Turtle Bay News A Publication of the Turtle Bay Association April 2017 Vol. 60, No. 2 Fights for Light Against Current Version of East Side Rezoning Plan he Greenacre Foundation has mobi- the proposed Midtown East Side Rezon- lized the “Fight for Light” on behalf ing plan. of Greenacre Park to preserve the T Greenacre Park is situated on park’s sunlight. The goal is to prevent between Second and Third Avenues and the onset of shadows that would darken is one of only three “vest-pocket” parks the space in the afternoon if develop- in City. The singular outdoor ment of several taller buildings is per- space – about the size of a tennis court – mitted, to the south, through adoption of was designed for maximum beauty and function by internationally acclaimed landscape architects Sasaki Associates. It has become a beloved haven for those moveable tables and chairs, and an out- who live and work in Turtle Bay. door cafe. The space even accommodates First opened in 1971 through the efforts nature; the sight of sparrows indulging of the late Mrs. Jean Mauzé, the former in a daily bath where water runs into a Abby Rockefeller, the park features a granite basin is a delight. Today, the care 25-foot-high waterfall sculpted from of the park remains “in the family” in huge granite blocks, honey locust trees, that Ms. Mauze’s granddaughter, Gail lush plantings, sunny seating areas with continued on page 3

Jay A. Litwin, 40-Year Chairman of 17th Precinct Event Calendar Community Council, Retires Katharine Hepburn Birthday Party A celebratory crowd of police officers and Saturday, May 13, 1 - 3 pm community residents gathered at the 17th Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Precinct, on March 23, to celebrate Jay A. (47/Second) Litwin’s achievements as Chairman of the Entertainment and Garden Tour Free Coffee and Birthday Cake 17th Precinct Community Council. After a ______record, event-filled 40-year term of service Sing For Hope Piano in the post, Jay has officially retired. The Painted by Artist gathering coincided with Jay’s birthday June 7 through June 27 and afforded the opportunity for tributes Dag Hammarskjold Plaza and walks down memory lane by those (47/Second) ______who know Jay and have worked with him Jay Litwin accepts plaque from TBA Director over the years. A custom-made bench with Bunny Blei. TBA Spring Street Fair a plaque was dedicated to Jay and now sits Saturday, June 24, 10 am - 5 pm police and community residents and lead- in the 17th Precinct where it will be seen Proceeds go to charity. ers, clergy, and business owners. As part , 42nd - 54th Streets and put to good use every day. of the NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau Rain or Shine The NYPD’s Community Councils were their mission is to establish and maintain established in 1943. Today, there are 86 relationships and open lines of communica- councils throughout the five boroughs that tion with the community; address questions act as conduits of information between the continued on page 3

Turtle Bay Association • 224 East , New York, NY 10017 • (p) 212-751-5465 • (f) 212-751-4941 • [email protected] • turtlebay-nyc.org Recent News from Elected TBA Who’s Who Newsworthy Notes Officials Turtle Bay Association Sing For Hope Piano Coming to Dag 224 East 47th Street Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney New York, NY 10017 Hammarskjold Plaza Introduced a bill Phone: 212-751-5465 A unique artist-painted piano will reside designed to in- Fax: 212-751-4941 in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, watched crease loan oppor- Email: [email protected] over by a “piano buddy,” and available for tunities for small Website: www.turtlebay-nyc.org visitors of all ages to play. The piano will businesses in de- Check our Bulletin Board: be one of 50 to 60 such pianos placed in veloping commu- East side of Second Avenue public spaces throughout the city and in- nities. If passed as between 48th and 49th Streets, dividually painted by a professional and drafted, the Invest- outside wall of supermarket. emerging artist. The piano will stay in the ing in America’s park from June 6 through June 27 and will Small Businesses then be donated to a city school. Act of 2017 would Board of Directors Sing for Hope’s programs aim to bring provide grants to Officers the power of the arts to under-resourced Community De- President: William E. Curtis Secretary: Mary Marangi communities, including schoolchil- velopment Financial Institutions (CD- Treasurer: Dick Irwin dren, health care patients, veterans, FIs) to establish loan-loss reserve funds for small business loans under $50,000. Vice Presidents: Millie Margiotta seniors and the disabled. Dolores Marsh, Bruce Silberblatt This year, Sing for Hope President Trump’s recent budget proposal is working with the New would cut all grant funding from the CDFI Directors Ethel Bendove, Bunny Blei, York City Department of Fund. “This is not the time to cut funding Meryl Brodsky, Orin Buck, Education. for CDFIs; it’s a time to expand,” Malo- ney said. Paul Crawford, William E. Curtis, To learn more and help make this an an- Lee Frankel, Phyllis Gitomer, nual city event visit singforhope.org Senator Liz Krueger Vivian Gordon, Denise Hamilton, Marie-Louise Handal, Bill Huxley, Co-sponsor of an Dick Irwin, Florence Kelly, initiative to enact a Mary F. Marangi, Millie Margiotta, Sing-Along reproductive health Mark P. Markowski, Dolores Marsh, act and to create a Pat McDougald, Michael Resnick, Leader Wanted new article of the Carol Rinzler, Bruce Silberblatt by Public Health Law Honorry Emeriti Grand Central (PHL) that revises Barbara Connolly Library Branch existing provisions relating to abortion. Would you enjoy leading a The bill in its current form upholds “… Community Calendar regular informal sing-along? comprehensive reproductive health care, 17th Precinct Community Council including contraception and abortion, [a] A recent sing-along at Open Meeting s a fundamental component of a woman's the library left participants Last Tuesday every month, 6 pm health, privacy and equality. The proposed wanting more. bill declares that it is the public policy of 225 East 51st Street If interested, please contact: New York State that every individual pos- 212-826-3228 Laura Stein sesses a fundamental right of privacy and (No meetings July, August, December) Adult Librarian equality with respect to their personal re- Grand Central Library continued on page 4 135 E. 46th St., Community Board 6 New York, NY 10017 Full Board Meeting 212-621-0670 Second Wednesday every month, Email: [email protected] Welcome 7 pm New Business Member NYU Medical Center 550 ♦ Shih Lee Good Eats 212-319-3750 Editorial Committee 311 East 45th Street Now live online at Editor: Lee Frankel Tel: 917-903-2888 http://wp.cbsix.org/live Layout: Hilary Black www.shihlee.com Photographs: Vivian Gordon 20% Discount with TBA card

2 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org Greenacre Park continued from page 1 “The sunshine makes an indispensable Caulkins, oversees its operations as the contribution to the park’s unique appeal.” President of the Greenacre Foundation. Fight for Light is focusing on building “Greenacre Park has provided innumer- public awareness of the issue, and in- able moments of welcome serenity and cludes the launch of a website, the un- escape for residents, families, visitors, veiling of Facebook, Twitter, and Insta- and local workers,” says Ms. Caulkins. gram channels, outreach to local media, and ongoing communications with city officials.

The campaign is making an impact. “cannot afford to allow development un- Through the efforts of park supporters, der the East Midtown rezoning proposal Community Board 6 adopted a resolu- to cast such an important resource as tion on March 8 calling upon the City Greenacre Park in additional shadow.” Council to modify the rezoning plan so that the park’s sunlight could be pre- And while it is premature to predict the served. Advocates also attracted the sup- final outcome of the rezoning plan, the port of a prominent ally when they were message seems to be getting through. joined by the Municipal Arts Society in More information about Greenacre Park pushing for mitigating measures. In a and the Fight for Light is available at March 7 letter to Community Board 6, GreenacrePark.org, Facebook, Twitter the Society said that the neighborhood and Instagram.

Jay Litwin Retires continued from page 1 volved. Open meetings take place on the and concerns; and work to improve the last Tuesday of the month (except July, Board at Work quality of life in neighborhoods. The Com- August and December), at 6 p.m., at Sutton  Working with advocacy groups for the munity Councils gather intelligence, dispel Place Synagogue, 225 East 51st Street. The preservation of Turtle Bay in light of the rumors, disseminate accurate information precinct is comprised of , proposed East Side Rezoning Plan. and collaborate with other city agencies Kips Bay, Midtown East, Murray Hill, Sut-  Tracking development plans and construc- ton Place, and Turtle Bay. The tion at building sites in Turtle Bay and in and community-based organizations. They nearby . help raise awareness and ensure that the 17th Precinct is located at 167 East 51st Street, 212-826-3211.  Maintaining connections with the federal, needs of the community are reported and state and city elected officials who represent addressed. Those who serve on Commu- us. nity Councils are volunteers who give their  Collaborating with local representative time and effort, and are committed to the agencies, such as Community Board 6, to betterment of their communities. support community initiatives.  Working with the 17th Precinct and 17th Matt Roberts is the incoming Chairman of Precinct Community Council on safety and the 17th Precinct Community Council. quality-of-life issues.  The TBA has a longtime, active relation- Raising funds for nonprofits that serve the neighborhood. ship with the precinct. A number of our  Bringing neighbors together at events members are involved and regularly attend throughout each year. council meetings. We encourage neighbor- hood residents to attend and become in-

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Matt Roberts, incoming Chairman of the 17th 57th & First First Friday 9-10 am Precinct Community Council, presents gift of Design of plaque presented to Jay Litwin by 57th & Third First Friday 10:30-11:30 am crystal decanter to Jay Litwin. the TBA. www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 3 Elected Officialsc ontinued from page 2 productive decisions.” Krueger has stated Spotlight on Local Business that “Complex and personal decisions about reproductive health care are the Morning Star Café sole right and responsibility of a woman 949 Second Avenue (50/51) and her medical providers.” New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-588-1050 Assembly Member Dan Quart Fax: 212-355-6069 Joined 34 fellow as- Email: [email protected] sembly members in Web: http://morningstaronsecond.com supporting the New Open 24 hours, Sundays until 10 p.m. York State Council 10% discount with TBA member card on the Arts’ proposal Morning Star Café: A Favorite to revive the Gover- Neighborhood Destination nor's Award for Arts If you’re not yet a Morning Star regular, By Lee Frankel and Culture. The I recommend becoming one. In the morn- award, established There are good reasons why family-owned ing, choose from time-honored breakfast in 1966 and ending in 2001, honored indi- Morning Star Café has been a favored dishes. At mid-day, lunch features six fresh viduals and institutions who made extraor- destination for almost twenty years. This soups, classic burgers, sandwiches, salads, dinary contributions to the cultural life of classic Greek (and thoroughly New York- French fries and home fries that deliver New York State. In a letter to Governor American) diner attracts a crowd Cuomo, assembly members said, “New of residents, nearby workers, York's arts sector supports hundreds of tourists, and late-night and ear- thousands of jobs across the state and has ly-morning diners who count on an economic impact of millions of dollars freshly prepared and delicious flowing through our coffers each year.” food, generous portions, friend- We strongly support the New York State ly service and a huge menu to Council on the Arts’ proposal to revitalize choose from at any hour when the Governor's Award for Arts and Culture hunger strikes. and ask you to reinstate it in 2017. The family Vavilis is a classic New York immigrant success story. Steven Vavilis came here from Greece when he was 17, 17th Precinct Crime Statistics with no English and no restaurant Report Covering the Week skills. Joining relatives already 4/3/17 through 4/9/17 in the restaurant business, Steve learned satisfaction, as do the full dinners of fish, Year to Date the trade. In 1998, he and his brother Mi- steak, roast chicken, pasta and Greek spe- 2017 2016 % Chg. chael opened Morning Star Café, naming cialties. At Sunday brunch you can select Murder 0 0 ***.**. it after their sister Ploumou whom Steve from a list of 40 omelets, or design your Rape 1 0 ***.**. had always called his “Morning Star.” own. If you like a drink with your meal, Morning Star also offers a selection of beer Robbery 0 0 ***.**. Steve Vavilis passed away in 2015, and his and wine. Personally, I like the desserts. I Felony Assault 0 1 -100.00 son George is now at the helm, upholding the tradition of good food and good service recently enjoyed the happily not-too-sweet Burglary 0 0 ***.**. launched by his father and uncle. apple pie with a cinnamon-scented crumb Grand Larceny 12 11 9.10 topping. And you don’t need Grand Larceny Auto 0 0 ***.**. to look at the clock; you can Total 13 12 8.33 have whatever you want, at Transit 0 0 ***.**. any hour – eat in, take-out, or Housing 0 0 ***.**. order for delivery. Petit Larceny 13 6 116.70 Morning Star Café has been Misd. Assault 9 3 200.00 featured in Time Out New Misd. Sex Crimes 0 0 ***.**. York, and on the websites Shooting Vic. 0 0 ***.**. Yelp and Facebook, where Shooting Inc. 0 0 ***.**. happy customers have posted From 17th Precinct Website many positive reviews.

4 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org Arts & Culture Turtle Bay Music School Common, hosts a popular weekly jazz concert St. Bart’s featuring well-regarded artists. Programming 244 East is overseen by jazz pianist Ronny Whyte. 325 at 51st Street 212-753-8811 tbms.org Purchase tickets at http://mmpaf.org or box Jazz on the Plaza office, 212-378-0248. Free Artist Series Concerts Thursdays 12:30 pm, Fridays, 7 - 8 pm May through August Music at St. Bart’s Em Lee Concert Hall Free and open to the public. Wednesday, May 17, 7:30 pm Concerts followed by meet-the-artist receptions Dates in May feature jazz groups from area The Dalton Chorale: Carmina Burana. catered by Whole Foods Market. RSVP to colleges and performing arts high schools. Under the direction of David Shuler, The [email protected] or call 212-753-8811. Audiences enjoy a variety of well-regarded Dalton Chorale will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a performance of Carl May 12 artists. Care is taken to present diverse Orff’s monumental Carmina Burana, in the Deborah Auer, jazz ensembles and styles ranging from small version with accompaniment by two pianos vocalist. Auer returns with trios to large bands. Concerts are a bit an all-star ensemble for her and percussion. The concert will also include longer than an hour and take place outdoors excerpts from popular evening of “Jazz and on the plaza in good weather, and, in case Cocktails.” The Passing of rain, in the sanctuary where food is not of the Year June 2 allowed. by Jonathan Charles Jones, piano. With a celebrated Dove. The performance career span- Chorale ning decades, Jones takes will be the TBMS stage for the first joined by St. time in an evening of solo Bartholomew’s Boy and Girl Choristers. works by Beethoven, De- General admission $30; students/seniors, $20. bussy, and Brahms. Purchase advance tickets online, or call 212- June 9 378-0248. Anna Povich de Mayor, flute.Povich de Mayor closes the spring season with a program of Latin American-inspired works for flute Japan Society Real Estate and Development and string quartet, including 333 East 47th Street Update works by Ginastera, 212-832-1155 japansociety.org Construction is under way on a 63-story, arrangements of Brazilian Call or visit website for Box Office Choros, and her own new and Gallery hours. Gallery Admission: 124-unit mixed-use tower at 138 East compositions. She will be $12; students and seniors $10; members . The latest building permits joined by virtuoso quartet and children under 16 free. Free to all indicate that the tower will encompass Sweet Plantain known for their blend of jazz, on Friday nights, 6 pm - 9 pm. 253,222 square feet and rise to 803 feet. Latin, and classical styles. Completion is expected in 2018. TBMS Community Chorus Exhibition Spring Concert Through June 11 Gamma Real Estate paid $86 million, plus Wednesday, A Third Gender: Beautiful Youths in $12 million for air rights on its acquisition May 31, 7 - 9 pm Japanese Prints. The first exhibition in of the site at 428-432 East 58th Street, in Evening of Song. The North America devoted to the portrayal of Sutton Place. Plans call for a 700-foot-tall wakashu, or beautiful youths, a “third gender” concert is free and open residential tower, designed By Thomas occupying a distinct position in the social to all. A festive reception Juul-Hansen’s firm with Stephen B. Jacobs will follow. and sexual hierarchy of Japan during the Edo period Group as executive architect. (1603- St. Peter’s Church 1868). The DOB has approved the plans for 619 Lexington Avenue/ The 249-253 East 50th Street, which appear saintpeters.org show to comply with the split-lot zoning R10 features and R8B for the site. The western part Mid-day Jazz for the Midtown more (approximately 25 feet wide) will be Community than six stories high – R8B. The eastern part Wednesdays, 1 - 2 pm, 65 woodblock prints, and paintings, luxury (approximately 30 feet wide) will be 17 Sanctuary objects and personal ornaments. It illuminates Nominal donation requested the richness of culture in Edo society, where stories high – C10. The original 17-story at the door. complex rules governed gender constructs. design throughout was rejected by the The church, in partnership Purchase tickets at the Welcome Desk or DOB. The TBA is satisfied with the with the Midtown Arts online in advance. solution. www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 5 Women’s March NYC Begins Walk in Turtle Bay The Women’s March NYC chose Dag streets, ending the protest at as endangered by the policies of the Hammarskjold Plaza and Turtle Bay as the on and . new administration and the conservative meet-up and starting point where marchers The day’s turnout, estimated by the mayor’s majority of legislators in the U.S. Senate gathered, on January 21, the day following office at 400,000, included women, men and House of Representatives. the presidential inauguration of Donald and children of all backgrounds who Follow the Women’s March 2017 on Trump. The high-spirited crowd, many came together to uphold women’s rights, Twitter and Facebook for updates on carrying signs and wearing signature pink equality of opportunity for all citizens, ongoing activities and those of sister hats, snaked their way through Manhattan and the preservation of democracy seen groups across the country.

TBA MEMBERSHIP COUPON BOOK ORDER FORM Manhattan’s Turtle Bay Yes, I want to join the Turtle Bay Association to help support Story of a Midtown Neighborhood our community’s quality of life. A Contemporary History of Turtle Bay Arcadia Publishing • 160 pages; 50 photos Annual Membership Dues $15.00 � Senior $15 � Individual $25 � Family $30 Name � Business $40 � Benefactor $100 � Pacesetter $250 Address Name______City/State/Zip Address______Apt______Phone City/State/Zip______Enclosed is my check for $_____ for ___ book/s, Home Phone______Work Phone______plus $3 per book for postage/handling

Email______Make check payable to: Turtle Bay Association � I would like to become more involved in TBA activities. Mail to: Turtle Bay Association, 224 East 47th Street, Please make your check payable to Turtle Bay Association. New York, NY 10017 Mail to: Turtle Bay Association, 224 E. 47th St., New York, NY 10017 Sales proceeds benefit the Turtle Bay Association.

6 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org