TBA Protests Design of Pedestrian Walkway at East 54Th Street, Part Of

Turtle Bay News A Publication of the Turtle Bay Association February 2018 Vol. 61, No. 1

TBA Protests Design of Pedestrian TBA Supports ERFA in Walkway at East 54th Street, Part of Plans Fight to Stop Mega- Tower on East 58th Street for East River Esplanade The fate of the mega-tower currently be- he Manhattan Waterfront Greenway ing built at 430 East 58th Street is unclear. Tembraces the island in an almost con- The story presents a tangled web of issues tinuous path that runs from West 118th that typify community opposition to Big Street in Inwood, south along the Hudson, Real Estate, with the involvement of the around the Battery, and north along the city’s bureaucracy. The moral: prepare for East River. The Greenway affords New a long, hard fight, expect the unexpected, Yorkers the pleasures of water views while and don’t give up. walking, jogging, biking or just relaxing. In early December, the East River 50s Alli- A gap in the Greenway lies along the ance (ERFA) announced success in rezoning the Sutton area to exclude out-of-scale Thursday, December 21, 2017 development. Despite a Stop Work Order The Greenway Bridge (SWO) from the Department of Buildings Two Bridges: One Much Too Far, The (DOB), Other Just Right! Gamma Real Estate, continued construct- One span pursues a tortuous, serpentine ing a super-tall building based on the origi- route from East 54th Street, looping sky- ward, destroying the Sutton Place Park nal plans, which are not compliant with the in its haste to plunge back to earth at the East River between 38th and 61st streets. new law. FDR Drive in a double zig-zag. Gone is Called the “East River Esplanade” or “East Rather than submit new plans as required, the privacy of those who live here. There River Greenway,” it is scheduled for con- has to be a better solution. Gamma has appealed to the city’s Board of struction in 2019 and the city has commit- Standards and Appeals (BSA) holding that Another span, however, adopts a com- ted $100 million to its completion. mon-sense path. It starts inboard at 53rd it began work on the foundation prior to Street, not 54th, taking a straight line Plans include a pedestrian walkway, or the new zoning, and so the project should thence to the FDR Drive, which it bridg- bridge, over the northern part of Clara Cof- be grandfathered – allowed to be built ac- es directly. At the outboard side of the fey Park at 54th Street and York Avenue. cording to the original plans. Among the FDR Drive, it follows the Drive, serving both it and the Esplanade. Here is the The TBA has protested the bridge’s design considerations is the extent of progress on ideal solution. The park is spared. Pri- and location, and provided an alternative the foundation at the time the new law was vacy is assured. solution (see box at left). adopted on November 30, 2017, an issue The Turtle Bay Association thereby sup- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Community Board continued on page 4 ports the second design. It is simpler and 6 and Sutton Area Community have pro- does the job for which it was intended. tested the bridge's proposed location as a Bruce Silberblatt hindrance to the park. In a letter to the New Chair, Zoning & Land Use Committee Event Calendar The Turtle Bay Association York City Economic Development Corpo- ration, Maloney called on the NYCEDC to This resolution was emailed to Council Mem- Love Thy relocate the bridge to East 53rd Street, and ber Ben Kallos, Manhattan 5th District and Neighborhood to include the community in further plan- Dan Garodnick, (former) Council Member, Valentine Party Manhattan 4th District. Copies sent to NYC ning. Economic Development Corporation; NYC Monday, February 12, 6:30 pm The TBA will provide news on our web- Council; Manhattan Community Board 6; Pescatore site, in e-bulletins, and in future issues of Manhattan Community Board 8; Cannon 955 Second Avenue (50/51) Point/45 Sutton Place South, Sutton Area the Turtle Bay News as this story contin- $45, Members Only Community. ues to unfold.

Turtle Bay Association • 224 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017 • (p) 212-751-5465 • (f) 212-751-4941 • [email protected] • turtlebay-nyc.org TBA Who’s Who Newsworthy Notes Turtle Bay Association New Bill Adjusts Rent Tax for Small nity Boards are the most grass roots form 224 East 47th Street New York, NY 10017 Businesses of local government, each composed of Phone: 212-751-5465 The city recently announced a new bill 50 volunteer members serving staggered Fax: 212-751-4941 that makes changes to the Commercial two-year terms. The Boards are pivotal in Email: [email protected] Rent Tax (CRT) aimed at helping the city’s shaping their communities and they work Website: www.turtlebay-nyc.org to enhance and preserve the character of small businesses succeed. Check our Bulletin Board: their neighborhoods. Apply online at man- Effective July 1, 2018, the threshold for East side of Second Avenue hattanbp.nyc.gov/CBapply. Manhattan’s CRT for businesses with in- between 48th and 49th Streets, come up to $5 million will increase from outside wall of supermarket. $250,000 to $500,000 annual rent, with 31st Annual Holiday Toy Board of Directors the benefit provided on a sliding scale for Drive a Success businesses with income between $5 mil- Officers The TBA’s Toy Drive and Holiday Party President: William E. Curtis lion and $10 million or paying $500,000 was a great success. Old and new friends to $550,000 in rent. In total, the move Secretary: Mary Marangi arrived with toys and winter clothing to Treasurer: Dick Irwin reduces taxes for 2,700 small businesses, benefit The Single Parent Resource Cen- Vice Presidents: Millie Margiotta including 1,800 that will no longer pay ter, Inc. Donations were also made to the Dolores Marsh, Bruce Silberblatt the tax at all. Under this move, the aver- Vanderbilt Y Scholarship Fund and God's Directors age business owner will receive between Love We Deliver. Guests enjoyed drinks $11,300 and $13,000 in annual tax relief. Ethel Bendove, Bunny Blei, and appetizers served in style at Parnell’s Meryl Brodsky, Orin Buck, This represents the first change to the CRT Bar and Restaurant. We thank our mem- Paul Crawford, William E. Curtis, since 2001 and specifically targets Manhat- bers and neighbors for their generosity. Lee Frankel, Phyllis Gitomer, tan’s mom-and-pop shops and small busi- Vivian Gordon, Denise Hamilton, Marie-Louise Handal, Bill Huxley, nesses with 99 percent of the benefit going Turtle Bay Featured in The to businesses with only one or two taxable Dick Irwin, Florence Kelly, locations. Former Council Member Dan New York Times Mary F. Marangi, Millie Margiotta, Mark P. Markowski, Dolores Marsh, Garodnick actively supported the bill prior The New York Times ran an inclusive re- Pat McDougald, Michael Resnick, to leaving office at the end of 2017. port about Turtle Bay, online on January Carol Rinzler, Bruce Silberblatt 10, and again in print on January 14. Re- TBA Congratulates Hollister, New Honorary Emeritus porter Julie Lasky covered all facets of Board Chair of CB6 Jonathan Bing, the neighborhood, from its history to its At the December 2017 Full Board meet- Barbara Connolly ing, a special election for a new Board landmarks, ambience, diversity, celebri- ties, housing prices, restaurants and parks. Ex Officio Chair was held in which Molly Hollister Gale Brewer, Ben Kallos, The TBA was featured prominently in its was unanimously elected, following previ- Liz Krueger, Carolyn Maloney, ous chair Rick Eggers. Claude L. Winfield, successful mission, since 1957, to keep the Keith Powers, Dan Quart who stepped in as Acting Chair, will return neighborhood as a desirable, friendly and to his position as First Vice Chair. convenient place to live. Community Calendar The article, headlined, “Turtle Bay, Man- Applications Available to Join 17th Precinct Community Council hattan: The Convenience of Midtown, at a Open Meeting Community Board 6 Relatively Affordable Price,” was upbeat Last Tuesday every month, 6 pm The Manhattan Borough President's office and realistic. It should help boost business Sutton Place Synagogue is now accepting applications for Com- in the neighborhood and, possibly, position 225 East 51st Street munity Board membership. New York- Turtle Bay as even more of a magnet than 212-826-3228 ers living, working or studying in one of it already is. (No meetings July, August, December) Manhattan’s 12 Community Board dis- Community Board 6 tricts are encouraged to apply. Commu- Welcome Full Board Meeting New Business Member Second Wednesday every month, 7 pm Marjorie Borell NYU Medical Center Editorial Team Associate Broker 550 First Avenue Editor: Lee Frankel Akam Sales and Brokerage 212-319-3750 Layout: Hilary Black Mobile: 917-837-3761 Now live online at Office: 646-329-1169 x1195 Photographs: Lee Frankel http://wp.cbsix.org/live [email protected]

2 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org Fraud Prevention Tips from the NYPD How to Dispose of Criminals have fig- Number, driver’s license or telephone Unwanted Medicines ured out how to de- numbers on your check. Go to a Take-Back fraud individuals and • Review your bank statement within 30 Location their financial insti- days of receipt to detect any irregulari- This is the safest and most tutions using blank ties. Otherwise, you might become li- environmentally protective checks taken from check books, canceled able for any losses due to check fraud. way to dispose of unused checks found in the garbage, or checks • Don’t leave blank spaces on the payee drugs. The Duane Reade at mailed to pay bills. and amount lines of your checks. 949 Third Avenue (57th Street) is a listed Here are steps you can take to block crimi- • Unless needed for tax purposes, de- take-back location. nal actions. stroy old canceled checks, account Many CVS Pharmacy, Rite-Aid and Wal- • Use a Gel pen, like the Uni-Ball 207. statements, deposit tickets and ATM greens locations offer the Sharps Com- receipts. A cross-cut shredder does the The gel ink contains tiny particles of pliance Inc. medication disposal system, color that are trapped by the paper, job. which allows customers to mail their un- making check washing much more dif- • Don’t make checks payable to “cash.” wanted prescription and over-the-counter ficult. If lost or stolen, the check can be cashed medications to Sharp Compliance's Texas • Do not mail bills through your mailbox by anyone. facility for disposal. Check at the phar- at night. Criminals can remove checks For more information contact the 17th Pre- macy counter to purchase postage-paid from mailboxes. The post office is the cinct Crime Prevention at 212-826-3224, envelopes or boxes for this mail-back. best place to mail checks. or email [email protected]. Controlled substances are excluded from • Secure your checks. Never leave your the program. check book in your vehicle or out in the open. At Home • Limit the amount of personal informa- Donate Your This applies both to prescription and over- tion when you fill in a check. For exam- Gently-Used Clothing, the-counter drugs. Do not bring drugs such ple, do not include your Social Security Suitcases, Small Appliances, as Oxycontin and Fentanyl. Kitchen Utensils and • Do not flush drugs down the drain or toi- Help Homeless Women let, they contaminate the water supply. 17th Precinct Crime Statistics Find a New Start • Mix medicines (do not crush tablets or capsules) with material like dirt, used Report Covering The New Providence Women’s coffee grounds or kitty litter. January 1 – 7, 2018 Shelter has assisted homeless Year to Date women, since 1998. It supports 130 • Do not dispose of narcotic drugs (e.g., 2018 2017 % Chg. women, age 18 and over, with a Oxycontin) and controlled substances safe place to live and the services in the trash. They can be retrieved and Murder 0 0 --. needed to help overcome addic- used, even after mixing with unpleas- Rape 0 0 --. tion and/or mental illness, and to ant materials. Robbery 0 1 -100.00 secure and stabilize their lives. • Place in a container such as a sealed Felony Assault 2 2 0.00 The shelter is funded by the New plastic bag. Burglary 1 0 --. York City Department of Home- • Mark “Not Recyclable-Disposal Only.” Grand Larceny 7 12 -41.70 less Services (DHS), which manag- • Discard with regular garbage. es 12 city-run and more than 200 Grand Larceny Auto 0 2 -100.00 • Scratch out all personal information on privately-run shelter facilities in the Total 10 17 -41.18 city. prescription labels of empty pill bot- Transit 1 1 --. ______tles and packaging to make it unread- Housing 0 0 --. Help someone find a job, a home, able. Then dispose of the container. Petit Larceny 14 9 55.60 and a good life. Donate your used Many plastic pill bottles are recyclable Misd. Assault 7 3 133.30 clothing. in NYC. Misd. Sex Crimes 0 0 --. Bring donations directly SAFE Disposal Events Shooting Vic. 0 0 --. to the shelter. At intervals throughout the year, the De- Shooting Inc. 0 0 --. New Providence Women’s Shelter partment of Sanitation holds events where From 17th Precinct Website 225 E. 45th Street old medications are collected. Look for Prepared by the NYPD CompStat Unit. Maria Villanueva dates on the city’s website. Crime statistics reflect New York State Penal Law definitions Recreational Therapist and differ from the crime categories to the F.B.I. Uniform Crime Reporting System. All degrees of rape are included in the rape (212) 661-8934 There are many available sources for fur- category. All figures are subject to further analysis and revision. ther information on the Internet. www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 3 Spotlight on Local Business

Éclair: A Genuine French no vacation since he launched Éclair. “This Bakery in Turtle Bay is my destiny,” he says, “I love it.” By Lee Frankel And you can taste the love when you eat If you haven’t yet been to Éclair, the cozy his wonderful pastries. My first problem bakery and cof- was choosing from the wide array of per- fee shop, at fectly baked and finished goods on display, some finely decorated and filled, others 305 East 53rd “plainer,” like beignets, turnovers, choco- Street, it’s well late chip cookies and many more. worth a visit. baking at home to the displeasure of his Why wait when mother, who had to clean up. I was snapping pictures, when a customer ordering a variety of items, told me, “I such delicious Chef Pourrez opened Éclair four years ago, and authenti- am French, and I guarantee this is good.” bringing with him extensive French culi- cally French baked goods are available Now I, too, can make this guarantee: I just nary training and restaurant experience, in- here in our own neighborhood? finished two inexpressibly delicious jam- cluding a stint as head waiter at the storied filled beignets. Stop by Éclair, meet Chef As I entered Éclair, I Moulin Rouge. Pourrez, and indulge a little. New Yorkers could see Chef Ste- deserve as much enjoyment as the French. phane Pourrez and The energy and dedication needed by a his assistants at work pastry chef and bakery owner is clear as in the spotless, open he moves around kitchen. I was wel- the kitchen. His comed with a cup days begin at of coffee, and soon Chef Pourrez joined five o’clock in me. His career began in a Paris suburb at the morning; he the advanced age of eight, when he began has had almost

Stop Mega Tower continued from page 1 ing, the BSA generally requires a great deal of information to be provided by the that ERFA believes will be central to the applicant and conducts public hearings be- BSA’s finding. Grand Central Library fore making a decision. In a further twist, ERFA discovered that, Community opponents, however, will not Thanks TBA despite the zoning change, the DOB has be backing down. ERFA, supported by Recently, the TBA was pleased to receive a partially rescinded its SWO and has given Council Member Ben Kallos of Manhat- thank-you from the Grand Central Library, Gamma permission to perform additional tan’s 4th Council District, Community which we support as a keystone public cul- work on the 58th Street building’s foun- Board 8, Sutton Area Community and tural resource in Turtle Bay. dation. In response to questions, the DOB the Turtle Bay Association are will work explained to Council Member Ben Kallos Library Manager Will Hall wrote telling to stop Gamma and achieve a building us how our support helped the library en- that the additional work was authorized in compliant with the new zoning and with order to stabilize the buildings next to the hance its offerings with additional paid the community’s desire for a livable and programs: adult crafts, the return of a construction site, but that the new founda- pleasant neighborhood. tion work was unlikely to help Gamma Mixed Media Art workshop and popular with its BSA ap- In an update on December 31, ERFA Presi- sing-alongs. peal. dent Alan Kersh stated that “ERFA will be The library was also able to expand healthy a very strong voice for this neighborhood The story will living programs, including meditation and in opposition to BSA approval of Gam- mindfulness, Tai Chi, Jujitsu and Reverse not end anytime ma’s request.” soon. Gamma’s Gravity Training. The TBA also assisted BSA appeal has Look for continuing coverage of this story with a presentation at the Greenmarket in just begun and on the TBA’s website and in future issues Dag Hammarskjold Plaza of “Naked Nu- has a long way of the Turtle Bay News. Readers can find trition – Eating Healthy on a Budget.” to go. In evalu- further details at erfa.nyc. We thank the Grand Central Library in ating requests This article is based upon reports by Alan turn, for the timely and varied program- Image from ERFA website. for grandfather- Kersh, President of ERFA. ming it provides for neighbors of all ages.

4 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org Arts & Culture Turtle Bay Music School At this talk, Sunday, May 13, 3 pm Steve Ryfle, Patterns in a Chromatic Field (1981) by 244 East 52nd Street scholar of Morton Feldman. This 80-minute odyssey 212-753-8811 tbms.org Japanese offers an opportunity for contemplation, Free Artist Series Concerts science fiction as cello and Fridays, 7 - 8 pm cinema and piano explore Em Lee Concert Hall author of a different March 2 biography of Honda, draws back the curtain degrees of on the man behind the monsters. Tickets: stasis and Deborah Auer, Jazz Vocals. Faculty $14/$11 Japan Society members, seniors patterns member Auer and her band of NYC jazz and students. of harmony and color – a late work by greats present their annual Feldman, a composer associated with “Jazz and Cocktails” the New York School of John Cage and performance, an evening of Christian Wolff. Performed by noted swinging and heartfelt jazz St. Bart’s musicians, cellist Stephen Marotto and from standards to bebop, 325 Park Avenue at 51st Street pianist Marilyn Nonken. $25 general including readings of texts Purchase tickets at http://mmpaf.org or box admission; $15 students/seniors by Jim Neu, Shakespeare and Keats. Free. office, 212-378-0248. March 23 Great Music Ribeiro Folkoric Traditions of Brazil. Sunday, March 4, 2:30 pm St. Peter’s Church Faculty members Nick Birmelin, percussion The Apple Hill String Quartet. 619 Lexington Avenue/54th Street and composer, and Quenia Ribeiro, dancer saintpeters.org and choreographer per- Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 pm form. Beloved ensemble Portals to the Divine Radiance from Wednesdays, 1 - 2 pm Grupo Ribeiro present the North. Choral music, by Northern Sanctuary the folkloric traditions of European composers, offering a testament Mid-day Jazz for the Midtown Brazil with a program of of faith and a glimpse into a transcendent Community. The church, in partnership new compositions and world. The program with the Midtown Arts Common, hosts a choreography. Free. will feature works popular weekly jazz by Eriks Ešenvalds, April 20 concert featuring Edvard Grieg, Larry Weng, piano. well-regarded artists. Ola Gjeilo and Faculty member Weng Programming is Jan Sandström. presents an explorative overseen by jazz pianist Performed by St. Ronny Whyte. Nominal program of composers’ Bartholomew’s later works with his donation requested at Choir, William K. the door. performance of “The Late Trafka, conductor. $35 general admission; Style.” Free. $25 students/seniors. Tuesday, April 17, 7 pm The Dorian Wind Quintet, An Evening Japan Society of Jazz. The quintet will perform a Leave a Legacy 333 East 47th Street compelling to the TBA 212-832-1155 japansociety.org program of Call or visit website for Box Office jazz works Recently, we received a bequest and Gallery hours. Gallery Admission: including from the trust of Irene Newton, $12; students and seniors $10; members Gershwin’s a 50-year resident of Turtle and children under 16 free. Free to all Three Bay. Her trustee wrote, “It was on Friday nights, 6 pm - 9 pm. Preludes, Gunther [Irene’s] hope that this will allow TALKS+ Schuller’s Blues, Billy Childs’ Fugue in you to continue to [do the] work Wednesday, February 21, 6:30 pm Perpetual Motion, and Lalo Schiffrin’s La she believed was so important Directing Godzilla: The Life of Nouvelle Orleans. With Gretchen Pusch, to the community.” Filmmaker Ishiro Honda. A long- flute; Gerard Reuter, oboe; Benjamin overlooked talent, Ishiro Honda is now Fingland, clarinet; Adrian Morejon, Consider the TBA in making considered one of the most influential bassoon; Karl Kramer-Johansen, horn. $25 your plans. directors in Japanese cinematic history. general admission; $15 students/seniors. www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 5 The Turtle Bay Association is Online Visit for the latest news in the community at turtlebay-nyc.org and on Facebook Recent Achievements • Worked with our City Councilmember to revise the East Midtown Rezoning to prevent out-of- scale buildings along east Third Avenue, between 46th and 51st streets. • Supported the passage of a new law that changed the Commercial Rent Tax to help small businesses succeed. • Hired the Doe Fund Men in Blue to keep Second Avenue clean. • Placed large, new trash cans on corners to prevent litter.

What We’re Doing Now • Fighting to redesign and relocate part of the planned East River Greenway to preserve a park and the character of the neighborhood. • Collaborating with other neighborhood groups to prevent super-tall construction that blocks the sun and sky. • Supporting public and neighborhood resources: Grand Central Library, Vanderbilt Y Scholarship Fund and Single Parent Resource Center, Inc. • Sponsoring annual community events that bring neighbors together, including the Love Thy Neighborhood Valentine Party; Katharine Hepburn Garden Party; Street Fair; annual Holiday Toy Drive. • Working with elected representatives, Community Board 6 and other citizen groups on public issues that affect our neighborhood. Join or Renew Your Membership Invite neighbors to join the TBA

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 � Business $40 � Benefactor $100 � Pacesetter $250 Name Address Name______City/State/Zip Address______Apt______Phone City/State/Zip______Home Phone______Work Phone______Enclosed is my check for $_____ for ___ book/s, 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: Please make your check payable to Turtle Bay Association. Turtle Bay Association, 224 East 47th Street, Mail to: Turtle Bay Association, 224 E. 47th St., New York, NY 10017 New York, NY 10017 or apply online at turtlebay-nyc.org Sales proceeds benefit the Turtle Bay Association.

6 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org