WestViewThe New Voice of the VOLUME 4, NUMBER 5 MAY 2008 $1.00 School Overcrowding Captain Caroli in Takes Command By Ann Kjellberg New 6th Precinct Commander Enforces Surely you’ve noticed them. The No Parking for Cops strollers crowding Village side- walks, the playgrounds loaded with By George Capsis, Publisher again by writing first to the police kids on warm Saturday afternoons, commissioner and then to the the proliferation of shops dedicated In September 2005, I was stand- commissioner of the to baby couture and elegant ing on the corner of Bleecker and Department of Transportation, European toys. Manhattan is in Charles when an on-call requesting that the DOT build out the midst of a baby boom. hook-and-ladder fire truck tried the sidewalk to prevent illegal To a certain extent, it was predict- to make a turn from Bleecker into parking. I got—pretty much— ed. The Grier Partnership Charles. The truck was stopped in nowhere. Enrollment Projections, commis- its tracks by a police car illegally Then last week, I came upon sioned by the City parked in the “no standing” zone not one but two wooden barriers Department of Education (DOE), on the corner. We got a picture. on the very corners in question, concluded in 2005 that School For two years, I have been trying but with something new—a sign District 2, which covers the Upper to prevent this from happening continued on page 15 , Midtown, Chelsea, TEACHER’S LOUNGE AND A LOCKER ROOM have been lost to overcrowding Greenwich Village, , the at P.S.41, which is currently operating at 112% capacity as the Village experiences Financial District and Chinatown, a baby boom. would see public school enrollment say that they underestimated enroll- and full report are available at: increases of 24.7 percent between ment growth from new develop- http://mbpo.org/newsroom_details 2004 and 2014 (their more recent ment in District 2 by 3,381 seats (it .asp?id=1163.) The report identifies projections, for 2005–2015, are is not whether this figure four neighborhoods—downtown, somewhat lower). But these projec- applies to the last five or ten years). the , Greenwich tions were based on demographic On April 14, the Manhattan Village/SoHo and Flatiron/ data alone—analysis of who was Borough President’s office issued a Madison Square—that are at espe- having babies and how many, and report establishing that 40,000 new cially high risk of neighborhood- who was staying in the city and who apartments were approved for con- wide school overcrowding. The city was leaving. They did not take struction in Manhattan in the last approved enough new residential account of the new buildings eight years, but the Department of buildings to add up to 2,300 new ILLEGALLY PARKED POLICE CAR BLOCKS ON-CALL FIRE ENGINE sprouting like mushrooms in many Education is woefully behind in students in K-8 schools in these In September 2005, WestView captured this photo of a hook-and-ladder trying parts of the newly prosperous island. creating seats for the children of neighborhoods, while increasing unsuccessfully to make the turn onto Charles Street at . The new Representatives of the DOE now those residents. (The press release continued on page 16 6th Precinct commander has acted to end this abuse.

former chief of staff that the her projected mayoral candidacy. Speaker Quinn Chided by Councilmembers authorities’ intention is to loosen If she cannot oversee a $55 million his tongue with regard to his for- City Council budget, people will for Leading Sheep to the Slaughter mer employer. say, how can she handle the $61 Thursday, April 17: The indict- billion that spends By Henry J. Stern and fund transfers from those inside pages to the scandal on ment was amply covered in the annually? She could have a shot at accounts to organizations whose April 17. local papers. Manhattan Borough President if April 18, 2008 officers stole the city money they Wednesday, April 16: U.S. Friday, April 18: The most Scott Stringer runs for Public I report on the past four days’ received. It may be slow going to Attorney Michael Garcia important development reported Advocate, provided that she has events in the burgeoning scandal read, but it adds up to a situation announced the indictment of two today was that Speaker Christine not committed any wrongdoing involving City Council budget that requires prompt correction. City Council staffers for embez- Quinn was making the rounds of such as perjury or obstruction of lines allocated to fictitious entities, Tuesday, April 15: Tax Day was zlement. They worked for a Council offices, expressing regret justice. day 13 since the scandal became member, Kendall for her proposal that would give The problem with these investi- public via an intentional leak to Stewart, who is a podiatrist and a the right to allocate discretionary gations is that even if you did not Frankie Edozion of the New York landlord. The aides, including for- funds to the mayor. Not even the steal one cent, if you answered ques- Post, which broke the story on mer chief of staff Asquith Reid, Pope’s visit has driven this story tions differently at different times, page one under the headline “City allegedly stole $145,000 and spent out of the newspapers. It will, or failed to report what you knew to Haul: Quinn Crew Probed Over $21,000 on Stewart’s political however, run its course unless the authorities, you may be pursued Hidden $$$.” The New York City needs, so the councilman’s denial something either happens or is for perjury or obstruction of justice. tabloids, however, are not to be of any knowledge of the crime discovered. It is hard to remember exactly what outdone. The Daily News used rings exceedingly hollow. We The result of this uproar is that one said months ago, especially if “Slush Puppies” on page one the assume from the threatened 80- will have an you can no longer rely on staff to same day. Each paper devoted two year sentence for the 64-year-old enormous handicap if she pursues continued on page 18 2 WestView May 2008

WestView Neighborhood Communities Come Written by the residents of the West Village Together to Help Support Parks Published by WestView Inc. port projects that aim to have significant, long- Publisher By Dennis Kuhn Successful grant applications can improve a term impact on street tree stewardship. George Capsis group’s ability to care for their park, put on pro- Workshop sessions will include such topics as Editor-in-Chief All over the city, parks provide natural greenery grams and events, or expand collaborations with caring for trees, raising visibility and partnering Jessica Williams for urban residents. To support community other neighborhood groups. Past funded proj- effectively in a community, building relation- Business Editor involvement in neighborhood parks, ects have included a newsletters, bulletin boards, ships with school and civic groups, and many Barbara Chacour Partnerships for Parks, a joint program of the and outreach brochures. more. Applications for Partnerships Academy: Poetry Editor New York City Department of Parks & Starting this September, a free one-year pro- Street Trees are due on June 15. W.J. Davidson Recreation and the City Parks Foundation, gram called Partnerships Academy: Street Trees For more information on Partnerships for Political Editor offers Capacity Fund grants to local parks will help those residents and street tree stewards Parks, the Capacity Fund, and Partnerships Aubrey Lees groups. Grants range from $250 to $5,000. who are interested in caring for the many street Academy: Street Trees please visit www.partner- Contributor The grants help strengthen neighborhood trees throughout the city. Through group work- ships forparks.org. I Joan McAllister park groups. Deadlines to apply for these grants shops, small grants, training, and networking, Editorial Services are February 1, June 1, and October 1. participants will gain the necessary tools to sup- Barbara Hults

Creative Director Stephanie Phelan Photographers George Goss, Letters to WestView R. Umar Abbasi Dear Publisher: years with either inconsistent results "Weekend Warriors" on bicycles, stated that many private schools IT Manager or no response/action whatsoever. this is not something that any pro- would be interested in "renting" the R. Umar Abbasi I've been a loyal reader ever since I Any visibility you and posal can, in fact, include. It is spaces, something the P40P group The opinions put forth moved to the West Village many WestView can give this ongoing entirely the responsibility of the seems to support strongly. What by the contributors to years ago. issue would be sincerely appreciat- Department of Transportation to will be left for the common use or WestView do not necessarily It’s spring again, and although ed by me and my neighbors. decide and implement, so depict- for open space? Are we going to reflect the views of the publisher and editor this time of the year is when we are ing it misrepresents the facts. have another Chelsea ? There supposed to enjoy the West Village Regards, Second, I do not believe that the seems to be a lot of information the most, for some of us in the Far Eric on Charles Street Camp Group has sufficiently that we have not been given per- WestView welcomes your West Village, it means more pros- addressed the question of how taining to the use, time and cost of letters and comments. Please send them to: titution, drug dealing and sleepless much they are proposing to charge the courts, pools, playgrounds, etc. [email protected] nights. Throughout the year, this is Dear Editor: the public for the use of the pools, I think we need a very clear a nightly ordeal, but during the ice rink, basketball courts or any of understanding of the proposal warmer months, it worsens expo- I would like to address a couple of the other amenities they plan to before we all start cheering about nentially. issues with regard to the proposal include. In their initial proposal to how grand it will be. Remember, WANTED Is there any way the WestView of the P40P and the Camp Group the public, they made it clear that there is no part of this that is can do a story on this issue? I bet for the redevelopment of Pier 40. they would be using much of the up to the building code at this INVESTIGATIVE that this quality-of-life issue is very First, the rendering used for their area for their camp during the sum- moment. Repairing the structure is REPORTERS high on your readership's lists of proposal shows a pedestrian bridge mer, and after camp ended they one thing, but bringing it all up to concerns. I was happy to see your crossing from the east side of the would be renting out the spaces. code for the general public to be recent article about the new Highway over the bike- What areas will still be under the able to use is quite another issue. WestView is looking for Commanding Officer at the 6th way and onto the pier. As much as domain of the Park energetic, enterprising and Precinct. Many of us reached out to we would all like to have the pedes- Trust and therefore accessible to the Peggy Lewis dependable journalists to D.I. Shortell in the last couple of trian bridge in order to avoid the local schools? Camp Group also Director, bizkids ny, inc. cover breaking news in the West Village. NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS As a WestView reporter, you’ll investigate important I local issues, interview WestView, the new voice of the West Village, will be celebrating the the Trust to complete the construction of the neighborhood newsmakers, launch of its website at westviewnews.org. Starting in mid-May, you’ll largest area of contiguous open space in the park, running from 22nd and keep our readers be able to read your favorite local stories online. The site is currently to 26th Streets in Chelsea. In addition, it will fund the construction under construction but will be finished soon. Keep checking and revitalization of most of the Tribeca section of the park between informed about pressing westviewnews.org, and let us know what you think of the finished site. Chambers and Houston Streets. These sections, which are expected West Village concerns. to be complete in 2009, will establish four new public park piers in I Community Board 2 will be holding a second hearing about addition to the current six. Your articles will appear in school overcrowding in our neighborhood. Called “No Room to WestView, the largest non- Learn, Part 2,” the hearing will take place on May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in I The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation invites profit monthly newspaper the auditorium of P.S. 41, located at 116 West 11th Street between you to explore the hidden interiors of Greenwich Village by partici- serving the West Village. Sixth and Seventh Avenues. Pizza and childcare will be provided. pating in our annual tour of Village homes. This cherished tradition will take place on Sunday, May 4, as we celebrate ten years offering Contact I On April 9, the New York State Legislature approved a budget an exclusive look into some of the Village’s most spectacular and his- [email protected], and that includes $21 million in capital funding for Hudson River Park. toric homes. Join us after the tour for a special post-tour cocktail join WestView’s investiga- This appropriation, which will be matched by a like amount from reception and celebration at the remarkable studios and roof garden tive reporting team! New York City, will significantly advance the progress of construc- of the Stephan Weiss Foundation. To purchase tickets, go to tion on the waterfront park. The new pool of $42 million will allow http://gvshp.org/benefit/. WestView May 2008 3 Village Politics An Interview with NYC Comptroller, William C. Thompson, Jr.

By Aubrey Lees custodian and investment adviser. addition, the city’s auditor, Deloitte The funds are invested in markets all and Touche, independently will New York City Comptroller over the world, but 50 to 60 percent audit the Council’s discretionary William (Bill) Thompson was first of the overall funds are invested in fund budget process. elected in 2001 and was re-elected domestic equities. The investments We also discussed his thoughts to a second four-year term in 2005. must yield a return of eight percent, on a variety of issues such as con- Due to term limits, he must leave which, according to an actuary, is the gestion pricing (in favor), social the position in 2009. A Democrat, return that is needed to run the city. promotion (against), term limits for Thompson is widely rumored to be Thompson said that in 2007, the state legislators (against), teacher running for mayor (he has not yet yield was greater than eight percent. tenure tied to test scores (against), made a public announcement) and As comptroller, Thompson has and same-sex marriage (yes!). has already raised $4.2 million, advanced corporate governance and Thompson also indicated that he is more than any of the other potential corporate social responsibility considering taking a position on the candidates: , reforms, including the adoption of St. Vincent’s development propos- Christine Quinn and Tony Avello. standards for the protection of the al. He is weighing the need for Thompson is the son of a judge and environment and global human improved hospital facilities versus a teacher, a lifelong resident of rights. He has fought for prohibi- the burden and impact on the Brooklyn, and a product of the New tions against workplace discrimina- neighborhood. York City public school system. tion based on sexual orientation and When asked what issues will Before being elected comptroller, he gender identity and has increased drive his mayoral campaign, he said worked for a Brooklyn congress- the assets in the New York City that affordable housing and educa- man, served as Brooklyn’s youngest- Pension Funds that are managed by tion issues will be two of his top pri- ever Deputy Borough President and women- and minority-owned firms. orities. I also asked him what he was appointed to the New York MEET THE CITY’S CFO New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson, charged with the Due to the recent revelation that thought about politicians blabbing City Board of Education in 1994, complicated task of managing the city’s finances, looks toward a possible mayoral bid in 2009. the City Council used phantom about their personal issues, such as serving five terms as its president. organizations as a means to allocate their extramarital affairs and hotels During the 1990s, Thompson was Centre Street. He explained his pri- public contracts; approving all legal discretionary funds, Thompson will of choice, drug use 30 years ago, etc. also employed as a Senior Vice mary responsibilities as the city’s settlements with the city; overseeing, now require that all agency agree- He responded by saying that there President for Public Finance at an chief financial officer: auditing the along with the mayor, all bond relat- ments funded by City Council dis- should be a zone of privacy and that investment-banking firm. city budget; overseeing contract reg- ed-matters, including choosing the cretionary monies, regardless of the some things should be kept private. I recently spoke with the comp- istrations with the city; setting and investment firms; and advising all amount, be reviewed by his office On that basis alone, he’s got my troller in his large, sunny office at 1 enforcing the prevailing wages on five of the city’s pension funds as a before any monies are disbursed. In vote. I

Zoning Battles Continue in the Far West Village City Supports Developers’ Request for Rezoning, Ignores Community’s Zoning Pleas

By Andrew Berman, Executive Director, Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation

The City Planning Commission is opment he would like to under- 45-story buildings. GVSHP has building proposals in the Meanwhile at 145 Perry Street, a considering a request by a develop- take, but it would allow other urged the city to undertake a des- Greenwich Village Historic District developer proposed demolition of a er to rezone five blocks between developers to do the same. perately needed rezoning of this just a block apart on Washington two-story building, to be replaced Barrow and Clarkson Streets west GVSHP opposes the rezoning area, and they have thus far Street. At 145 Charles Street, a by a nine-story hotel. The LPC of Hudson Street. The rezoning, if required some revisions to the approved, would allow residential To allow a developer-driven rezoning that is not wanted by the design and some reduction in its development of up to 125 feet in size, but then approved the build- height, which is prohibited under community while refusing to move on a community-requested rezoning ing. the current zoning for this area. in an adjacent area is especially problematic. These developments highlight- GVSHP and many community ed how the underlying zoning on groups are opposing the rezoning, proposal because there is no appar- refused. To allow a developer- developer proposed to replace two these blocks in the Far West which must be approved by the ent benefit to the community and driven rezoning that is not wanted one-story buildings with a garish Village still allows large new City Planning Commission and definite potential drawbacks in by the community while refusing new nine-story mixed-use structure. development in spite of landmarks the City Council to be enacted. terms of inappropriate develop- to move on a community-request- Fortunately, GVSHP had success- regulations, and offers big bonuses The city tried to pass this rezon- ment, overburdening of local serv- ed rezoning in an adjacent area is fully fought to include this site in for hotel development. GVSHP is ing in 2002, but a coalition of ices and infrastructure, and dis- especially problematic. the expanded historic district in therefore working with neighbors neighborhood groups including placement of existing businesses. To find out more about the sta- 2006, thus making the design sub- to pursue a possible zoning change GVSHP opposed it, and it was Even worse, directly south of tus of this proposed rezoning and ject to landmarks review. The over- for the area, to ensure that any new defeated in the City Council. the proposed rezoning is a zoning how you can get involved, go to sized, out-of-character design was development is of an appropriate Now a developer has resurrected district that includes the Trump www.gvshp.org/FWVZoning.htm. rejected, but may be revised and scale and compatible type for the the rezoning to facilitate a devel- SoHo Condo-Hotel and allows We have also seen two rare new resubmitted at a later date. neighborhood. I 4 WestView May 2008 Community Board 2 Votes to Extend Crosstown Bus at Pier 40 By George Capsis, Publisher THE COMMUNITY PHARMACY THAT CARES!!!! THE COMMUNITY PHARMACY THAT CARES !!!!!! Right now, if you walk down to the West vehicular traffic going north and south as Side Highway at West 10th Street, you will well as entering from the east on Houston find the 8th Street crosstown bus waiting to Street, makes it difficult and dangerous start its scheduled run. I had suggested to for pedestrians to get across the street, Community Board 2’s transportation com- especially children and seniors; and mittee that the bus should extend to Pier 40 so that kids, oldsters and the 2,000 car park- • Whereas there’s no direct public transit ers from the West Village can easily ride to to Pier 40 and/or along the Hudson the pier and cross the highway in safety. River Park in District 2, and the long Below is the resolution that CB 2 sent to the walk to the west side is arduous for sen- MTA and DOT. The proposal also got the iors and for many others; and nod from Assemblywoman Deborah Glick and State Senator Tom Duane. WestView • Whereas the crosstown bus route 346 Bleecker Street (Corner West 10th) will follow its tortured progress through the extends on West to Chelsea bureaucracy in subsequent issues. Piers on West Street where the bus drops 212-807-7566 th off Pier users, and waits to pick up pas- 346 Bleecker Street (Corner West 10 ) Resolution in support of extending the M8 sengers there; and Open 7 days212-807-7566 Monday — Saturday 9am - 9pm cross-town westbound bus route to Pier 40: Sundays 10am - 7pm • Whereas currently the M8 crosstown Open 7 days Monday – Saturday 9am – 9pm • Whereas each day, all week long, hun- westbound bus ends its run and waits for Most insurance Sundays plans accepted.10am – 7pm ADAP. Medicaid & dreds of children walk across West Street the scheduled departure on the east side Most insurance plansInsurance accepted, Assignments ADAP, Medicaid & at to use Pier 40’s athlet- of West St. and W. 10th St.; Insurance Assignments Visit us at http:www.villageapothecary.com ic facilities, thousands of people cross 20% Discount With Mention of this Ad there each weekend to access the •Therefore Be It Resolved that CSA Members 20% Discount with Mention of this Ad Visit us at http:www.villageapothecary.com Hudson River Park, and many others Community Board #2, Manhattan throughout the week also venture across requests that MTA NYCT develop a the street there to access the park and proposal to extend the M8 crosstown bus Pier 40’s playing fields and parking facil- route to drop off passengers at Pier 40 ities (over 2,000 people park their cars at and wait to pick up passengers there and Pier 40); and present such proposal to the Community Board for final approval. • Whereas West Street’s extremely wide, NY I highway-like expanse, coupled with heavy Vote: Unanimous in favor. 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PROPOSED M8 BUS EXTENSION Community Board 2’s transportation committee has requested that the 800-682-7483 www.nybrite.com MTA New York City Transit extend the M8 crosstown bus to serve Pier 40 WestView May 2008 5 Open Space Should Be Part of the MTA’s Plan at Mulry Square

By Brad Hoylman and Shirley Secunda for all three proposed locations, with no attempt to customize them to the actual This article is based on testimony presented by needs of each site and no indication of how Community Board 2 at the MTA/New York City relief can be reached by employing such Transit Public Hearing on the Draft measures. It makes one wonder what the Environmental Impact Statement for the pro- hundreds of thousands spent on such an posed subway emergency fan plant to be located at EIS process really accomplish, other than one of three sites near the intersection of Seventh going through the motions. and Greenwich Avenues. The most likely site Whatever final alternative is chosen, the being considered by NYC Transit is the triangu- DEIS gives no guarantee that those vague lar lot surrounded by the 9/11 memorial tiles at mitigation measures will help ease the blow Greenwich and Seventh Avenues. The other two that this project will inflict. In some cases, in proposed sites are the roadbed on Greenwich fact, it actually cautions that they could be Avenue between Seventh Avenue and Perry harmful. On the structural underpinnings, for Street, and the roadbed on Perry Street between instance, the DEIS forewarns: “if the under- Seventh and Greenwich Avenues. pinning is incomplete or faulty, the integrity of the structures could be compromised,” and It isn’t as if we hadn’t figured it out, but now “while faulty construction is avoided as much it’s confirmed. The recently released Draft as possible… errors could occur.” Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) by Worse, although mitigations must be pro- FUTURE OPEN SPACE? The MTA New York City Transit hopes to build an above-ground fan plant on the tri- NYC Transit for its proposed subway fan posed, there’s no requirement to implement angular lot at Greenwich and Seventh Avenues. Community Board 2 proposes putting the plant underground and plant at Mulry Square at the corner of them. The DEIS itself asserts, “Mitigation creating public green space on the site. (Photo by Jessica Williams) Greenwich and Seventh Avenues reveals measures would be implemented to the that we’re in for the rockiest of rides once extent feasible and practicable.” triangle, where the only also suggesting alternatives that use the trian- construction gets going, and maybe even While we recognize the need for subway alternative now is an aboveground structure. gular lot and Greenwich Avenue roadbed sites after construction is complete. The new fan fan plants to ensure safety in emergencies, NYC Transit claims that if this alternative is together, as well as alternatives with less intru- plant will provide necessary ventilation in given the dire impacts that this proposed chosen, “a limited area… may be available for sive fan configurations, including ones that case of fire or smoke on the Seventh and plant will have on our community and the public use.” That area would encompass would use the elements as art. All are aimed at Eighth Avenue subway lines in the vicinity limited prospects for achieving adequate only a few hundred square feet on an almost providing a substantial public open space on of Greenwich Village. As the DEIS shows, mitigation, our community is left in a fall 3,000-square-foot property, hardly a com- the triangular lot. In connection with this, however, the road to getting it built is guy position, forced to hold the bag without munity benefit. we’re encouraging a design competition. fraught with destructive effects. any benefit. The DEIS promises consultation with the We’re also recommending that all concepts be “Substantial adverse impacts” are the Despite the shockingly adverse effects that New York State Office of Historic submitted to the New York City Art telling words. These impacts are forecast to the DEIS divulges and the insufficient or Preservation to “design an above-grade struc- Commission. plunder every part of the project’s sur- even non-existent mitigation it hints may be ture… to ensure its compatibility with the In view of the generalized mitigation rounding neighborhood from historic in store, NYC Transit has resisted consider- area’s urban design and visual resources.” measures put forth so far, we’re urging the resources and businesses to air quality and ing compensation to our community for the However, this past January, that same Office of transit agency to provide detailed informa- traffic. The DEIS crystal ball predicts hardships it will endure. Historic Preservation wrote to NYC Transit tion in the final EIS on how specific impacts noise, vibrations, dust, blocked access, and Yet giving back to a community as repara- expressing its “preference that the vent plant be will be minimized by targeted mitigations. felled trees and greenery. Such effects will tion for harsh construction impacts is a com- kept underground to reduce any possible visu- We’re also asking for concrete evidence of reach far beyond the project area—into the mon practice of both government and pri- al impacts to the Historic District.” work with federal, state, and city preservation whole community. vate entities. The latest instance in our own Community Board 2 agrees. It’s far more agencies to protect historic structures. More disquieting, the DEIS lacks pre- community is the NYC Department of appropriate to have an open green space at Although the Mulry Square fan plant DEIS scriptions for sufficient mitigation meas- Environmental Protection’s gift of a com- this location, contributing a much-needed confirms that negative impacts are inevitable, ures to lessen these negative effects. pletely new Seravalli Park as mitigation for public amenity and gateway to Greenwich this project offers an opportunity to provide a What’s more, there’s no plan to alleviate water tunnel installation impacts. The fan Village, than an above-grade fan plant community amenity that will give positive the specific impacts of this project. To ease plant project will have a far greater impact. enclosed by a building that’s no more than a benefits long after the fan plant is constructed. our pain, typical boilerplate approaches A commitment to easing this burden with a bad disguise. It’s up to NYC Transit to make this happen. I used in many other EIS’s are offered, like significant community benefit should be a To that end, we’re asking NYC Transit to traffic light timing shifts or structural matter of course. include additional alternatives for evaluation Brad Hoylman is Chair and Shirley Secunda is underpinnings to support affected struc- Community Board 2 Manhattan’s goal is in the final EIS, first and foremost a below- Traffic and Transportation Committee Chair of tures. Identical mitigations are suggested to maximize public open space at the grade fan plant at the triangular lot. We’re Community Board 2 Manhattan.

323 west 11th street new york, ny 10014 tel 212 647 9303 www.yuisalon.com head and hair • anti-aging between greenwich and washington streets 6 WestView May 2008

Second Childhood Vintage Toy Shop WANTED: EDITOR Closes Doors after 39 Years WestView By Henry I. Kurtz seeks an organized, energetic and responsible Second Childhood, an internationally he signed his most recent lease in 2001, Editor to manage the production of the renowned antique toy store and a the rent was $5,200 plus $1,600 in real monthly newspaper. Greenwich Village landmark for 39 years, estate taxes for a total monthly tab of The Editor will be responsible for: recently closed its doors for the last time. $6,800. The landlord plans to charge Located on Bleecker Street between the next tenant $15,000 per month. • Managing content for each issue Seventh Avenue South and , ”Bleecker Street has become Fashion • Corresponding with our the shop had been a magnet for collectors Alley,” Van Dexter noted wistfully. contributors from all over the world since its propri- “There are very few nice little antique etor Grover Van Dexter founded it in stores and gift shops left. The old mom • Editing and proofreading copy 1969. But like many small specialty and pop stores are gone. Now you have • Driving deadlines stores in the area, Second Childhood fell two Ralph Lauren boutiques and victim to soaring rent and taxes. tourists lining up at a bakery to buy two- • Working part-time, with more hours at the Although still spry at 87, Van Dexter dollar cupcakes.” end of the month sadly acknowledged that high costs, Regular customers of Second coupled with declining revenue, had led Childhood expressed their regrets at the We're looking for someone with excellent to his decision to shut down the busi- passing of this Village landmark. Jack organizational skills and the ability to man- ness. “I started Second Childhood on a Szwergold, a computer consultant, com- SECOND CHILDHOOD, a toy store owned age tight deadlines. Candidates should shoestring,” he observed. “I sold my mented, “This place has been more than by Grover Van Dexter, has closed after 39 years. have strong editing and proofreading skills. stamp collection and emptied my sav- just a vintage toy store for me. It was a (Photo by Henry I. Kurtz) The ideal Editor should be eager to con- ings account to get the thing going. It clubhouse, a place where you could come When asked about future plans, Van tribute new ideas about the future of the was the right time. The hobby of toy and meet people who shared your inter- Dexter—who had an earlier career as a paper and its new website. collecting was just taking off. You could est in wonderful old toys.” stage and screen actor—shrugged and make a living back then.” ”I can’t believe I won’t be able to come remarked half-jokingly, “Maybe I’ll go When he started the business in 1969, here anymore and pick up little treasures back to performing—I still have my Contact [email protected] for the rent was only $350 per month. By for my collection,” said attorney John actors equity card. If there are any agents more information. 1980, it had risen to $3,500, and when Gresham, another long-time customer. out there reading this, I’m available!” I

8 WestView May 2008 A Small Circle of By Chris Dalrymple NEW YORK MAGAZINE’S… Littlewood’s Law states that mir- tact with some. NEWBEST YORK FLORIST MAGAZINE’S… 2008! acles are not so miraculous; that The next morning amid the they occur to an individual on a debris I thought about the NEWBEST YORK FLORIST MAGAZINE’S… 2008! regular once-a-month basis. How good times I had shared with else to explain the 10 people who these people. Once, Steve and I BEST FLORIST 2008! L arge sel recently gathered for dinner in and our friend Danny je ecti NEW YORK MAGAZINE’S… we on o lry a f ec my apartment. We had all been Bernstein had dropped some cho nd b o gi Lar cola ody fts… ge s te & lot from elec m ion, teenagers in the Sixties. And I LSD at Steve’s place, as we jew tion assa to BEST FLORIST 2008! elry of e ge o ch and co g il had never expected to see most of were wont to do back then. Lar oco bod ifts… ge s late y lo fro elec & tion m jew tion mas , to them again. But I had heard This was before Cathy elry of sage c an eco oil hoc d bo gift olat dy s…fr about a website—greenwichvil- Wilkerson blew up her father’s e & lotio om mas n, to • BOUQUETS FROM $45 • sage lagekids.com—that commemo- house across the street. Steve’s oil Photo by Alex Berg Lar ge s rated this band of ragamuffins parents were at their weekend • COME SEE WHAT EVERYONE IS TALKINGelec ABOUT• • BOUQUETS FROM $45je w• tion elry of c an eco who grew up and went to school in the neigh- house. Which is what parents did and my • NY Times - Fox TV - Gotham - Crains -h NYoc Magazined bo gift • olat dy s…fr • COME SEE WHAT EVERYONE IS TALKINGe & ABOUTlotio om • borhood. Not much. Just a list of names, some daughter tells me they still do. It’s nice to Gardenia Organic• BOUQUETS • 526 Hudson Street FROM (between $45 W10th • & Charlesmas n ,St)to sage • NY Times - Fox TV - Gotham - Crains - NY Magazineoi •l gone and some missing. Most were names I know the old traditions live on. Anyway, Steve • COMEtel: 646 688SEE 5753 WHAT • www.gardeniaorganic.com EVERYONE IS• e:TALKING [email protected] ABOUT• had not thought about since those days of par- and Danny and I were watching Jerry Lewis’s Gardenia Organic • 526 Hudson Street (between W10th & Charles St) • NY Times -Don’t Fox pay TV more - Gotham for beautiful, - Crains healthy - NY flowers! Magazine • ties, pot and pills with a soundtrack supplied by Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, caught up in tel: 646 688 5753 • www.gardeniaorganic.com • e: [email protected] Gardenia Organic• BOUQUETS • 526 Hudson StreetFROM (between $45 W10th • & Charles St) Dylan, the Stones and Motown. the surrealism that is TV on psychedelics, tel: 646 688 5753 •Don’t www.gardeniaorganic.com pay more for beautiful,• healthye: [email protected] flowers! The site put me back in touch with Bibbe when something Jerry said caught our atten- • COME SEE WHAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT• Hansen. She and her husband, Sean Carrillo, tion. “Steve Zukmann of New York City has • NY Times -Don’t Fox TV pay - more Gotham for beautiful, - Crains healthy - NY flowers! Magazine • had launched it after moving back to the city. just pledged a donation of ten thousand dol- Gardenia Organic • 526 Hudson Street (between W10th & Charles St) When I first met her, Bibbe was fourteen, going lars. Thank you, Steve.” The phone rang. We tel: 646 688 5753 • www.gardeniaorganic.com • e: [email protected] on forty. She was a friend of Andy Warhol and were afraid to pick it up. The caller was Don’t pay more for beautiful, healthy flowers! had a band with Jack Kerouac’s daughter Jan. another friend also watching at home who Soon circumstances beyond her control landed had done the deed as a practical joke. Steve her in the youth house upstate.That’s what they didn’t laugh. Danny and I could not stop had renamed reform school. By her own laughing. account she missed a lot of the Sixties before The night before at dinner, I felt like Steve busting out. She then ended up in L.A., mar- and I had picked up right where we had left ried and had a few kids, became a midwife, off just before he totaled a car and married a remarried and started a restaurant/salon with minister’s daughter. It’s rare when your Sean for Southern California’s avant-garde, worldview syncs with another person and such as it was. Once she was back in town she you can converse in shorthand. After all, he’s D contacted Bob Goldman, who grew up in a divorced, his perfect blond children are L Village Charm / $449,000 O penthouse on and wrote for grown up or almost so. Why doesn’t he move S WEB ID: 777550 / 116 Perry Street the Newark Star-Ledger before becoming a back here? Oh, right. Maybe he doesn’t want Studio/1Bath lawyer and signing on with a city agency. It was to. Don’t these conservatives pride them- Pre-war Building he who came up with many of the names on the selves on seeing things clearly: for what they Beautifully Renovated site. are, not what they were? Woodburning Fireplace My wife Eileen and I had put together a Still another event begs that question. Common Garden w/ BBQ & Fountain Walk-in Closets; Bike Storage restaurant reunion last year, but I promised Eileen and I were walking up from having Windowed Bathroom them and myself a dinner at home and here it dim sum in Chinatown and as we entered Hardwood Floors was. Seated around the table were Bibbe and we first heard and Stainless Steel Appliances Sean; Bob Goldman; Andy van Felix, a former then saw people playing banjos. Dozens of dope fiend who went to Israel and got born- them. And fiddles and mandolins. Dozens of again but is still a great guy; Bob Zurer, who them. And washtub basses. I had not seen a D L High Floor Living / $319,000 grew up above his father’s off- the- washtub bass since I was 10 years old. O S ater, the Renata, and later managed the first I wandered past a gray-haired man teaching WEB ID: 473078 / 41 Jane Street duplex movie theater in Brooklyn Heights; and a young Japanese girl a bluegrass fiddle lick and Studio/1Bath Steve Zukmann—the lone conservative in our stopped at the statue of Alexander Holley, an Pre-war Building group. A son of two shrinks who burned out engineer who had helped make steel production Renovated Bathroom Hardwood Floors early, he now sells real estate in . cheaper. Grateful steel men had erected his High Ceilings I had not seen Steve in over 30 years and memorial in 1890. To this kid that monument Windowed Kitchen had hoped to make up for lost time when in had looked as big as Rushmore and as impossi- Perfect Pied-à-terre walked Chris Lang and out the door went ble to scale. Now from a perspective of 50 years, Storage & Laundry in Building Stainless Steel Appliances that idea. Still a singer-songwriter, Chris it looked commonplace. Like a half-scale repli- brought his guitar for a gig he would be ca of a memory. doing later that night. Everybody had a Like the men who paid for his statue, Holley drink or three and pretty soon things got had believed that commerce was the basis of Susan Lamia Senior Associate Broker raucous. Bibbe left early to tend to a grand- civilization. Yet here were the people singing . C L L child, Chris pulled out his and the idea the jug-band songs, some of them songs that T

114 Perry St, NY, NY 10014 R N of a joint was floated but that has felt like had probably survived him. And then I saw y b

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chasing a dream for some time now so I John Sebastian playing guitar. And Maria 917.575.3516 (C) r e p o 212.400.2500 (P) CitiHabitats.com demurred. Not that I hadn’t had high hopes. Muldaur singing. And for a moment the hate- d n a

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But I forgot that without staff the host ful Eighties and the nasty Nineties disap- e n

[email protected] w almost always gets short-changed. I couldn’t peared. It had all the makings of really bad O cook, serve and talk. At least I made eye con- melodrama. But that’s how miracles go. I WestView May 2008 9 Gelato Wave Hits the West Village

By Lynn Bechtold GROM was founded in 2003 in Turin, by two friends: Guido Martinetti, a winemaker, and Federico Grom, Just in time for spring, the block of Bleecker Street between a businessman. Following the success of their first store, the Sixth and Seventh Avenues has become a breeding ground two have since given up their other professions to concentrate for gelaterias, with three shops—Cones: Artisans, fully on gelato. Nicolò de Rienzo and his business partner L’Arte del Gelato, and GROM—vying for customers as the Stefano Ciravegna brought GROM to New York City and weather gets warm. run the chain’s operations here. GROM currently has 16 Cones: Ice Cream Artisans, the long-standing gelateria on stores in Italy and New York. this block, opened in 1998. They must be “in,” as evidenced GROM is different from other artisanal gelaterias in that by a photo of the lovely Heidi Klum and her mom licking it makes its gelato at a plant outside of Turin. According to away at their ice cream cones, not to mention numerous “best the Times article (May 2, 2007), they started out as a single of ” awards from the likes of Citysearch and Time Out New gelateria, making the gelato on-site. When their gelato maker York, plus a 27 rating in Zagat’s. Founded by two brothers was hurt in an accident and the owners had to make the gela- from Buenos Aires, Raul and Oscar D’Aloisio, Cones makes to themselves, they realized that expansion would not be easy. everything fresh daily on the premises and uses all-natural They decided to produce their gelato in one central location ingredients. Originally a construction manager and an archi- NEW GELATO ON THE BLOCK With the opening of GROM last before shipping it to the stores. De Rienzo says this “ensures tect, the two brothers decided to try their hand at gelato- month, the block of Bleecker Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues quality control on the product by eliminating having many making after working on the opening of a new Häagen-Dazs boasts three gelato shops. (Photo by R. Umar Abbasi) different people make the gelato in different cities.” store in Buenos Aires. They decided to introduce artisanal As the chain uses only fresh, top-quality ingredients, they ice cream, in the gelato tradition, to New Yorkers. After counteract fast food and fast life.” Oscar contends that “when have a monthly flavor list that highlights seasonal products: training at a friend’s gelateria in Buenos Aires, they opened you produce a product for one shop only, you produce a dif- lemons from Amalfi, and pistachios and hazelnuts from Bronte their West Village store, and the rest is history. (By the way, ferent product than if you have to supply 15 shops.” and Langhe (like L’Arte del Gelato). When the “best” ingredi- that Häagen-Dazs store didn’t do too well in Argentina.) Commenting on the proximity of L’Arte del Gelato and ent is not from Italy, GROM looks elsewhere. For example, they Cones’s list of flavors includes the standard offerings, plus GROM, both brothers felt that the competition will be pos- get dark chocolate from Venezuela and vanilla beans from seasonal and creative ones like corn, maté, Champagne and itive. “It’s good for people to have the chance to taste and Madagascar. GROM, too, has been honored by Slow Food. yogurt. They use no pre-mixes: just milk, cream, sugar and compare, and it promotes gelato-style ice cream,” they stat- Since the chain’s expansion, they have purchased land in the the additional ingredients for a particular flavor. This mix- ed. Raul added, “The more they taste and see, the more they Piedmont region and have begun to farm their own fruits. “I ture gets put in a pasteurizer, which warms the base to 180 understand the time that goes into making the gelato and sleep easily at night because I know we make something healthy degrees Fahrenheit and quickly cools it to 39 degrees. The why it costs what it does.” and of high quality for our customers. It is not about money, and batch then goes in the freezer for 12 minutes. For this arti- Opening in Chelsea Market in 2005, L’Arte del Gelato we are not trying to be the Starbucks of gelato,” says de Rienzo. sanal process, Cones won a seal of approval from Slow Food opened their second store on Seventh Avenue South, just Once GROM’s gelato is made into liquid batches, it is (www.slowfood.com), a “non-profit, eco-gastronomic, mem- north of Bleecker, last summer. Founded by Francesco “flash-frozen” and then shipped to the stores. Then, the batch- ber-supported organization that was founded in 1989 to Realmuto, a Sicilian-born American, and his business partner es are thawed and whipped in a machine before being re- Salvatore Potestio, L’Arte del Gelato also makes gelato in the chilled to the proper temperature. For certain flavors, ingredi- “artigianale” style. Realmuto spent twelve years as a diamond ents are added after the final mixing, such as chestnuts in DR.ART BOWLER cutter before deciding that he wanted a career change. Having “Marrons glacés,” a March Flavor of the Month. According to PSYCHOLOGIST grown up in Italy, where gelato is a huge part of everyday life, de Rienzo, if he and his partner in New York have an idea for he felt that New York needed more gelato places. He went a flavor, they talk with the founders, who may agree to let them SOLVE PROBLEMS.CREATE SOLUTIONS. back to Italy to research gelato-making for his new venture. try it. Some flavors are more popular in the U.S. than in Italy. LIVE SMARTER. EXPERIENCE MORE. He insists on using only top-quality, fresh ingredients, such as Why did GROM choose the gelato-saturated Bleecker pistachios from Bronte, Sicily and nocciola nuts from Langhe, Street area for their second New York store? After living 646-823-5080 a town in the northern Piedmont region of Italy. His product downtown, de Rienzo always knew that he wanted to open a www.drartbowler.com is made from organic whole milk and organic eggs, and fruit store in the West Village. He particularly likes Bleecker and flavors use seasonal fresh fruit. Every day, batches of the gela- the area near . He feels that the West to are made from scratch at the Chelsea Market location. Village is a real community—even while hosting many Realmuto went on to explain a little bit about gelato. tourists—and hopes that this community will embrace his While American-style ice cream has a butterfat content of at new establishment. least 12 percent and is pumped with air, gelato only has a 7–9 With the arrival of spring, it’s always a good time to have a percent butterfat content, and no additional air. Generally gelato, especially since we have three artisanal options to made from whole milk, as opposed to heavy cream, gelato choose from. There are a few more vacant storefronts on the thus has fewer calories than ice cream. block, so who knows? Perhaps Ciao Bella and Il Laboratorio This first location proved so successful that Realmuto del Gelato of New York, or Capogiro of Philadelphia are on began searching for a second storefront last year. He and his the way. I partner chose the West Village because they feel that well- traveled Villagers can appreciate their gelato. In addition, the L’Arte del Gelato many tourists add to foot traffic. Plans to expand the West 75 Seventh Avenue location will include an upstairs room where cus- (between Bleecker and W. 4th Streets) tomers will be able to enjoy additional treats. 212.924.0803 Commenting on the close proximity of his West Village www.lartedelgelato.com location to Cones and GROM, Realmuto also said that

competition is good, and added that he is proud of his gela- Cones: Ice Cream Artisans to: “People will come to us, look at our gelato in the glass case 272 Bleecker Street and see our presentation: the innovative flavors, the freshness (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues) of the gelato. Our combination of traditional and more inno- 212.414.1795 vative flavors makes it fun.” GROM, the newbie on the block (it opened in mid- GROM April), opened their first store outside of Italy last year on the 233 Bleecker Street (corner of . A New York Times article helped spread Carmine) the word, and long lines soon formed. www.grom.it/eng 10 WestView May 2008 Interview with Dr. Mark Burns of the West Village Veterinary Hospital

9/11 and wishes she could tell her story. The family also has a cat named Emily, two birds, and an aquarium. They are mourning the death of their dog. He expects they will get another one. Dr. Burns is a 1970 graduate of the University of Minnesota Veterinary College. The Greenwich Village practice is staffed by veterinarians Dr. Caroline Quagliata and Dr. Lucy O’Byrne. WestView interviewed Dr. Burns in April:

WestView: What is the timing of the move? Mark Burns: We hope our new location will be ready by August. We have no guarantee that we will be able to remain at Washington Street until the new hospital is ready, so we have sent clients a letter explaining how the practice will con- tinue in case of a gap. Basically, Drs. Quagliata and O’Byrne would arrange appointments at the downtown locations. We will make deliveries of food to clients’ homes and schedule some house calls for existing clients. We will arrange trans- port to Tribeca for in-patient care, if necessary. Our phone Dr. Lucy O’Byrne with her dog, Aloha. will remain in service, and we will post updates on our web- site: www.westvillagevets.com. It’s very important to us to maintain the practice and care for our patients, so we want to minimize any potential inconvenience to clients.

Dr. Mark Burns, owner of the West Village Veterinary Hospital. WV: Eighth Avenue and seems like a promising loca- tion. By Barbara Chacour MB: Yes, we are very excited about the move. The spot has great public transportation and is easy to find. Try to explain Mark Burns, DVM, owner of the West Village Veterinary how to get to Perry and Washington or to Lispenard Street, Hospital as well as two other downtown practices, our Tribeca address. Once we get established there, our aim is announced that construction is underway at 75 Eighth to offer expanded hours, even possibly around the clock. Avenue on an enlarged animal hospital (4,600 sq. ft.) to replace the Washington Street practice (1,300 sq. ft.), cur- WV: Can you give us any health tips for our pets? rently operating in a building slated for demolition. Dr. MB: Don’t overfeed them. Obesity and Type 2 diabetes are Burns has run the West Village practice since 1995, when he becoming more and more common in animals. I tell people purchased the practice established there in 1979. that if your pet makes you feel a little guilty at feeding time, you Dr. Burns had opened his first New York City practice in are probably doing the right thing. Remember that dry food is Tribeca in 1982, a pioneering move in that neighborhood. higher calorie than canned food. On the other hand, city pets He later opened in as well have amazing life expectancy, being safe from predators and (www.tribecavets.com; www.batteryparkvets.com). cars. I In October 2001, a fireman came to the Tribeca hospital with a small kitten he had rescued from the ruins of the West Village Veterinary Hospital will move to 75 Eighth Avenue World Trade Center. Dr. Burns named her Zero and took (below 14th Street). For now, it is still open at 705-A her home. His children added a middle name—she is Zero Washington Street during construction. The practice’s telephone Dr. Caroline Quagliata and Renee Porfido with patient Pip, Veronica. He estimates her date of birth as right around number is 212-633-7400. and Penny and Jack.

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admiration, and a lack of empathy you can add to my list. Do you country, perhaps), does it really Me, Me, Me! that begins by early adulthood and know people who are preoccupied matter if your iPod is so loud that is present in a variety of contexts. with fantasies of unlimited success I can hear those old 80s tunes from Narcissists Alive and Well An individual who has this disor- and power? How many of us know across the subway? Is that you der also has a number of the fol- someone who is manipulative and being narcissistic? Is it really such lowing traits: a grandiose sense of exploitive in a city like New York? a big deal that I can hear what you This article is about the “ME, self-importance; a preoccupation How many seek more rights than are having for Passover dinner on ME, ME” culture. No, not with fantasies of unlimited success, those around them? What a trou- the LIRR via your loud cell phone Mariah Carey’s “Emancipation of power, brillance, beauty, or ideal bling situation. And it’s difficult to call and exactly which caterer is Mimi” hit record of 2005 that sold love; a belief that he or she is “spe- write about honestly. screwing up your wedding? I feel millions of copies and is certain to cial” and unique; a sense of entitle- This culture of narcissism con- the frustration myself and wonder be matched by her latest work. It’s ment; an interpersonally exploita- tinues to impede those who are try- where those of us who are paying the culture of narcissism. And as a tive style; and a need for excessive ing to respect rights, uphold laws, attention will wind up. psychologist, I’ve been asked to admiration. Couple this with an use empathy as a sense and source To those who exist and under- write about narcissists and the envious attitude toward others (or of compassion, and help others stand this perspective (a.k.a. have Narcissistic personality disorder. a belief that others are envious of simply for the good of doing so. empathy and are living toward a The trouble is, I’m having difficul- him or her), an arrogant or The world is supposedly reading solution), I say to you, keep going! ty, because it seems that there are haughty attitude and behavioral “The Secret.” Are we practicing it, Do what you do! Be good. Act so many ways to discuss narcissists style, and a lack of empathy, and the mission of the good-natured? I well. Be kind. Be true. Come and how they impact those around you have an understanding of what haven’t lost hope, but when I see visit me and say hello when you see By Dr. Art Bowler them and our world. comprises the Narcissistic person- some people living so unconscious- me walking in the Village or if you A personality disorder is a per- ality disorder. ly, I ask them to get on board. recognize me on the street (that I’m a fan of Deepak Chopra. I vasive pattern of thought, affect First, please do not diagnose So, what is the treatment? Well, would be such a narcissistic fulfill- know and practice the Secret. I (feeling) and behavior that is pres- yourself based on the above crite- there really isn’t one, because nar- ment for me, I must admit!). just finished watching for the third ent in a variety of contexts. A dis- ria. Only a professional can do so, cissists believe that it is everyone Because in a world that is becom- time “What the Bleep Do We order differs from “having traits.” and we all have traits. I hope to else who has the problem—they ing assuredly narcissistic, I will Know” about how subatomic par- We all have traits, for traits make take a different slant on this narcis- are simply stuck having to show happily do what I can to make you ticles impact our reality and world. up personality. But personality sistic idea. You see, I believe that the world how and why others feel well. Yes, YOU. I get it on a big level—our energy disorders are less flexible and occur our culture is one of narcissism. must change NOW, or else. Or brings back energy of the same in most life areas of someone who And our culture seems to present else what? Well, they will have to Dr. Art Bowler is a psychologist in sort. And I live a fuller life thanks lives within the confines of one. narcissists with more and more endure the narcissistic wrath that private practice. Visit his website at to these ideas. But that’s not Among them is a personality dis- ways to emphasize their own self- lies deep within and is very power- www.drartbowler.com or phone him where this article is going. So if order that consists of a pervasive importance (iPods, YouTube, ful, toxic, and dangerous. But if a at 646-823-5080. He would love to you are afraid to step into the dark pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy Facebook, etc.). You don’t need me culture is so narcissistic (one that hear your comments at drart@drart for a spell, stop reading now. or behavior), a strong need for to emphasize this issue, as I’m sure attempts to overtake another bowler.com. SC West View 4-08:SC_West_View_4-08 2/6/08 1:32 PM Page 1

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Photography: Fred George 12 WestView May 2008 American Masters Fine Art Show The Poetry Corner at the Salmagundi Club West Village Poet By Tim Newton A native of New Orleans, Leslie Breeding has lived in New American Masters at the Salmagundi Club continues York since 1977 and in Greenwich Village for the past this tradition of great art by bringing together many of the seven years. She worked in radio in the 1980s where she finest artists of our time. Artists participating in the show anchored NPR’s All Things Considered Weekend Edition. and sale include such notables as Clark Hulings, John She has a Master’s degree in labor relations and, in addition Stobart, Clyde Aspevig, George Carlson, Tucker Smith, to working for the National Labor Relations Board, teach- Dan Ostermiller, and David Leffel. es at School of Business. Leslie is also an This exhibition has garnered national attention. officer of the West 9th Street Block Association. Collectors as well as art dealers are coming from all over Leslie’s poems have appeared in Sal Mimeo magazine. North America to view and to purchase, and over 45 of the Last year her first book of poetry, “I’m Going Home” was artists will be in attendance during the opening weekend. published by Green Zone Editions. The Club will host a preview party on Friday, May 2. There will be live and hors d’oeuvres. The sale of the art begins on Saturday evening, May 3. Collectors attend- The Gardener ing the Saturday event will be given the first opportunity The deer have chewed down all the rose bushes to purchase the works. Admission to the two evening soft mouths filled with thorns STILL LIFE WITH FRUIT by John Traynor is just one of more than 150 events will be by paid admission. stars that center and shine artworks in the Salmagundi Club’s American Masters fine art show and sale, The process for selling the artwork during the Saturday open through May 7. sale will be unique. Because there may be multiple collec- over the garden you have made tors vying for the same work, the purchaser for each piece shed their recondite glow The venerable Salmagundi Club is hosting a blockbuster art will be chosen by lottery. Collectors purchasing a ticket to on the shoulders of a young man exhibition and sale that runs through May 7. The show fea- the weekend events will each be given a book of “ballots.” tures over 50 of America’s finest representational artists from Each piece of artwork will be numbered and will have a It all waits for you Clyde Aspevig to John Stobart. This landmark sale is a ben- numbered ballot box nearby. Patrons place their name in the birds and the rabbits watch for you efit, with the proceeds going to restore the main gallery area the appropriate box and hope to have their name drawn. Why not bring the good silver out to the bed of Club’s grand brownstone. Artwork that is not sold on Saturday evening will The exhibition consists of more than 150 paintings, sculptures remain available for purchase until the close of the show on the bone with the bacchanal pattern and drawings. The diverse subject matter ranges from maritime, Wednesday night. This is an opportunity to view and per- like a child, like that, working the dirt landscape, figurative, western, wildlife, still life and more. haps own some of the most significant representational with a big spoon The Salmagundi Club has been a center for American art artwork in America. since 1871. Founded as the New York Sketch Club, the Club American Masters is one of the premier art events in and its artist members have been among the most influential New York City this spring. I Emblematic members of the art world. Thomas Moran, Howard Pyle, Bring a cloche Danae, to force the holiday blooms, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Stanford White, N.C. Wyeth, Frank The Salmagundi Club is located at 47 Fifth Avnue between Tenney Johnson, Augustus St. Gaudens, William Merritt 11th and 12th Streets and is open to the public without charge. attenuate with a cherry on top, you know what I mean, Chase, Dean Cornwell, John F. Carlson, W.R. Leigh and The exhibition is open from through May 7. Tickets are still this freestanding possibility, observing the emblems Maynard Dixon are but a few of the greats who have graced available for the opening weekend gala. Call the Club for through the shutters. Then show them to me, the galleries with their presence and their artwork. information at 212-255-7740. the funny ones, hold them up in the threaded shade, amplitude, finitude, it’s all the same. And now I’ll jump out of this Brancusi cake with my thesaurus, careful of my tendon! Can’t think of a gift? That revolution was interesting, a sucking, sticky revolution, men and children splayed, est Village Veterinary Hospital clanking, massive seditious concepts. Dear ones 705-A Washington Street royale without happy endings, pausing in their finitude. The Most Imaginative Store We were riding in their snow-filled hair, WNew York, NY 10014 flying and falling and walking away in the City through the tin world of sanctions. Royale starts where your imagination ends Great juicy stems, they’re overdone

177 West • 212-929-1029 just the way you like it, put them in mini-storage, pirates (212) 633-7400 measure my legs again.

From “I’m Going Home” Copyright 2007 Leslie Breeding. Reprinted with permission.

www.dvmhospitals.com Submissions to the Poetry Corner may be emailed to: [email protected] Dr. Mark Burns Board Certified Specialist in —W. J. Davidson is the editor of Poetry Corner. Veterinary Internal Medicine WestView May 2008 13 Opening the Beach at Bleecker Playground

By Lara S. Mullarkey near the playground. With a line of young chil- scheduled the first Bleecker Beach Bash for dren looking on, piles of sand were blown over Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “It’s Kids can’t seem to get enough of playing in the the fence into the empty pit. A new crew of going to have a Coney Island theme,” says sand. They love jumping in it, tunneling holes parents emerged with rakes and shovels to Kelen Bunner, events coordinator for the through it, and just feeling it slip between their spread and level the delivery. By Monday after- group. “We’ll have carnival games, hot dogs, fingers and toes. Parents can sit their babies and noon, on what turned out to be an unseason- music, cotton candy, fake tattoo artists and toddlers down in the sandbox and know they ably warm day, scores of local children were stilt walkers.” All the activities will be free. will occupy themselves for long stretches of jumping, running, and playing in the fresh There will be a table where families can make time, playing and experimenting, always having sand. “We owe a big thank you not only to the donations to the Friends of Bleecker a soft landing for those unsteady first steps. many parents who pitched in and to our sup- Playground or pick up additional information But for the last several years, many West A SATISFIED CUSTOMER Lars Mullarkey plays in port at the parks department,” says Terraciano, on the newly formed group. According to Village parents have cringed at the sight of the Bleecker Playground’s new, clean sand. (Photos by “but also to Deborah McDowell, the park Dow, “Everyone donating $50 or more to the their children in our neighborhood sandbox. Lara S. Mullarkey) attendant, who helped at every step and has Friends of Bleecker Playground will receive a The sand at Bleecker Playground had become been working hard to keep the new sand clean.” t-shirt that reads ‘eat clean sand.’ Our goal is not only unsightly but also unsanitary. Dozens Bleecker Playground finally got a much needed As the weather warms up and families make to raise enough money and support to make of children were playing in the popular spot shipment of new sand this winter. their way back to the playground, many are sand replacement an annual event in the play- each day, tracking in germs or dirt on their “I got a call from Ralph letting me know the noticing the difference. “You can just see that ground.” I hands and shoes, and debris from the street city had received some sand for us to use and it’s cleaner. And it’s deeper too.There’s more of and nearby plaza area were consistently mak- quickly sent out an email asking for volunteers it, which is nice as well,” remarked Catherine ing their way into the sandbox, with wrappers to help with the replacement,” says Terraciano. Willmott. and napkins mixed into the pit. There were On Saturday, January 5, over a dozen local To celebrate the new sand and general play- concerns about nearby rodent activity and parents reported for duty. “It was longer and ground cleanup effort, the Friends of Bleecker reports of children getting sick or bitten by harder than we anticipated,” reported parent Playground are planning a full day of family- mites after playing in the sand. Bruce Bunner. “Luckily we had good support oriented activities. “We wanted to bring fami- When a group of parents banded together from the neighborhood and managed to get it lies together and celebrate the beginning of the last June to officially launch the Friends of done thanks to old-fashioned teamwork and busy season in the playground. We also want- Bleecker Playground, part of the larger elbow grease.” The determined and good- ed to celebrate the great success of our sand Abingdon Square Alliance, it became clear that natured crew spent hours removing Star Wars replacement effort,” says Lisa Dow, co-director sand replacement would be on the top of the figures, tree roots, plastic blocks, sippy cups, of the Friends of Bleecker Playground. agenda. Thanks to an effort spearheaded by and coins, along with many pounds of heavy, “Combining the two into a spring festival local parent Claire Terraciano and supported by dirty, frozen sand. seemed like a natural idea.” Ralph Musolino (District Park Manager), Two days later trucks pulled up on the street The Friends of Bleecker Playground have WestView K_\Kfne_flj\K\Xd8[mXekX^\ Has 30,000 Loyal Readers Is it Worth $60 a Month to Reach Them? ›),p\XijZfdY`e\[\og\i`\eZ\ ›\oZ\cc\eke\^fk`Xk`e^jb`ccjkf]XZ`c`kXk\k_\Y\jkXe[_`^_\jkgi`Z\j 3 ›Zljkfd`q\[dXib\k`e^YXj\[fe\XZ_gifg\ikpËjY\jkXkki`Ylk\j Basic Ad (horizontal) 3 ⁄8" wide X 2" high: ›Y`$n\\bcpdXib\k`e^Xe[Zljkfd\ii\gfikjkf`e]fidflij\cc\ij ›fm\i(('d`cc`fejfc[`e)'',)''- $60

=fiXZfdgc`d\ekXipdXib\k\mXclXk`fe#`e]fidXk`fefeflilgZfd`e^j\d`eXij each for 12 ads Xe[e\njc\kk\ij#fi]fiXepf]pflii\Xc\jkXk\e\\[j#ZfekXZkX:_Xic\jJki\\ki\j`[\ek1 If you like to read WestView, your customers do as well, and they appreciate your support JXiX>\cYXi[ J\e`fiM`Z\Gi\j`[\ek#8jjfZ`Xk\9ifb\i when you advertise. ;`i\Zkfif]Kfne_flj\JXc\j Ads can be sent by e-mail or we can design your ad with your logo and text. +0iflg`jXc`Z\ej\[i\Xc\jkXk\Yifb\i%Fne\[Xe[fg\iXk\[YpEIKCC:% 14 WestView May 2008 Cases Are Brewing Cartoon Corner Against Coffee Houses All Because of the Tip Jars

By Sari Gabay-Rafiy and Peninna Oren

Who would have thought that the tip jar sitting by the cashier when you buy your morning coffee could cause such controversy? Well, if you worked at a local coffee house and had to share your tips with your supervisors, you might be a little steamy. Certain WHOSE TIPS? Former Starbucks former Starbucks baristas have baristas are suing the company, asserting taken it so far as to have sued that shares of their tips were given to shift Starbucks, alleging that shares of supervisors in violation of labor laws. their tips were improperly given to (Photo by Peninna Oren) shift supervisors in violation of supplement their wages. New York labor laws. The tip jar may only contain The class action plaintiffs claim some change, but this lawsuit that Starbucks violated three sec- could be worth millions. In fact, in tions of New York labor law by a recent California case based Help Wanted allowing shift supervisors to share upon similar facts, baristas pre- in baristas’ tips. The sections vailed in obtaining an award of include a) a prohibition against $105 million in back tips and REPORTERS employers making deductions interest after a State Court found Cover breaking local news throughout from employee wages, b) a prohi- that Starbucks had improperly the Village. bition against employers demand- allowed shift supervisors to share PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT ing or accepting employee gratu- tips. California law bars managers Manage special projects for WestView’s ities, and c) a prohibition against a and supervisors from sharing in tip publisher. Work at home—flexible person or corporation asking for or jars. Starbucks is apparently hours. receiving wages or “supplements” appealing the decision. promised to an employee. If you are on the other side and MARKETING DIRECTOR When you drop a tip in the jar, are running a café or similar estab- Design and execute marketing are you thinking about whether lishment with a tip jar, it may be a campaigns. the person who brewed your latte reality that management and DISTRIBUTORS is a shift supervisor, store manager, employee functions overlap. Help distribute WestView in your or just an employee? Well, While not intending to deprive building, on your street, or in your INCOME TAX depending on their “status” that employees of their hard-earned neighborhood. $10/hour plus a free PREPARATION person may not be entitled to the tips, when a manager or supervisor mailed subscription… and it’s fun! in the privacy of your own home... tip after all. The court in the performs the same functions as the very reasonable rates AD SALESPEOPLE Starbucks case may look at how employees, do they deserve a por- Representatives of WestView to help Call Peter White involved as an employer the coffee tion of the tips? While California local businesses tell theIr story with an giant was with its tip-sharing pol- so far has said “no,” we’ll have to 212.924.0389 ad. Earn commission on sales. icy and whether the tips are wait and see how the case plays out expected by or promised to the in New York. AD MANAGER employees as a supplement to their At least for now, if management Use your self-confidence and people GABAY-RAFIY & BOWLER LLP attorneys at law income. is sharing in tips, it may be a good skills to work with our advertisers. Interestingly, the labor laws per- idea to add a label to the tip jar WRITERS Sari Gabay-Rafiy Anne Marie Bowler mit waiters to share tips with bus- notifying customers and employ- Contribute your writing talents on any boys or similar employees. There ees as to where the tips are headed. A General Practice Law Firm subject of interest to West Villagers. may be some froth to the case if This way, the tip jar cannot be arguments are made that the baris- considered as belonging solely to LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 584 Broadway, Suite 507 www.gabaybowler.com tas sharing tips with shift supervi- barista-like employees, and might not publish New York City 10012 [email protected] 212.941.5025 (tel) sors are akin to waiters sharing employers cannot be seen as inap- it, but we will. 212.202.3883 (fax) [email protected] with busboys and therefore not propriately deducting wages, sup- Non-profit WestView lavishly rewards all barred by the labor laws. plements, or gratuities from their contributors with gratitude, your name Assuming there is not much dis- baristas when tips are shared. in the paper, and for those who have to crepancy in salary, what makes the Fine print on the tip jar: how’s make the rent, with modest fees. shift supervisor less entitled to the that for making your café truly tips? The proponents of the law- Americano? I Contact [email protected] suit say that the added duties of a shift supervisor make him or her For more information, please contact and get started today. “management,” a category distinct Gabay-Rafiy & Bowler LLP at from “employee.” The baristas’ (212)941-5025. This article is position is that if shift supervisors’ designed only to give general informa- wages are too low, they should not tion and is not intended to provide WestViewThe New Voice of the West Village be able to dip into the tip jar to legal advice or give a legal opinion. WestView May 2008 15

Captain Caroli continued from page 1 Good Cop, working. I take a look every morning when I come to work, and I have yet to see the barri- Bad Cop ers being moved or cars parked in that area, so it seems to be doing the trick as of right now.” By George Capsis, Publisher (At the suggestion of Community Affairs Officer Mike Singer, the previous command- I still had a warm glow for 6th Precinct ing officer, Deputy Inspector Theresa Shortell, Captain Raymond Caroli and his crack- also placed barriers, only to have them lifted down on off-duty cops using the streets up on the sidewalk by cops late for roll call.) around the station as a free parking lot as “I believe that a precinct commander must I wheeled up the new bike on Eighth work hand-and-hand with the community, Avenue, only to see a car parked right in and I take this very seriously,” said Caroli. the middle of the path with heavy traffic “The West Village is a beautiful area, and it streaming by. is incumbent upon us in the precinct to make I deliberately banged into the bumper it even better. Certainly as we get into the and came alongside the driver, indicating warmer months, especially on the weekends that I wanted him to open his black-tint- when floods of people come into the Village, ed window. A swarthy head with weeks of we get into quality-of-life issues, and it is my beard growth allowed itself to be seen, but job to address those big issues. But nothing never looked at me when I said, “Do you is too small, and parking is still an issue for realize this is a bike path? If you force people in the community.” bikes out into traffic, somebody could get NO PARKING, EVEN FOR COPS The new 6th Precinct commander, Raymond Caroli, put his name on a no Regarding police reaction to his parking killed.” parking sign that applies to everyone—even cops. (Photo by George Goss) crackdown, Caroli said, “I have my lieu- “Yeah, yeah. Just go, just go,” came the tenant putting out no-parking flyers, and he surly reply. Then, he rolled up the window saying, “No Parking Anytime. Authority of fellow officer would issue a ticket. He is also has received a couple of calls (presumably in contempt, and some pent-up rage made the 6th Precinct Commanding Officer.” questioning scribbled notes explaining why from other precincts) inquiring, ‘Hey, what’s me bang my fist on the window. The door Our very new Captain Raymond Caroli has the driver is “allowed to park.” going on?’ I told him to say, ‘You’re not sup- flung open, hitting me, and the passenger done what no other 6th Precinct commander Caroli hopes that by freeing up designated posed to park there—those spots are for 6th jumped out and unleashed a flow of exple- has done in the 47 years that I have lived on parking spots, the cops under his command Precinct officers only.’” tives. “I’m a cop,” he shouted, as if that Charles Street. He has taken charge—and he will not park illegally. He said that on West Caroli has followed up on the anti-graffiti made his illegal parking okay. “Show me has taken personal responsibility for illegal 10th Street between Bleecker and West 4th campaign of Mayor Bloomberg by having your badge,” I demanded. He did and parking by police. I called to thank him. Streets, “sometimes cops rushing into work one of his officers identify areas of graffiti continued his flow of gutter talk The captain graciously accepted my thanks can’t find a parking space, and they park in blight. This month, a group of volunteers A crowded gathered as I tried to reason and said that he has ordered his “integrity those [no-parking] spots.” led by police officers will paint over the with these two undercover bullies, who patrol officer” to put flyers on non-6th If Caroli discovers repeated offenses by a offending areas. He asks that Villagers iden- threatened me with arrest. I entertained Precinct cars parked in restricted areas desig- police officer from another precinct, he will tify local areas of graffiti and report them to the vision of them bringing me into the nated for police parking. Repeat offenders will “track them down and send them an official the precinct. Precinct in handcuffs and explaining to receive a summons. reprimand on paper.” Caroli was born in St Vincent’s Hospital, the desk sergeant that I had banged their Caroli is even cracking down on the famil- “I take this matter very seriously. Parking but he grew up on the Upper West Side. In bumper with my bike. But I realized that iar practices of civilians using “acquired” areas are at a premium and very limited, and it fact, Caroli and I both attended kindergarten filthy language was their only weapon with Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association cards and is an issue I do want to address,” stated Caroli. at P.S. 192 on 138th Street, but I passed which to defend their insulted egos. visiting off-duty police officers from other “As for the corners on Charles and through that school 40 years before our new, There are good cops and bad cops, and precincts parking illegally, convinced that no Bleecker,” he continued, “it does seem to be truly commanding, officer. I all good cops will agree with this. I

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School Overcrowding continued from page 1 school capacity by only 143 seats. Staffers in seven in 2006. As those kindergarteners age, school in the 1960s and still thrives today— remains one of the city’s most involved and the borough president’s office add that the they threaten the school’s so-called cluster its model vindicated by many studies. But impassioned school communities), has taken numbers probably underestimate new hous- rooms—science labs, art rooms, music rooms. because both schools are stuffed to capacity, up the challenge. Keen Berger, chair of the ing in the Village, where there have been P.S. 41 has already lost its teacher’s lounge, there is no longer the opportunity to accom- Community Board 2 Social Services and many conversions of formerly non-residen- and its services for kids with special needs modate the shifts in enrollment that choice Education Committee, and Brad Hoylman, tial spaces into apartments. These were not meet in a former locker room. Existing com- captured in the report. mon spaces are no longer adequate. P.S. 3 Representatives from the DOE openly admit that more Local schools are already feeling the pinch. cannot accommodate all of its kids in the Nursery school directors used to say that cafeteria without breaking the fire code, com- spaces are needed in District 2, and they invite parents to there were enough openings in the city to pelling the principal, Lisa Siegman, to do help seek them out. place every family desiring a spot. They no some very creative lunchtime scheduling. longer make such claims. One local nursery And how to measure the tax on the school inevitably entails. Starting this fall, if par- chair of Community Board 2, worked togeth- school had two hundred applications for sixty nurse, the administrators, the playground, the ents do not divide themselves proportionate- er in January to organize a hearing to gather seats. Fewer and fewer students find place- bathrooms, and the crowded halls, as more ly between P.S. 3 and P.S. 41, a lottery will information on school overcrowding. ments in the city’s private schools, which have and more kids squeeze into the facility? decide for them where their children will go. Parents, teachers, principals, and public offi- a limited number of seats and are not grow- Another casualty of the school pinch is Representatives from the DOE openly cials—including State Senator Tom Duane, ing. Among public schools, P.S. 41 is already one of the great treasures of Village life—the admit that more spaces are needed in District Assembly Member Deborah Glick, Deputy at 112 percent utilization, according to DOE opportunity to choose between P.S. 3 and 2, and they invite parents to help seek them Borough President Rose Pierre-Louis, Public statistics, which some experts think under- P.S. 41. The Village is one of two catch- out. Greenwich Village, which has always Advocate , City Council state the problem. P.S. 3 is at 102 percent, ments in all of New York City where parents had a history of active involvement in school Members Rosie Mendez and Robert Jackson, and P.S. 130 is at 118 percent. P.S. 41 went are able to choose between educational mod- creation (P.S. 3 was created as an alternative and a representative of the district’s City from five kindergarten classes in 2004 to els. P.S. 3 was founded as an alternative school by a group of parents in 1962 and Council Member, Speaker Christine Quinn—all spoke decisively of their commit- ment to relieving overcrowding in the Village. As a consequence, the full Community Some sites identified by Community Board 2 and Board adopted a resolution in February stating local parents for possible school construction: that “CB2 Manhattan recognizes the need to include the issue of school capacity and over- crowding as part of our evaluation process for Pier 40 Education and The New School makes includ- that crosses Houston Street on the West each and every new residential development Parents were thrilled when the future of Pier 40 ing a public school in such a compromise a Side Highway. Development plans have project that comes before this body, and that came under the leadership of Urban particularly promising option. not been announced. Michael Kramer, until plans for new schools in our community /Camp Group and the Pier 40 representing developer Eugene Gant, has are firmly set, we will view projects that will Partnership. Urban Dove/Camp Group was and the also expressed concern about overcrowd- add to school overcrowding as not in the pub- one of the first partisans of a school on Pier Far West Village ing and a willingness to consider school lic interest.” They have scheduled another 40, and the Pier 40 Partnership included There are major changes in the Far West construction on the site. hearing at P.S. 41 on May 8 at 6:30 pm to dis- 100,000 square feet of school space in its fea- Village from the Meatpacking District to Canal cuss possible solutions. (A list of potential sibility study. Parents are urging the School Street. Given the enormous demand for real Parochial Schools school sites to be considered at the hearing can Construction Authority to make enough money estate downtown, many developers are The Archdiocese of New York has closed a be seen on this page.) The Community Board available for the space to meet the pier’s finan- applying to the Community Board to rezone number of schools and announced its inten- will present these sites to the School cial needs. DOE officials seem to be consider- traditionally industrial areas for residential tion to close more. Although DOE officials Construction Authority for review. ing a high school on the pier. However, many development and to allow the construction of have said that they have had extensive dis- “It’s extremely important that the local would like to see a middle school as well, as a large buildings. Some blocks have already cussions with the archdiocese about buying community play a role in proposing sites for high school would draw from the whole city been rezoned, and some are now coming or leasing these properties, without effect, new schools to the city because it adds to the and not alleviate local overcrowding. before the zoning committee. This extensive calls by parents have found the archdiocese momentum, and we know our neighbor- change in usage will both add to local enroll- very willing to consider public school uses for hoods best,” said Brad Hoylman, Chair of St. Vincent’s ments and create opportunities for school their former school buildings. Community Board 2, which represents the Throughout the city, parents in overcrowded construction. Here are some buildings the Village, SoHo, NoHo and Chinatown. districts are calling on major residential devel- Community Board has been looking at. 28-30 Greenwich Avenue “Plus, the downtown community did it opers to include school construction in their The P.S. 41 playground is fronted by a long, recently, and they ended up with a new plans. A planned development at St. Vincent’s 75 Morton Street mixed-use building 28-30 Greenwich Avenue. school in Battery Park City. We’ve been in hospital would add 400 units of residential 75 Morton Street is a state-owned building Calls to the owners have indicated that they do close discussions with developers and local housing to the very same block that holds P.S. whose future is currently in doubt. Elected not sell as a rule, but they might be amenable institutions, including St. Vincent’s and 41, which is currently at 112% capacity. officials have suspended plans for its sale in leasing the building for an expansion of P.S. 41. NYU, about this issue, and I’m very hopeful Parents are urging St. Vincent’s to dedicate one order to consider school and other potential we can do the same!” of its buildings to a new school. Although rep- uses. Current DOE buildings Keen Berger, chair of the CB2 Social resentatives from the developer Rudin and the District 2 parents were shocked recently to Services and Education Committee and co- hospital have met with parents to discuss over- Trinity Real Estate discover that a high school on East 25th organizer of the hearing, added, “The prob- crowding, they have offered no concrete pro- Trinity Real Estate controls four sites Street is being phased out. Its lease was lem—no room to learn—is now obvious: our posals to relieve it. between King and Canal Streets and allowed to lapse, and, in the interim, its local schools are overcrowded, and thou- and , two of space granted to a charter school drawing sands of under-fives live in our neighbor- New School and them quite large. Plans for the develop- students from the entire city, while nearby hood. But if we are not part of the solution, ment of these sites have not been P.S. 116 suffers from severe overcrowding. we are part of the problem. Community Both the New School and New York University announced. Trinity representative Erin District 2 parents would like to see that Board 2 is determined to open a new school. have extensive plans for expansion and are in Roeder has told parents that the develop- lease renewed and that space, which was The May 8 hearing is about solutions—ten discussion with representatives of the com- ers are mindful of overcrowding and renovated at DOE expense, made available possible sites, eight powerful political lead- munity and elected officials about how to bal- amenable to school construction. to D2 students. They have also requested ers, and hundreds of parents and communi- ance these against community needs. information from the DOE about other ty members who are ready to do whatever is Parents feel that the possibility of a collabora- St. John’s Center school buildings in the district that should be needed to make sure the Department of tive relationship with NYU’s School of St. John’s Center is the very large building preserved for schools. Education provides an elementary school continued on page 17 WestView May 2008 17

School Overcrowding continued from page xx

and a middle school for our children.” say that community involvement is the Village parents have long loved their lynchpin of school and student success. If so, schools and poured their time, money and conditions are ripe for a wonderful educa- ideas into making them wonderful environ- tional environment in the Village, and it is ments for kids. The quality of its schools for this that parents, in partnership with their attracts new residents to this neighborhood, community boards and local officials, are and the presence of additional passionately- working so hard to free local schools from the involved parents helps make the schools bet- crushing burden of overcrowding and give ter and better. Observers of education often them the opportunity to thrive. I

Overcrowding on the Ground An interview with Kelly McGuire, principal of the Greenwich Village Middle School (GVMS), which is housed on the top floor of P.S. 3 on Hudson Street

WestView: How would you say GVMS WV: What would you do if you had more experiences overcrowding? space? Kelly McGuire: Well, our classes aren’t McGuire: I could do a lot with a tech lab as big as some. I know most Manhattan and a room for other special subjects. I middle schools have classes of 33 or 35, would love to expand and have three but we physically don’t have the space for classes at each grade and have about that. [Recent state law sets the target twelve classrooms. There are lots of class size for middle school at 28, the economies of scale you can achieve with average state-wide, but few Manhattan a larger school: a school can be too small middle school classes achieve that.] We to fund the programs you need. With lack rooms that are dedicated for specials, more classes, you can also have an assis- like a tech lab or a full library. We share tant principal—it means a lot to have two our music room with P.S. 3, which has adults in the school who can be released allowed them to keep that room in the from classes. And there are certainly plen- face of their overcrowding. We also share ty of students who need a good middle a gym and a cafeteria. Under fire code, school placement. We also need space for the cafeteria can’t even accommodate all intervention and services for kids with spe- the kids in the building. Most of mine go cial needs. And if we were moved out of out to lunch. When we were given this here, P.S. 3 could expand another floor, to space 10 years ago, we were promised take all those new families moving into the outside gym space, but that never came neighborhood. through. The space we use for gym isn’t really a gym—it’s a sort of wide hallway WV: How would you like to see GVMS five with big columns in it. We’ve had to hire a years from now? school aide just for the gym, so we can McGuire: I love GVMS. Our school has a see all the kids. Kids this age need to lot of strengths—great teachers, great move around. The kids are physically too kids. This is a wonderful neighborhood for big to fit in there. a school. One of our strengths is our diversity. Our school brings in kids of all WV: Can you tell us how GVMS came to ethnicities and backgrounds. I hope we live up here? will be able to preserve that as Manhattan McGuire: The school originally started at changes. I think the strength of this com- P.S. 41 and then it outgrew the size that munity, how it mirrors New York, is an was allotted there. At the time there was important part of what we have to offer. more room in the P.S. 3 building, so that is New York’s Shop For All Things Mac how we came to share this building. WV: Thanks for talking with us. 119 West 23rd St. New York, NY 10011 212.929.3645 | www.tekserve.com

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The staff of WestView encourages all of our readers to please inform your building’s super not to throw away copies of WestView, which are set neatly in a corner. Also, please do not confuse WestView with junk menus. In the meantime, you can guarantee your copy of the WestView by subscribing for only $12 per year. When you subscribe, the paper will be delivered right to your mailbox. 18 WestView May 2008 IHEU-Appignani Center for Bioethics Christine Quinn lulus, which means they have almost sextupled. and Bioethics International continued from page 1 There is no requirement for full-time service, and no limitation on outside income, earned or Cordially invite you to a one-day conference concerning corroborate your recollection, whatever it is. unearned. New Dilemmas in Medicine: Three Current Controversies in Two things the speaker is reported to have said The amount of discretionary spending, which is Genetics, Religion, and Big Pharma may require, as Senator Clinton said of General money that members can appropriate to outside Petraeus the first time around, “a willing suspen- organizations, sometimes called “earmarks,” varies sion of disbelief,” a line that originated with from member to member. Like committee Friday, 23 May 2008 from 9:30 a.m. until 6:45 p.m. Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1798. chairs, the amount of funds each member can The first doubtful claim is that as soon as she allocate is determined in part by considering three 777 UN Plaza (corner of 44th Street learned of the practice of using fictitious names, basic principles: seniority, geography and loyalty. and ), 2nd Floor Quinn ordered it stopped, but her aides failed to The same conditions exist to an even greater follow her instructions. The second is that she was degree in the New York State Legislature. There Panel topics include: the person who brought the matter to the attention is a sharp divide in funding based on whether the “To Have the Best Child Possible: The Coming Age of Procreative of the U.S. Attorney and the New York City member is part of the majority in each house. In Beneficence?” Department of Investigation. the City Council, all but three members out of 51 Others say that the investigation was already are Democrats. One of the three Republicans “Ethics and Pharmaceutical R&D: Who Should Be Responsible for Tomorrow’s Drugs?” well underway when she called the cops. Wisely, resigned, effective today, as part of an agreement Quinn now has decided not to answer press ques- with the County District Attorney to “Saying ‘No’ to Patients: Medical Professionals as Conscientious tions and to leave the talking to her attorney, W. close out a criminal case in which he was prose- Objectors” Lee Richards, Jr. Although silence or pleading cuted for sexual contact, allegedly involuntary, ignorance does not come off well to the media, it with a woman he had met in a bar and taken to may save her considerable grief. his Council office. Following the conference there will be a cocktail reception featur- A collateral question is her use of city funds to In the difficult circumstance of managing a body ing an Argentinean Tango performance by Laura Real from 7:00 to pay Richards as her personal attorney. of members with diverse, sometimes conflicting, 9:30 p.m. at the Consulate General of Romania at If she were pursued for say, assault, she would ambitions, Quinn has provided sound leadership. 200 E 38th Street at Third Ave have no right to a city lawyer. If she were sued for The inmates have not taken over the asylum. In something she did on the job in good faith, she truth, the great majority of councilmembers are Registration Fees (includes cocktail reception): would have a right to be represented by the honest and decent, although many are ambitious, General Public - $65 Corporation Counsel or a lawyer she hired, even if partisan, self-absorbed and unduly frightened by her decision was mistaken. First, the press and pub- noisy constituents. They have different gifts and Students - $30 lic would like to know how much the lawyer is deficits, as we all do. They are 51 men and women, One can attend the cocktail reception for only $30 being paid. The City Council, as a public agency of chosen by different neighborhoods. Unfortunately, elected officials, is entitled to hire counsel, especial- some are not immune to the charms of avarice, and Send your check to: ly when the issue at stake involves their preroga- their depredations and those of their staffs have IHEU-Appignani Center for Bioethics, P.O. Box 41 tives. embarrassed their colleagues and their leader, as Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10162 All of this is sad because Speaker Quinn is everyone now realizes. widely and fairly regarded as a capable public ser- We await the next disclosures in this unfolding For more information about the panel, contact: vant. She began as an aide to Councilman (now drama. In politics, people are first exalted and Ana Lita: (212) 687-3324 [email protected] State Senator) Tom Duane and worked her way then, as circumstances change, they are derided. To learn more about our organizations, please visit our websites: up to the second most important position in city You find out who your friends are, but you pay a www.humanistbioethics.org www.bioethicsinternational.org government. She has been a responsible speaker heavy price for this knowledge. On the other on almost every issue, and on the others, she had hand, if you had not come to grief, these people to yield to the mob. would still be your friends, basking in your radi- After paying her dues to the county leaders of ance… Bronx and Queens who made her the speaker, Fortunately, there are other New Yorkers who Quinn’s appointments usually were based on will join the competition for 2009. Congressman Ready for the Beach? merit. She did not say foolish things. She proved, Anthony Weiner and Comptroller William if in any way it needed to be proven, that a person Thompson are first out of the gate, but the lure of 50% off this canvas tote bag when you who was open about her sexual orientation could high office will draw other contenders. If the subscribe to WestView. do a fine job in a high public office and win gen- Speaker recovers from her present travails, she eral respect. could be a contender. But on the basis of this When I began as a councilman in January week’s editorials and columns, a decent interval 1974, we received an allotment for staff of $7,500. will have to elapse before she can be regarded seri- The basic allotment for each councilmember is ously as a candidate for elevation. Her rivals may now about $350,000, approximately 43 times have problems with intellect and character, but what it was 34 years ago. Councilmember’s they have not been so vividly displayed to the salaries have risen from $20,000 to $112,500 plus public. 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The Victoire landed north of Charleston, with the troops “to embrace privation and Why Lafayette? and Lafayette and his men rode to fatigue.” He used his own money to feed and Philadelphia to offer their services to the clothe his men and became known as “the sol- Motier de La Fayette was born on provisional government. The diers’ friend.” September 6, 1757 in a rural French castle. Congress replied, “Go home!” Many foreign After Valley Forge, Lafayette returned to His father was a renowned war hero who was mercenaries were arrogant, assuming that . His first child had died, and he killed by British troops when Lafayette was they were more qualified to direct this ill- wanted to see his family. Back in France, he two, igniting a powerful hatred of the British trained rebellion than the American was astonished to find that news of his in the young Lafayette. colonists were. They also demanded payment exploits had spread. His extraordinary fame After his father’s death, his mother joined for their services. America could not afford gave him extensive access to France’s top her father in . Lafayette was raised by uniforms, weapons or munitions, let alone social circles, access that he used to obtain aid his grandmother and aunts, who told stories pay patronizing outsiders. for the American cause. He convinced the of his father’s courage and character. The Lafayette wrote a letter stating that he and French to send troops and urged they serve boy yearned for the father he never knew, his men would serve without pay—he would under Washington. Thomas Jefferson (who dreamed about avenging his death, and clothe, feed and pay them himself. The was in France with Lafayette) wrote, “All hoped to achieve things that would have Continental Congress reconsidered. They doors of all departments were open to made him proud. finally read Silas Deane’s letter and accepted [Lafayette] at all times, to me only formally Just two years later after Lafayette rejoined Lafayette’s offer. He insisted on serving and at appointed times. In truth, I only held his mother in Paris, tragedy struck twice: his under Washington. the nail, he drove it.” mother died, then a few weeks later, his grand- Entering the tavern for their first meeting, Lafayette and Washington corresponded Designed by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, a statue of the father. At age 13, he was left with no close rel- Washington was curious about the tall, well- extensively about personal matters as well as Marquis de Lafayette gazes over Union Square Park. atives, extensive property and a fortune that dressed youngster with bright red hair and politics. When Adrienne gave birth to The Lafayette statue was a gift from the France, just like made him one of the richest men in Europe. fair complexion. Lafayette, with his fine Georges Washington Motier de Lafayette in one of Bartholdi’s other works—the . When he was 14 and Adrienne de clothes and aristocratic manner, looked up to 1779, George Washington became his god- (Photo © F. Seidenbaum, 2008) Noailles was 12, their families negotiated Washington and approached humbly, saying father. their marriage. As was typical of the time, he had come to learn. Washington (then in In 1780, Lafayette returned to America By F. Seidenbaum childhood betrothals were arranged for polit- ical and economic reasons. Love was not September 2007 marked the 250th birthday of expected. the Marquis de Lafayette. The New-York Hist- The Noailles family was one of France’s orical Society is presenting “French Founding most wealthy and powerful, but Adrienne’s Father: Lafayette’s Return to Washington’s mother had misgivings—Lafayette seemed America” through August 10. In a two-part serious, distant and cold. To assure article, F. Seidenbaum explores Lafayette’s Adrienne’s happiness, Mme. de Noailles had remarkable contributions to American history. Lafayette move into their mansion for 18 This first highlights Lafayette’s crucial role in months so the family could get to know him. the American Revolution. The second, which When Adrienne’s mother finally spoke to her will appear next month, explores his post-war daughter about marriage, she was delighted activities. at the joyous response. Her daughter had fall- en deeply in love. At the time of their mar- Part 1: Lafayette Who? riage, Lafayette was 16, and Adrienne was 14. In Union Square Park, not far from the statue A year later, they had a daughter, Henriette. of George Washington, stands another: the Despite his wealth and connections, At the Lafayette Natural History Museum in Lafayette, LA, tents similar to those used during the American Revolution Marquis de Lafayette. Every New York City Lafayette mourned the loss of his immediate War portray the conditions that Lafayette and other soldiers endured as they helped foster the American dream of borough has streets named after him family and harbored a hatred of the British. democracy. (Photo © Kent Hutslar, kenthutslar.com) (Brooklyn has three and a high school), as do He had heard about George Washington’s over 500 other places in this country (includ- crusade against the British and sympathized his 40s) reminded Lafayette of the father he with news that the Comte de Rochambeau ing Fayettes and Fayettevilles). He was one of with America’s cause. Mary L. Henderson, had heard about throughout his childhood. would bring 6,000 men, munitions, ships and only six foreigners to have been made an hon- Director of the Lafayette (Louisiana) Natural The childless Washington nicknamed money. Washington credits Lafayette with orary American citizen. On post-Revolution History Museum says that at this point in his Lafayette “The Boy,” and their lifelong obtaining this aid, which Washington currency, Lafayette’s face was on more bills young life, he was idealistic, ripe and ready for friendship began. believed would assure success. than anyone’s but George Washington’s. As we his “adolescent big adventure.” At first, Washington kept Lafayette away Washington and Rochambeau moved south celebrate the 250th anniversary of his birth Lafayette contacted Silas Deane, an from the front lines. Eventually, succumbing from New York to join Lafayette, whose with exhibitions around the country, including American in France unofficially raising sup- to pressure from Lafayette, Washington let troops had chased Cornwallis to Yorktown. one at the New-York Historical Society, it is port for the Revolution. Deane, aware of him fight at the Battle of Brandywine in Meanwhile, the French fleet sailed into the appropriate to ask, “What was so special about Lafayette’s wealth and connections, gave him 1777. Although the Americans were out- Chesapeake Bay, and the siege began. The him?” a letter of recommendation for George numbered, Lafayette rode into the fray, rally- trapped British accepted defeat, but Lafayette Most people know that Lafayette helped Washington and the commission of major ing his men. He was shot in the leg but insisted that they wait for Washington so he the American Revolution, but few realize that general. stayed to organize a disciplined retreat, earn- could accept their surrender. The United this wealthy and privileged French aristocrat Lafayette bought a ship, the Victoire, and ing the soldiers’ respect. States was finally independent, and Lafayette risked his fortune, his freedom and his life to readied to sail with about 18 soldiers. Yet both Washington had his personal physician care could return home to France. help our country, for no personal gain. He King Louis XVI and Adrienne’s father forbade for Lafayette’s injury. Soon, despite a limp, Lafayette impressed the Americans with came here as a teenager who spoke no him to go. Lafayette sent the Victoire to Lafayette insisted on being redeployed. his courage and character. He had risked English, leaving his beloved, pregnant wife in Spain, risking execution. He sailed for Washington began referring to Lafayette as everything for a cause in which he had noth- France. Although he suffered terribly from America, leaving his loving Adrienne, their his “adopted son” and sponsored his member- ing to gain and everything to lose, for a for- seasickness, he endured a two-month voyage daughter, and a secure position in society. ship in the American branch of the Masons. eign country whose culture and religion he just to help a group of ragtag renegades rebel Frequently seasick on the seven-week voy- Later that year, Lafayette endured the infa- did not share. While Lafayette’s status as a against one of the most powerful nations on age, Lafayette wrote Adrienne, saying, “The mously harsh winter at Valley Forge. There, hero in France would wax and wane, the earth, a rebellion that seemed destined to fail. good fortune of America is closely tied to the troops suffered appallingly—lack of clothing newly independent Americans would not Why did Lafayette join the American good fortune of all humanity... She is going and shoes caused frostbite and amputations, forget his sacrifices. Revolution, and why is he considered such a to become the deserving and sure refuge of and the army often went without food. hero? virtue, of honesty, of tolerance, of equality, Lafayette could have bought a warm, fur- F. Seidenbaum’s article “Why Lafayette?” will Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du and of a tranquil liberty.” nished house near the front, but chose to live continue in the May issue of WestView. WestViewThe New Voice of the West Village 69 Charles Street, New York, NY 10014 May 2008

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