, 212-465-0907, [email protected] Manhattan Community Board 6: cbsix.org, 212-319-3750, [email protected] NYC Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, Council District 2: council.nyc.gov/carlina-rivera, 212-677- 1077, [email protected] NYC Council Speaker, Corey Johnson, Council District 3: council.nyc.gov/district-3, 212-564-7757, [email protected] NYC Council Member Keith Powers, Council District 4: council.nyc.gov/keith-powers, 212-818- 0580, [email protected] Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer: manhattanbp.nyc.gov, 212-669-8300, [email protected] Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, #GetHelp, The Office of the Public Advocate assists with complaints and inquiries involving government-related services and regulations. Telephone Hotline: 212-669-7250, email: [email protected] Mayor Bill de Blasio: www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor, 311, online message: https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/mayor-contact.page Landmarks Preservation Commission: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/lpc/about/contact-us.page
26 NY State Senator Liz Krueger, 28th Senate District: www.nysenate.gov/senators/liz-krueger, 212- 490-9535, [email protected] NY State Senator Brad Hoylman, 27th Senate District: https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/brad- hoylman, 212-633-8052, [email protected] NY State Assembly Member Dan Quart, Assembly District 73, www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Dan- Quart, 212-605-0937, [email protected] NY State Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, Assembly District 74, www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Harvey-Epstein, 212-979-9696, [email protected] NY Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried, Assembly District 75, www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Richard-N-Gottfried, 212-807-7900, [email protected] U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, New York's 12th Congressional District: https://maloney.house.gov, 212-860-0606, website contact form: https://maloney.house.gov/contact-carolyn/email-me
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer: www.schumer.senate.gov, 212-486-4430, website contact form: https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: www.gillibrand.senate.gov, 212-688-6262, website contact form: www.gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/email-me U.S. President Donald Trump: https://www.whitehouse.gov/people/donald-j-trump website contact form: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
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