Information That May Be of Interest… July 12, 2021 This Information Is Provided by the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association

Information that may be of interest… July 12, 2021 This information is provided by The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association. We are sharing it as a service to our members. If this notice does not interest you, please disregard it. You can also find these weekly newsletters online in PDF (printable) format at www.murrayhillnyc.org in the News section, look for Weekly Eblasts 2021. Please share this email with a friend, neighbor or colleague. You can sign up for these emails at www.murrayhillnyc.org, scroll down the Also Happening column.

Photo gallery

The celebration of the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks was the first big in-person event in NYC since March 2020. Excited but peaceful crowds, backed-up traffic, honking cars and a large public event-oriented police presence made the city seem almost “normal.”

Join the Plastic-free July challenge The goal is to reduce your single-use plastics usage.

Community Board meetings

Due to the expiration of the NY State Pandemic Emergency Orders, government public meetings must now be held in-person. CB5 and CB6 will maintain their virtual format so that the public may view and participate remotely in the meetings. Our state elected officials are also working on legislation to update the Open Meetings Law to allow for online meetings, but these efforts will take time. You'll hear more about this in the weeks and months ahead.

M101/102/103 Bus Stop reopening at 3rd Avenue and East 34th Street On or about Monday, July 12 to Friday, July 16, 7am - 3:30pm, on the east side of 3rd Avenue at 34th Street, the city contractor will reinstall the bus stop. Please note that although the bus stop will be physically installed the dispatcher may not yet be notified. Notification was sent to the proper agency. Flyer.

37th Street Closed from the FDR Service Road to 1st Avenue Notice July 9, 2021: Community Board 6 was informed late this afternoon that due to urgent work relating to the replacement of a transformer at the Con Edison Substation on 36th Street, effective immediately East 37th Street between the FDR Service Road and 1st Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic. Con Edison aims to complete the work by the end of the month, but the East 37th Street closure could last as long as August 7, 2021. It may also be necessary to close 37th Street to pedestrian and bike traffic at some stage in the future, but CB6 has urged Con Ed to keep pedestrian and bike lane access open as long as it is safe to do so. Additional street closures are expected. As CB6 learns more from Con Ed, they will update the Work Notices section on their website https://cbsix.org, so please consult their website for up to date details.

Hurricane season The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting another above-average hurricane season, which is nearing its peak. Learn about emergency preparedness tips at www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/get-prepared.page.

How you can help

Blood Donations Are Urgently Needed The NYC blood supply is at a very low level. If you want to donate, a nearby blood center is: New York Blood Center - Grand Central (please make an appointment) 115 East 41st Street, 800-933-2566, nybloodcenter.org

NYC’s reopening

Most of the covid restrictions have been lifted in New York State and NYC due to a 70% vaccination rate for adults, a low community rate of infection, and low hospitalizations and deaths. For information about specific NY agencies, check with the agency’s website. Federal guidelines are still in effect. Learn more at the links below.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) covid webpage cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Federal laws and regulations regarding covid cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cdcresponse/laws- regulations.html

CDC Interim Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully- vaccinated.html

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) webpage on covid vaccines fda.gov/emergency- preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines

CDC Guidance for Travelers cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers

U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Travel Guidance for U.S. Citizens travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information1.html

New York State information about reopening, covid rates and zones, vaccination program, covid restrictions and guidance, travel advisory, etc. coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.

New York City covid webpage (for individuals and businesses) www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/index.page.

New York City Department of Health (DOH) covid webpage www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid- 19-main.page

The NYC Citywide Information Portal with resource guides for businesses and individuals, including COVID-specific resource guides for New Yorkers www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/resources/resources-for-new-yorkers.page and 311 portal.311.nyc.gov.

For businesses

Federal resources for small businesses that are impacted by covid covid-sb.org.

New York State reopening guidance for businesses forward.ny.gov and governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021-05/NYS_CDCGuidance_Summary.pdf. Learn more at forward.ny.gov/active-industry-guidance.

New York State Business Pandemic Recovery Initiative. The Empire State Development page with information about grants, tax credits, and technical assistance programs for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more at esd.ny.gov/business-pandemic-recovery-initiative.

NYC Small Business Services www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/index.page

Additional information

See murrayhillnyc.org for additional COVID-19 information, including Testing Vaccinations Neighborhood houses of worship, museums, educational and cultural institutions Neighborhood restaurants, food & spirits that are open for delivery & pickup Neighborhood retail, health care (including pets) & services that are open

New

As of June 25, the New York State Travel Advisory is no longer in effect. Travelers arriving in New York are no longer required to submit traveler health forms. All travelers, domestic and international, should continue to follow all CDC travel requirements.

See It: NYC Launches National Ad Campaign To Spark Tourism 'FOMO' July 9, 2021, patch.com, by Matt Troutman

The State passed a law amending Alcohol Beverage Control Law section 110(1)(g) allowing New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) licensees participating in the Open Restaurants Program to continue serving alcohol on City property for an additional year.

On July 7, 2021, the Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment rescinded its Commissioner’s Directives on film permits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Film permittees must follow State regulations on face coverings and social distancing, but the NYS Department of Health (DOH) Interim Guidance for Media Production During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is now optional. Please read MOME’s FAQ on Production Activity on Public Property in New York City During the COVID-19 Pandemic for answers to questions about remaining health and safety requirements and limitations on film permits. If you have questions about these changes after reading the film permit webpage, please call the Film Office at (212) 489-6710.

NOTE: NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi says, “Test positivity is becoming a little less valuable” as New Yorkers are getting tested at half the rate they were in April, and vaccinated people tend to get tested less. Therefore, the COVID hospitalization and death rates, which Dr. Chokshi says are holding steady, may be more telling indicators. The Testing Sample below was not considered to be adequate. In future newsletters, if the testing sample is not adequate, this number will not be reported.

The positive Covid-19 rate for Murray Hill (zip code 10016), data taken on July 9, 2021.

The above data is from the NYC Department of Health website COVID-19 tracker www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-data.page The view is the 7-day Percent Positive and Test Rate by ZIP code (for Zip code 10016). New York State COVID-19 tracker forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county-dashboard. July 8, 2021 Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Vaccine Boosters People who are fully vaccinated are protected from severe disease and death, including from the variants currently circulating in the country such as Delta. People who are not vaccinated remain at risk...Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time. FDA, CDC, and NIH are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary.

IMPORTANT: There is still no cure for COVID-19. To stop the spread take a layered approach:

• get vaccinated • wear face coverings if you are unvaccinated, or when you are with unvaccinated people • maintain distance (6 feet between unvaccinated people) • practice good hand hygiene • stay home if sick (seek care if you feel seriously ill)

When community rates of infection are high, limit non-essential activities, travel and indoor gatherings with people who are not in your household.

People with COVID-19 can have symptoms that range from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to very serious symptoms that lead to death.

Vaccinations

Vaccines are now readily available and are free. All New Yorkers over 12 years old are eligible. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for people 12-17 years of age. The NYC Vaccine Finder tells you everywhere in NYC that vaccinations are available and the type of vaccination offered vaccinefinder.nyc.gov.

Walgreens, RiteAid and CVS participate in the federal vaccination program. They will be listed on the vaccinefinder.nyc.gov app. Check with your pharmacy to find out if they are offering vaccinations.

You can also check with your primary care physician.

If you are a Veteran and currently enrolled in VA Healthcare, the Manhattan VA Medical Center is administering vaccines. Eligible Veterans must schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-877-9267.

See the MHNA website page Vaccinations for useful links.

This data is from www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-data-vaccines.page on July 9, 2021, tap Geography, enter your zip code and hover your cursor over the map for information about our neighborhood.

All New Yorkers can get tested for coronavirus.

Sites run by New York State are free coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you. You can also check with your doctor, pharmacies and walk-in urgent care to find out if they do testing and if there will be charges. NYC free testing locations: www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19- testing.page, call 212-COVID19, or text COVID TEST to 855-48.

Rapid testing is becoming more available. Check www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-rapid- testing.page.

For Murray Hill/Kips Bay Bellevue, First Avenue at 26th Street, (free) no appointment necessary, but wait times can range from no wait to one hour. Be sure that they set up your patient portal so that you can get your results quickly. Test results usually come back in 1-2 days.

Tool to check NYC Health + Hospitals waiting times to get tested testandtrace.nyc or nychealthandhospitals.org/test-and-trace/testing Tap Check Testing Wait Times on the Test & Trace Corps page or check @NYCHealthSystem on Twitter for updates three times a day on wait times.

The NYC Citywide Information Portal www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/resources/resources-for-new-yorkers.page and 311 portal.311.nyc.gov have created COVID-specific resource guides for New Yorkers. These resource guides contain information related to emotional well-being, rent and housing, NYCHA residents, and more. Get information and resources to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19 https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-main.page.

For businesses

Applications are open for the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. The grant program provides $800 million in assistance for small businesses (including small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations), experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Flexible grants up to $50,000 can be used for operating expenses, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, personal protective equipment, or other business expenses incurred during the pandemic. Over 330,000 small and micro businesses are potentially eligible for this program, including 57 percent of the State’s certified MWBEs. Application materials Help is available by phone at 877-721-0097.

Employers can still sign up to host youth ages 14-24 for the City’s 2021 Summer Youth Employment Program. NYC Department of Youth & Community Development is coordinating this program. Fill out this form to participate in the program www1.nyc.gov/site/dycd/involved/funding-and- support/employer-sign-up1.page.

The SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund program is now closed. On July 2, 2021, the Small Business Administration announced the closure of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund program, signed into law by President Joe Biden as part of the American Rescue Plan. The program provided much needed economic aid to restaurants and other establishments struggling to make ends meet as a result of the pandemic. As of June 30, 2021, the RRF program received more than 278,000 submitted eligible applications representing over $72.2 billion in requested funds, and approximately 101,000 applicants have been approved to restaurants, bars and other restaurant-type businesses.

The SBA is currently accepting applications for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. To submit an application, visit sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/shuttered- venue-operators-grant. This grant provides emergency assistance for eligible venues (live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theater operators (including owners), talent representatives) affected by COVID-19.

Transportation & travel

Project MED607: Infrastructure Upgrades along 2nd Ave. & Surrounding Areas Reconstruction Newsletter, 3rd Quarter of 2021

Community Board 6 recent resolutions affecting traffic and transportation

No objection to the establishment of an inter-city bus stop for Hampton Jitney, Inc. at the southeast corner of East 41st Street and Lexington Avenue, May 20, 2021.

Resolution requesting that a portion of East 36th Street between First Avenue and Tunnel Approach Street be included in the New York City Department of Transportation’s Open Streets Program, February 11, 2021.

CB6 Resolution to Provide More Space for Pedestrians on 3rd Avenue between 26th & 32nd Street, February 11, 2021. The CB6 Transportation Committee's has proposed a project to widen the sidewalks on a congested segment of 3rd Avenue (from 26th Street to 32nd Street) and to reduce the number of car traffic lanes. If you would like to share your thoughts with CB6 on this issue email [email protected]. Sam Schwartz Engineering's concepts for the area. Streetsblog article about the plan.

Resolution of no objection to two applications from Hampton Jitney Inc. for inter-city bus stops in Community District 6 (at 106 East 23rd Street between 3rd and Lexington Avenues and 155 East 34th Street between 3rd and Lexington Avenues), January 20, 2021.

Supporting redesign of the 37th Street FDR Drive Underpass, October 21, 2020. The East 37th Street tunnel below the FDR links the community to the heavily trafficked 34th Street hub for several

NYC Ferry and SeaStreak routes, as well as the refurbished Glick Park, Waterside Pier, and East River Greenway.

Subway Commuters Wade Through Waist-Deep Waters As Heavy Rainfall Triggers Flash Floods July 8, 2021, gothamist.com, by Jake Offenhartz At 149th Street and Grand Concourse, those waiting for the 2 and 5 trains reported intense subway waterfalls...Similar conditions were reported at 34th Street...The MTA said that crews were actively addressing the flooding issues. "Please be safe and do not enter flooded stations while our crews work to resolve this."

MTA Is No Longer In A "State of Emergency," But Cuomo Seeks Greater Control Of Top Positions July 9, 2021, gothamist.com, by Stephen Nessen, WNYC There was no fanfare, celebratory train ride, or even an announcement. But at the end of June, Governor Andrew Cuomo quietly decided the MTA’s status in a “state of emergency” was over. The executive order, which he’d renewed 49 times over the past four years, allowed the MTA to bypass oversight requirements in the name of expediency for making repairs and upgrades. Related: MTA Has Been In A "State of Emergency" For Four Years June 18, 2021, gothamist.com, by Stephen Nessen, WNYC If Governor Cuomo signs an executive order this month declaring the MTA in a “state of emergency,” it’ll mark the 50th time he’s renewed the status over the past four years. The order allows the MTA to bypass legal and oversight requirements to sign contracts for repairs, and do so without board oversight...Last month, the good government group Reinvent Albany penned a letter to state lawmakers, who have the authority to vote down the executive order...In the last week of the legislative session this year, the Governor attempted to cement even more power over the MTA. He submitted a bill to separate the job of CEO and board chair, and give himself the ability to appoint both, without Senate approval. The Senate declined to pass the bill. Cuomo later sent back another bill that restored that oversight ability of the Senate, but it didn’t arrive in time for a vote.

MTA Access-A-Ride will begin a phased return to shared rides Beginning July 6, the MTA will begin a phased return to scheduling shared rides on Access-A-Ride (AAR) and will return to pre-pandemic guest policies, as customers resume travel using AAR. Learn more with the MTA’s AAR newsletter. Masks are required when using AAR.

Move Over Los Angeles: New York Leads All Urban Areas In Traffic Congestion July 2, 2021, gothamist.com, by Jake Offenhartz New York is suffering from more traffic congestion than anywhere else in the country — surpassing car-choked Los Angeles for the first time in nearly four decades, a new study revealed...There are numerous factors for New York's worst place finish, according to the study's co-author, David Schrank, including the role of truck traffic in transporting supplies out of New York and New Jersey ports during the height of lockdown. But the most obvious explanation may be one that what we already knew: the pandemic pushed many New Yorkers into personal vehicles.

Kudos!

Sophra Grill, 535 3rd Avenue (between 35th & 36th Street), 646-609-2392, is now open 7 days a week, including Sunday, from 11am - 9pm. MHNA members get a 10% discount. Their Seamless/Grubhub is doing 25% off on your first order!

Now Open! Rooftop Terrace at the New York Public Library's Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) Visit the Library's recently renovated Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) to discover their new rooftop terrace, among many other amenities. The completely transformed central circulating branch, located in the heart of Midtown, features eight floors of services for all ages, including dedicated spaces for kids and teens, five floors of browsable bookshelves, the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center, and more! Learn more at nypl.org/locations/snfl. 455 Fifth Avenue (40th Street)

Upcoming events

Now open Restaurant Week Presales Restaurant Week (month?) will be from July 19 – August 22. Learn more at nycgo.com/restaurant- week-presale. Participating Murray Hill restaurants nycgo.com/restaurant-week- presale/?neighborhood=murray-hill.

Tuesdays & Thursdays 12-3pm (now open) New York Junior Tennis & Learning (for youth age 5-18)

at Manhattan Plaza, 450 West 43rd street. The New York Junior Tennis & Learning/NYJTL’s FREE Summer 2021 Community Tennis Program at Manhattan Plaza is up and running through mid- August. There is no cut-off date for registration. Once you register, you just need to show up! Each child must be registered separately and at each site they may attend. Register at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjnwoKEPYmjb2U0clbHCF8a4qDMh4- qhGWnR42yvzFeKy9JA/viewform.

July 12 – 14 (virtual) 2021 Games for Change Festival The 2021 Games for Change Festival will take place virtually July 12 – 14 and will once again be free for all attendees! Join a global community of developers, educators, students, and researchers to ignite our imaginations about how games and immersive media can help us realize the potential of the years ahead and address our collective challenges: achieving equity and social justice, ensuring a thriving planet, and regaining a sense of security. Games continue to be a powerful tool to inspire, connect, and change the world, supporting today’s most pressing challenges. Learn more at festival.gamesforchange.org.

July 13 - September 1 Concert series in Pershing Square Plaza West Pershing Square Sounds, a new free concert series in Pershing Square Plaza West presents a variety of live music performances on Tuesdays at lunch time and Wednesdays during happy hour by some of NYC's top musical talents. Pershing Square Plaza West is located at 42nd Street & Park Avenue. SERIES SCHEDULE Tuesday, July 13 (12pm to 1:30pm) — Eric Person Quartet - Saxophonist , Contemporary Jazz Wednesday, July 14 (4:45pm to 6:15pm) — Bobby Harden and the Soul Purpose Band - R&B Tuesday, July 20 (12pm to 1:30pm) — Mala Waldron Trio - Soulful jazz pianist and vocalist Wednesday, July 21 (4:45pm to 6:15pm) — CC and The Boys - Country Tuesday, July 27 (12pm to 1:30pm) —Eric Person Quartet - Saxophonist , Contemporary Jazz Wednesday, July 28 (4:45pm to 6:15pm) — A Latin Movement - Latin Jazz/Salsa Band Tuesday, August 3 (12pm to 1:30pm) — Eric Person Quartet - Saxophonist , Contemporary Jazz Wednesday, August 4 (4:45pm to 6:15pm) — TBA Tuesday, August 10 (12pm to 1:30pm) — Eric Person Quartet - Saxophonist , Contemporary Jazz Wednesday, August 11 (4:45pm to 6:15pm) — TBA Tuesday, August 17 (12pm to 1:30pm) — Joe Vincent Tranchina Trio - Jazz standards, blues, and bop Wednesday, August 18 (4:45pm to 6:15pm) — The Truants - British Invasion, Rock Covers Tuesday, August 24 (12pm to 1:30pm) — Gabrielle Tranchina Quartet - Jazz vocals with the feel of Latin, Brazilian, and swing Wednesday, August 25 (4:45pm to 6:15pm) — TBA Tuesday, August 31 (12pm to 1:30pm) — Bryan Carrott Trio - Contemporary Jazz, latin, and funk

Wednesday, September 1 (4:45pm to 6:15pm) — TBA [NOTE: This schedule is also posted on the MHNA website Calendar.]

July 13 1:30 - 3pm Train the Trainer - Infection Prevention and Control for Community Organizations The New York City Health Department offers a 1.5-hour webinar that empowers community-based organizations to educate and share information with its members, employees, families and friends on infection prevention and control (IPC). The virtual session will provide an overview of new COVID-19 guidance; review IPC topics, including how germs spread, hand hygiene, mask and glove use, and cleaning and disinfection; provide community resources; and include a question and answer session. Register at survey.alchemer.com/s3/6349285/DOHMH-IPC-Training-Registration. If you have questions about this training email [email protected].

July 13 6 - 8pm The NYC Streets Plan Virtual Public Workshop for Community District 6 The NYC Streets Plan, required by the New York City Council’s Streets Master Plan legislation, seeks to improve safety, accessibility, and quality of New York City's streets. The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public input on how to prioritize New York City streets in general as well as the specific usage/priorities of our local streets. This input will be vital in shaping the Streets Master Plan, which will be released in December. Share your feedback through the City's Planning Module and/or by attending the NYC Streets Plan workshop. Register for the workshop at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUucOyorTkoGtIP1-zgRRIPJ1-_aWQIHjKc. There will be a second round of virtual public workshops early this fall.

July 13 6 pm The City is seeking public input about the NYC Streets Plan The NYC Streets Plan www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/nyc-streets-plan.shtml, the five-year plan to improve streets’ safety, accessibility, and quality. Fill out this survey live.metroquestsurvey.com/?u=th1v1l#!/?p=web&pm=dynamic&s=1&popup=WTD or attend a virtual meeting. The first is Tuesday (for people working or living below West 110th St. or below East 96th St.), register at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUucOyorTkoGtIP1-zgRRIPJ1- _aWQIHjKc.

July 14 beginning at 9am July 15 11am – 2pm The New York City Virtual Career Fair A Preview Day will be held on Wednesday, July 14. During this preview day you can enter the platform, upload your resume and visit the different exhibitor booths to see job openings, videos and other information. This is an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the tool and get ready for the live event! The Live Event Day will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 11am – 2pm. During the live event, you can view all of the same content and also chat one-on-one with recruiters at their

booth! Register and complete your profile, and upload your resume before the event at nysdolvirtual2.easyvirtualfair.com. Presented by the New York Department of Labor.

July 14 10am (Zoning) Citywide Hotels Text Amendment DEIS Public hearing (item No. 50) The hearing will be held in person in the NYC City Planning Commission Hearing Room, Lower Concourse, 120 Broadway on or in conjunction with the City Planning Commission’s public hearing pursuant to the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). Masks are required to enter the building and during the hearing. For instructions on how to participate remotely, visit NYC Engage. Instructions on how to view the livestream meetings and send comments about this proposed amendment www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/about/commission-meetings.page. Written comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) are requested and will be received and considered through Monday, July 26, 2021. The DEIS will incorporate responses to the public comments received and updated analysis conducted subsequent to the completion of the DEIS. City Planning Commission Citywide Hotels Text Amendment www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/applicants/env-review/citywide-hotels.page Citywide Hotels Text Amendment DEIS www1.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/applicants/env-review/citywide-hotel/00-deis.pdf Summary: The Department of City Planning has proposed The Citywide Hotel Special Permit, which aims to create a consistent approach to hotel development citywide. It is a proposed amendment to New York City’s Zoning Resolution...The proposed zoning change would require City Planning Commission approval for new and enlarged hotels and motels, tourist cabins and boatels in commercial (C1, C2, C4, C5, C6, C8), mixed-use (MX) and paired M1/R districts. New York City’s zoning districts. The review process would allow the Commission to ensure that new hotels do not create significant conflicts with surrounding development. Background: In 2019, New York City drew a record 66.6 million visitors...reflective of an uninterrupted 12-year run of consecutive increases in visitor counts. 28 million of those visitors stayed in hotels in the city. 2019 also saw the continuation of an unprecedented boom in hotel development in NYC that began in 2007 and added over 54,100 hotel rooms since that year—a 73 percent increase in supply...The rapid growth of new hotels across the city has led to calls from communities and elected officials to better regulate the development of hotels to limit land use impacts and slow the pace of development in some locations...Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused an abrupt and precipitous drop in hotel occupancy and construction, visitation is expected to return by 2025 along with a demand for new hotels. When this occurs, a more uniform zoning framework for new hotels citywide could support more predictable development and limit the extent to which a hotel use may impair the future use or development of the surrounding area...By introducing a CPC special permit, the DCP proposes a case-by-case, site-specific review process to ensure that hotel development occurs only in appropriate locations, based on Citywide Hotels Text Amendment DEIS 19 Executive Summary reasonable considerations regarding opportunities for the future siting of a permitted use on the site and the achievement of a balanced mix of uses in the area...In commercial districts citywide, the Proposed Action would reduce the occurrence of hotels and potential land use conflicts resulting from hotel development. It is expected that various other uses would be developed in the place of hotels. The Proposed Action would change the existing zoning to permit hotels by special permit only...While the Proposed Action would not have an impact on existing hotels in New York City—nor would it...impact hotels in the development pipeline—the Proposed Action would affect future hotel supply in the City, which under existing conditions has been significantly decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the No-Action

condition, hotel supply in 2035 is estimated to be 174,730 rooms and in the With-Action condition it is estimated to be 127,660 rooms. NYC zoning map zola.planning.nyc.gov/about/#9.72/40.7125/-73.733. Community Board 6 resolution opposing this text amendment

July 14 11am - 12 noon Rep. Carolyn Maloney Mobile Casework Hours In Koreatown (32nd Street between 5th and Broadway). Our congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney and her staff will be there to answer questions and provide help with federal agencies. Phone: 212-860- 0606. Check with her office if the weather is not good.

July 15 8:30am Manhattan Borough Board Meeting The Manhattan Borough Board (made up of Manhattan Council members and Community Boards) will meet in person next Thursday at Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer's office conference room at 1 Centre St., 19th Floor (South entrance). The meeting will also be livestreamed on Facebook facebook.com/galeabrewer. On the agenda are four public hearings: 343 Madison Avenue/MTA HQ (44th Street) zap.planning.nyc.gov/projects/2020M0494 Citywide Hotels Text Amendment zap.planning.nyc.gov/projects/2020Y0203 FRESH Update (improved zoning for supermarkets in underserved neighborhoods) zap.planning.nyc.gov/projects/2020Y0211 Health and Fitness Citywide Text Amendment zap.planning.nyc.gov/projects/2021Y0334 The space has limited capacity, so attendees may be required to wait in the hall before testifying. If you can’t make it in person, submit written testimony to [email protected] by Thursday (7/15).

July 15 6pm Empire Station Complex project around Penn Station Virtual Town Hall Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Community Boards 4 & 5, State Senator Brad Hoylman, Assembly Member Richard Gottfried and others are cosponsoring the Virtual Town Hall to discuss the proposed Empire Station Complex project around Penn Station. Register for the Zoom at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e7kwAeArTFmzN7lGkFSIww or call 646-518-9805 and use meeting ID 923 4649 1166.

July 15 7:30pm Summer Jazz Series at Scandinavia House: Jostein Gulbrandsen Trio

(in person) See a performance by Jostein Gulbrandsen Trio, featuring Norwegian artist Jostein Gulbrandsen on guitar with Mike McGuirk (bass) and Ronen Itzik (drums). $15 ($10 ASF Members) Tickets to this event must be purchased in advance online at scandinaviahouse.org/events/jostein- gulbrandsen-trio-jazz-2021. The series continues with Oskar Stenmark on July 29.

July 17 Help us Keep Murray Hill Clean by joining us every third Saturday of the month! It’s a Green & Clean initiative with The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association. Or adopt your block and clean on your own schedule! For more information about our Adopt-a-Block program, or to sign up for a block, email [email protected] or sign up through our Facebook page facebook.com/groups/KeepMurrayHillClean. FREE and open to the public.

July 27 7pm (webinar) Surprising Out-of-Pocket Costs for Caregivers Did you know that a typical family caregiver spends $7,200 of their own money every year to help care for loved ones? Join us to learn how to anticipate out-of-pocket caregiving costs and how to create and manage a monthly budget while you care for a loved one. Presented by AARP. RSVP at onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=D150A497-EB37- 4C70-A179-46BE2C5C8CA6&AffiliateData=JulyC&FcomboB.

July 29 7pm (webinar) Fraudcast Special Report: An Insider’s Look at Fraud Chances are you’ve been targeted through a robocall or call center scam. That’s because fraud has become its own industry, with sophisticated techniques. Presented by AARP. Join us to hear about five warning signs that it’s a scam and ways to protect yourself. RSVP at

onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC- 4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=JulyC&FcomboB.

Changes in the neighborhood

Homeless individuals are moving back to permanent congregate shelters Community Board 6 has been informed that homeless individuals living in density reduction shelters (temporary shelters pressed into service in order to accommodate social distancing among the sheltered homeless population during the COVID-19 pandemic) are now being moved back to the permanent congregate shelters they lived in pre-pandemic. This has already happened with the Marcel Hotel at 201 East 24th Street and the POD 39 Hotel at 145 East 39th Street. The transition of all residents to permanent congregate shelters is expected to be complete by the end of July. Related: NYC Faces Legal Challenge Over Decision To Move Homeless New Yorkers Back to Shelters July 8, 2021, gothamist.com, by Mirela Iverac The city’s decision to move homeless New Yorkers from hotels back into congregate shelters is being challenged in federal court...the Legal Aid Society filed a motion in the Southern District of New York, arguing the city was violating its obligations to provide accommodations for homeless New Yorkers who are disabled under a settlement reached back in 2017. The group says homeless residents are being moved back to shelters without a proper assessment determining whether disabilities and health issues they have require them to remain in hotel rooms.

Baruch Plaza Project Complete Baruch College's Clivener-Field Plaza has reached substantial completion and is now open to the public. The next time you're near 25th and Lex, go and take a look! [Source: Manhattan Community Board 6 July 2021 Newsletter email]

Demo Permits Filed For 534-536 Third Avenue In Murray Hill, Manhattan July 1, 2021, newyorkyimby.com, by Vanessa Londono Full demolition permits have been filed for 534-536 Third Avenue [the two lowrise buildings between 35th & 36th Street on the west side of the street] in Murray Hill, Manhattan. Robert Gilardian of Gilar Realty is listed as the owner under the Third Avenue Pavilion Residences LLC. Located at the intersection of Third Avenue and East 36th Street, the 9,875-square-foot site has approximately 99 feet of street frontage. In May 2020, YIMBY reported permits filed for a 17-story mixed-use building at 540 Third Avenue [36th Street & 3rd Avenue, SW corner]. The site is currently made up of five lowrise buildings with 48 residential units and six commercial units.

Murray Hill in the news

$3B refi of One Vanderbilt set to close in two weeks: report (paywall) June 9, 2021, therealdeal.com, by Kevin Sun Nine banks set to participate in massive CMBS [collateralized mortgage-backed securities] deal.

New York City Police Target Midtown Crime Increase With Patrols, Blockades (paywall) [not Murray Hill, but only a few blocks away from our neighborhood] June 14, 2021, wsj.com, by Paul Berger and Ben Chapman NYPD officials say the arrival of illegal drug market on Eighth Avenue followed the departure of commuters and tourists...The New York Police Department has set up a mobile command post and increased patrols in the heart of Midtown Manhattan...The command post was installed on June 4 at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and West 38th Street near several hotels, stores and

offices...An additional 24 officers have been dispatched on daily patrols along Eighth Avenue and Ninth Avenue from West 36th Street to West 46th Street...Homeless outreach workers are also assisting officers in interactions with homeless people...Police officials say the rise in crime in the area has been fueled by an illegal narcotics market that sprung up on Eighth Avenue between Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal after the city rehoused thousands of homeless people in area hotels during the Covid-19 pandemic. Local residents say it is the first time in decades that police have had such a significant, protracted presence in the area.

Schools

Literacy blitz’ and other ways de Blasio plans to spend $635 million to help NYC students catch up July 8, 2021, ny.chalkbeat.org, by Amy Zimmer and Pooja Salhotra New York City will infuse public schools with $635 million for an academic recovery plan that includes a universal literacy screening through second grade, after-school help for students with disabilities, and college counseling services for all juniors and seniors...The announcement provided long-awaited details on how some of the influx of federal stimulus money — expected to total $6.9 billion over three years...The chancellor made a point to say that English language learners — about 135,000 students in the city’s public school system — will receive “dedicated supports” as part of the academic recovery plan...Special education: $251 million...Universal Mosaic [culturally responsive] curriculum: $202 million...Students as digital citizens: $122 million...Literacy for all: $49 million...College and career readiness: $10 million.

Expanded 3-K and Education Funding in the American Rescue Plan Rep. Carolyn Maloney reported in her weekly email that an estimated $5.2 billion will come to New York City via the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) fund under the American Rescue Plan. These funds will help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools, address the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on New York City students, and help fund universal 3-K in 32 school districts across New York City.

Policing & police reform

Governor Cuomo Declares First-In-The-Nation Gun Violence Disaster Emergency as Part of Comprehensive Strategy to Build a Safer New York July 6, 2021, Press Release Issues Executive Order Declaring Gun Violence a Disaster Emergency, Requiring DCJS [New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services] to Gather and to Share Incident-Level Data from Local Police Departments on Gun Violence...Creates Office of Gun Violence Prevention to Coordinate

Efforts and Direct Resources to Emerging Gun Violence Hot Spots...Invests $138.7 Million in Intervention, Prevention and Jobs Programs to Engage At-Risk Youth and Get Young People Off the Streets...Creates New State Police Gun Trafficking Interdiction Unit to Stop the Flow of Illegal Guns into the State...Partners with John Jay College of Criminal Justice to Strengthen Police-Community Relations… Deploying a Public-Health Approach to Gun Violence.

Amid Shooting Surge, NYC Partners With Feds In Anti-Gun Effort June 8, 2021, patch.com, by Matt Troutman [C]ity officials unveiled a new partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives aimed at curbing gun violence. ATF agents will embed directly into the NYPD and city cops, likewise, will be deputized to work under the cover of federal law...The partnership will team NYPD and ATF agents together in a broad effort to stop the flow of illegal guns into New York City.

Eric Adams, Once A Rebel Cop, May Soon Control The NYPD. What Happens Next? July 9, 2021, gothamist.com, by Jake Offenhartz

Housing, homelessness, zoning & affordability

Federal Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Initiatives to Promote Housing Stability By Supporting Vulnerable Tenants and Preventing Foreclosures, June 24, 2021 Following the CDC’s decision to extend the eviction moratorium for one final month through July 31, 2021, the Administration is announcing a series of actions to help state and local governments prevent evictions. The Administration is also taking action to stabilize homeowners and support a return to a more stable housing market, including by extending the foreclosure moratorium for federally-backed mortgages by a final month, until July 31st...The American Rescue Plan allocated an additional $21.5 billion for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) that can be used by renters to cover arrears and make landlords whole...Strongly encourages partnerships with courts to actively prevent evictions and develop eviction diversion programs...Helps families experiencing homelessness gain access to assistance...Actions to Prevent Foreclosures.

Budget, finances & taxes

Citizens Budget Commission Podcast: State Budget Episode 108: $209 billion, with State Senator Liz Krueger, E.J. McMahon, and Patrick Orecki at cbcny.org/podcast/episode-108-209-billion-state-senator-liz-krueger-ej-mcmahon-and-patrick- orecki.

After riding wave of economic prosperity, de Blasio caps tenure with blockbuster budget June 30, 2021, politico.com, by Joe Anuta After winning the mayoralty in 2013 on a promise of a more progressive city government, the mayor enjoyed an unprecedented period of economic prosperity that allowed him to grow spending by $30 billion and the size of government by about 30,000 people...a $98.7 billion budget passed by the City Council Wednesday—the last negotiated by de Blasio and Council Speaker Corey Johnson—has put the city back on track by restoring spending to pre-pandemic levels. But in doing so, de Blasio has buried some potential land mines in the budgetary out years that the next administration will discover when they open the city’s books come January...Wednesday's spending plan was buoyed by $14 billion in federal stimulus money that has been spread out over five years, with roughly two- thirds of the cash slated to be spent before de Blasio hits the exits. The money, which is divided between direct aid and funds earmarked for education, is designed to jolt the economy back to life...The mayor and the Council socked away $1 billion in a new rainy day fund in addition to around $300 million in the general reserve...Despite the flood of cash, the CBC [Citizens Budget Commission] expressed concern about the city’s long term fiscal prospects and chided the administration for not imposing routine savings requirements on agencies. “While all hope the economy is strong and revenues continue to come in above projections...the next administration will face substantial challenges," [CBC Andrew] Rein said in a statement. Those include "having to close these gaps, negotiate the next round of collective bargaining agreements without creating greater fiscal stress, address the looming fiscal cliff created by using federal funds for recurring programs, and improve the efficiency of city agencies." New York City Fiscal Year 2022 Budget (adopted June 30, 2021) (326 pages) council.nyc.gov/budget/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2021/07/Fiscal-2022-Schedule-C-Merge- 6.30.21.pdf Related: Speaker Corey Johnson and Mayor Bill de Blasio Announce Agreement on [the NYC] Fiscal Year 2022 Budget June 30, 2021, press release council.nyc.gov/press/2021/06/30/2096. Speaker Corey Johnson, Finance Committee Chair Daniel Dromm, Capital Budget Subcommittee Chair Helen Rosenthal, and Mayor Bill de Blasio Announce Agreement on FY 2022 Budget $98.7 billion budget agreement for the Fiscal Year 2022 that includes major investments and restorations in education, seniors, youth and quality of life enhancements like sanitation services. The budget will...reverse painful cuts felt across the City, including in our parks, cultural institutions and libraries... launch new initiatives and increase support for key programs in areas such as alternatives to incarceration, housing, foreclosure prevention, senior services, community development and help for small businesses...The Council also fought for and won an additional

$500 million in budget reserves. That money will be deposited in the new Rainy Day Fund Balance to bring it up to almost $1 billion...the City’s bond rating has gone up, our capital commitments have increased...$607 million in additional Fair Student Funding so that every single public school in the City will receive 100 percent of their Fair Student Funding allocation...$18 million for a class size reduction program...$24 million to increase the rate paid to the Summer Rising providers...$26 million for a citywide literacy curriculum to help students read at grade level and address the learning loss created by virtual learning...$160 million for universal summer school, $22 million to expand special education pre-kindergarten, $19.7 million to restore College Access for All, and $500 million to support programs such as small group tutoring...$81.1 million for 650 positions to the Department of Education to ensure that every school has access to a mental health professional...$8.6 million for additional litter basket collection, $1.6 million to purchase 200 rat resistant baskets, and $935,000 for new public waste containers...$5 million to restore the Commercial Lease Assistance Program...$14.5 million for programs which provide individuals involved in the criminal justice system with alternatives to pre-trial detention, jail or prison. The programs include community service and substance abuse counseling, as well as short-term and long-term housing, job placement, and vocational training...$70 million dollars have been put towards existing and new initiatives to support and expand public safety alternatives to policing and incarceration...$14.5 million to fund a new mental health case management program...$27 million, which will be added to the budget to fund Cure Violence programs...$25 million for fresh food and community-based food pantries.

Government, executive orders, legislation, rules, policies (including pending)

Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Permitting the Use of Municipal Space for Outdoor Dining July 7, 2021, Governor’s press release, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.6353-A/A.7733) that will allow restaurants to utilize municipal spaces like sidewalks and streets for outdoor dining. First granted under an executive order by the Governor, this law allows restaurants to continue using these public spaces for another year as they recover from the economic devastation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic...Restaurant usage of outdoor public space must meet all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and guidance, according to the signed legislation. Restaurants must also have a temporary use permit from the municipality, which is tasked with ensuring the public space is used in a safe, orderly manner.

Non-competes, banks and farms: Five key elements of Biden's executive order [on competition] July 9, 2021, thehill.com, by Alex Gangitano

Here are five key elements of the president’s massive executive order...Boosts leverage for workers...ban or limit noncompete agreements...ban on unnecessary licensing restrictions and crack down on employers sharing data on workers with one another...Tackles concentrated corporate power...Aims to lower the prices of drugs...Looks out for consumers...Bringing back net neutrality.

Brad Lander backs Stringer suit to restore de Blasio spending review July 8, 2021, nypost.com, by Sam Raskin Councilman Brad Lander, who will be the city’s next comptroller after winning the Democratic primary, on Thursday backed the current office holder’s effort to force Mayor Bill de Blasio to restore normal checks on City Hall spending—which have been suspended since the pandemic’s beginning...now, 16 months and $7 billion later,” comptroller contract reviews are appropriate.

Liz Krueger, the reformer July 8, 2021, cityandstateny.com, by Annie McDonough The push to reform New York’s Joint Commission on Public Ethics has long suffered from a lack of forward momentum...A bill from state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi passed the state Senate this past session which would have changed how commissioners are appointed, and also would’ve updated voting requirements for findings of violations. But the bill was never picked up in the Assembly...It’s a similar story for the New York City Board of Elections. A long history of gaffes and reports of disenfranchisement has yet to lead to major changes in the board. State Sen. Liz Krueger, a Democrat in Manhattan, is hoping that those stories start to change next session. Krueger has proposed a constitutional amendment that would do away with JCOPE and build a new body – called a Government Integrity Commission – which, among other things, would give more appointment power to the judiciary and take some away from the governor. But enshrining these reforms in the state constitution comes at a cost: It takes much longer to pass a constitutional amendment than it does to pass typical legislation. Krueger is also sponsoring a bill that aims to professionalize the New York City Board of Elections, and institute new qualification requirements for commissioners and staff.

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Our government representatives

When contacting your representative, be sure to state your address so that they know that you are a constituent. You can see the District maps and sign up for their emails on their websites.

Manhattan Community Board 5: www.cb5.org, 212-465-0907, [email protected]

Manhattan Community Board 6: cbsix.org, 212-319-3750, [email protected] CB6 Resolutions airtable.com/shrrsHSVp9yX9GALs/tblztcUPiopggeJAc

NYC Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, Council District 2: council.nyc.gov/carlina-rivera, 212-677-1077, [email protected]

NYC Council Speaker, Corey Johnson, Council District 3: council.nyc.gov/district-3, 212-564-7757, [email protected]

NYC Council Member Keith Powers, Council District 4: council.nyc.gov/keith-powers, 212-818- 0580, [email protected]

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer: manhattanbp.nyc.gov, 212-669-8300, [email protected]

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, #GetHelp, The Office of the Public Advocate assists with complaints and inquiries involving government-related services and regulations. Telephone Hotline: 212-669-7250, email: [email protected]

Mayor Bill de Blasio: www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor, 311, online message: https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/mayor-contact.page

Landmarks Preservation Commission: www1.nyc.gov/site/lpc/about/contact-us.page

Schedule of hearings, sign-up forms to attend and more. New York Senate website nysenate.gov. New York State Assembly website nyassembly.gov.

NY State Senator Liz Krueger, 28th Senate District: nysenate.gov/senators/liz-krueger, 212-490- 9535, [email protected]

NY State Senator Brad Hoylman, 27th Senate District: nysenate.gov/senators/brad-hoylman, 212- 633-8052, [email protected]

NY State Assembly Member Dan Quart, Assembly District 73, nyassembly.gov/mem/Dan-Quart, 212-605-0937, [email protected]

NY State Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, Assembly District 74, nyassembly.gov/mem/Harvey- Epstein, 212-979-9696, [email protected]

NY Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried, Assembly District 75, nyassembly.gov/mem/Richard- N-Gottfried, 212-807-7900, [email protected]

New York Assembly Upcoming Public hearings [And archived videos can also be accessed on this page.] nyassembly.gov/av/upcoming

New York Assembly Upcoming Public hearings calendar https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?sh=hear

Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York State, governor.ny.gov, contact page on website governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, New York's 12th Congressional District: maloney.house.gov, 212-860-0606, website contact form: maloney.house.gov/contact-carolyn/email-me

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer: schumer.senate.gov, 212-486-4430, website contact form: schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: gillibrand.senate.gov, 212-688-6262, website contact form: gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/email-me

U.S. President Joseph Biden: website contact form: whitehouse.gov/contact The White House site whitehouse.gov is once more a trusted source for news on legislation, press releases, White House press briefings, and more. Presidential actions whitehouse.gov/briefing- room/presidential-actions.

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