The NYPD Crimestoppers Is Asking for Our Help! Traffic Alerts!

Information that may be of interest… February 22, 2020 This information is provided by The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association. We are sharing it as a service to our members. If this notice does not interest you, please disregard it. You can also find these weekly newsletters online in PDF (printable) format at www.murrayhillnyc.org in the News section, look for Weekly Eblasts 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.

The NYPD CrimeStoppers is asking for our help! An assault occurred in a neighborhood ice cream store on 30th Street and 3rd Avenue, harming a worker. A reward is being offered for information. Please see the NYPD flyer at the link below and also a blow-up of the face. NYPD flyer Blow-up

Traffic alerts!

East 36th Street between Lexington Avenue and Park Avenue: This street will be closed from 9am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday through February 28, for major gas installation.

Infrastructure upgrades along 2nd and 3rd Avenue, and surrounding areas (MED607). The Department of Design & Construction alerted Community Board 6 that due to heavy utility interferences at various locations throughout the project, the anticipated completion date has been delayed to Spring 2023. DDC

notes that this delay is due to the need to remove the utility interferences, which requires time to complete. The work will be done on 1st, 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue, 33rd Street and 35th Street. For further information visit www.murrayhillnyc.org, Traffic Updates section.

Should you wear 2 masks? Here’s the NYC mask guidance: www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/covid-19-face-covering- faq.pdf.

CDC’s guide to masks cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/effective-masks.html

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

Survey: What are your NYC budget priorities?

Manhattan Borough President Brewer is seeking public input on her annual Borough Board Budget Priorities Report, a statutory requirement of the City Charter. By Tuesday, March 16, please fill out this short survey about what budget issues are important to you. You can submit additional comments to [email protected]. Responses to the questionnaire will remain confidential and will be added to her final report to the Mayor, City Council, and Office of Management and Budget.

Community Board 6 Survey for people who have watched CB6 meetings on Zoom or YouTube As Community Board 6 approaches the one year mark of transitioning CB6 meetings from in-person to on Zoom, they've created a survey for the public to learn more about what everyone thinks about their virtual

meetings. They survey is for anyone that has joined a CB6 meeting on Zoom or YouTube. Please fill out the survey and share it with other people who have joined virtual CB6 meetings airtable.com/shrx2ehuX6HuW2ioQ.

NYC’s reopening

New York City is in Phase 4 of the coronavirus reopening, but many activities are on temporary PAUSE or open with reduced capacity due to the high community rate of coronavirus infections. Learn more about the reopening phases, micro-cluster strategy, travel advisory, testing, etc. at forward.ny.gov.

Beginning February 22, subway closing hours for daily cleaning will be from 2-4am. This is reduces the time closed, which has been from 1-5am during the pandemic.

On February 26, indoor dining in restaurants can increase to 35% capacity.

Beginning March 15, larger events that follow strict guidelines will be permitted. Marriage receptions can be held under limited state guidelines. Events must be approved by the local health department and there will be mandatory testing of all guests before an event. Capacity at weddings and receptions will be limited to no more than 150 people or no more than 50 percent of the venue's capacity, whichever is lower. All patrons must be tested prior to the event.

Starting March 26, indoor family entertainment centers will be able to reopen with 25% capacity and health protocols.

Starting April 9 outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33% capacity.

Day and overnight summer camps in New York State can begin to plan for reopening. The Department of Health will issue specific reopening guidance, including details on timing, in the coming weeks.

New York will follow updated CDC quarantine guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals. The Centers for Disease Controls announced that individuals who have received both vaccine doses, and at least two weeks have passed since the second dose, are no longer required to quarantine if they are exposed to someone who is infected with the virus. New York is updating our guidance to follow the CDC governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-andrew-m-cuomo-and-new-york-state-health-commissioner-dr- howard-zucker. All New Yorkers, including those who have been fully vaccinated, should continue to wear masks, social distance, and practice hand hygiene until herd immunity is reached and this pandemic is fully controlled.

CDC guidelines When to Quarantine cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html (updated 2/11/2021) People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated against the disease within the last three months and show no symptoms.

New York City reopening guidance www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/reopening-guide.

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

See murrayhillnyc.org for additional COVID-19 information, including Reopening 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

The positive Covid-19 rate for Murray Hill (zip code 10016) is lower than the country, state and city average, but it went up in the last period, and is too high. Let’s stop the spread and bend the curve!

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.

IMPORTANT: There is still no cure for COVID-19, and it will take months to administer the vaccines.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• wear face coverings when you are with people who are not in the same household • maintain distance (6 feet between people who are not in the same household)

• 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.

NYS travel advisory coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.

Vaccinations

Vaccination appointments are now available at neighborhood Duane Reade, Walgreens and RiteAid pharmacies. The Ford Foundation Community Health Center/Clinic on 42nd Street is also showing up on the VaccineFinder map. You can tap on locations shown on the map to make an appointment. Pharmacies are following the CDC eligibility requirements and targeting people 65+. Walgreens is also posting vaccination appointments on their website walgreens.com; you will need to create an account on their website, if you don't have one. The vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/locations map is now showing many more locations near Murray Hill. Related: 268 NYC Pharmacies Will Give Out Coronavirus Vaccine Shots February 11, 2021, patch.com, by Matt Troutman A federal program is primed to deliver 26,500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine directly to Walgreens, Duane Reade, Costco and Rite Aid pharmacies every week.

If you wish to be vaccinated at pharmacies, set up an account on their websites, and request alerts. Walgreens and CVS participate in the Federal vaccination program.

NYU Langone is now offering vaccinations for the general public. If you have a relationship with them, log into the patient portal. Their telephone number is 646-987-3545.

New Yorkers who want the vaccine and cannot register online can register by phone at 1-833-697-4829 or 1- 877-829-4692 or via websites created by the state, the city or the city’s public health system.

IMPORTANT WARNING FOR organizations and businesses that have supplies of vaccinations—take precautions against theft!

See the MHNA website page Vaccinations for useful links and phone numbers on how to determine your eligibility and schedule an appointment.

If you are interested in scheduling a vaccination at the Javits Center (429 11th Avenue in Manhattan), you can do so by calling 1-833-697-4829 or at apps3.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?OpID=50502320. This site tells you immediately if appointments are available.

2/4/2021 If you are a Veteran, 65+, 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.

Learn more at NYC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hubs vaccinepod.nyc.gov. You can sign up for 2 weeks of email notifications when new appointments are added.

NYS vaccination distribution plan covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/phased-distribution-vaccine.

Murray Hill/Kips Bay people vaccinated by zip code 10016.

Source: www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid- 19-data-vaccines.page

FTC Issues Consumer Tips for Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccine Scams Be on the lookout for vaccination scams. ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/12/ftc-issues-consumer-tips-avoiding-covid-19-vaccine-scams

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 not given in places near Murray Hill (by appointment only) 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 there may be long lines. Be sure that they set up your patient portal so that you can get your results. 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.

February 19, 2021, Governor Cuomo Announces Launch of New York Forward Rapid Test Program to Help Businesses and Catered Events Reopen Safely Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of the New York Forward Rapid Test Program to help businesses safely reopen...Testing providers participating in the network must make rapid testing available for no more than $30, provide participants with their results within 30 minutes, offer a mechanism for people to schedule in advance and report the results to the State. [Editor’s note: Eleven sites will open on February 19; none are close to Murray Hill/Kips Bay.]

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.

Calling on businesses to share their Teachable Moments

Please share what dings/blips/setbacks/obstacles your business has come across in 2020-1 during the COVID-19 pandemic. By sharing your "teachable moment" we hope other businesses can benefit from your newly sourced pool of wisdom. We are here to extend a helping hand, offer a shoulder to lean on. We want to hear how you tackled 2020-1 and learn from your direct experiences (200 words or less). Send stories to [email protected].

Teachable moment #1 shared with us.

Transportation & travel

N.Y.C. Staves Off Cuts to Public Transit, Despite Dire Warnings February 18, 2021, nytimes.com, by Christina Goldbaum Transit officials announced on Thursday that they will not slash bus or subway service through 2022...Federal officials also recently signaled that they would make it a priority to push forward New York’s congestion-pricing plan, which would charge drivers a fee to enter Manhattan’s central business districts and could generate $1 billion for the M.T.A. The plan, which requires federal input on its environmental review process, had stalled under the Trump administration. On Thursday, the authority’s board also approved a plan to raise tolls at the M.T.A.’s bridges and tunnels by around 7 percent and to use that money for public transit.

Kudos!

Le Parisien Bistrot will reopen on Wednesday, February 24! 163 East 33rd Street, leparisiennyc.com, call for reservations at 212-889-5489, Open since 2010, Le Parisien is the go-to neighborhood bistrot for Murray Hill, offering classic French food like steak frites, escargots and moules marinieres, paired with a well-edited list of french wines. They focus on serving consistently great traditional food with a lively and unmistakably French atmosphere.

Fine & Rare reopened on February 14! fineandrare.nyc, 212-725-3866, The charm and comfort of Old New York. Fine food, rare spirits, live entertainment, and impeccable service in a striking atmosphere. fineandrare.nyc/reservations, live music every night. February 23 6-9pm Andrew Wagner Jazz (indoors) February 24 6-9pm King Solomon Hicks (indoors) February 25 6-9pm The Yael Dray Duo (indoors) February 26 6-10pm The Blicker Blues Band (indoors) February 27 6-9pm Brian Newman (indoors) February 28 6-9pm Kelly Green Duo (indoors)

The New York Design Center announces Sossego's first showroom in New York City! You are invited to see, touch, and experience the collection of Brazilian designs by Aristeu Pires, Guilherme Wentz, and Domingos Totora. 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1301. Schedule a tour [email protected], sossegodesign.com/nyc. 200 Lex is for the trade (clients have to go with interior designers; if you don’t have a designer you can use their Access to Design program), nydc.com.

Celebrating 95 Years at the Center of Design This week on The Business of Home podcast, host Dennis Scully speaks to Jim Druckman on 95 years of 200 Lex [the New York Design Center]. In the episode, Jim Druckman, President and CEO of the NYDC, tells the

story of growing up in the furniture industry, how the New York Design Center became the marketplace that he envisioned in the 1990s, and shares observations about the opportunities and challenges facing the design industry today. Listen to the episode: business-of-home-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/jim- druckman-design-centers-need-to-stay-special-vv7DCxN6

Job opportunities, career training, volunteering and internships

February 22-March 26 (Mondays & Wednesdays 6-9pm, Saturdays 10am-5pm) Willdan Clean Energy Academy’s Small Commercial Energy Auditing Training (SCEAT) course (Live Virtual Classroom) A free 60-hour advanced level course designed to meet the needs of the clean energy job market. Students learn real world, technical knowledge that matches the skills gaps communicated by the academy’s employment partners. The course seeks to improve auditor skills both in helping customers with what have become standard technology upgrades (e.g., lighting) and preparing themselves for various nationally recognized certifications, including Building Performance Institute (BPI), the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Learn more at cleanenergyacademy.org. Apply at docs.google.com/forms/d/1MreL23v65c4I3qFG2lp9KPoONv99H5SDgF4DYbSQp4A/viewform?edit_requeste d=true

Youth ages 12-21 can apply to free digital animation workshops Accompanied by a $500 stipend and sponsored by the Made in NY Animation Project www1.nyc.gov/site/mome/industries/animation-project.page. Session 2 is 5/3 - 6/30. Register at safelink.seamlessdocs.com/f/ijnc764iv4jo.

February 22 (application deadline) Apply to join your Community Board, the most grassroots form of local government. The Boards are pivotal in shaping their communities and work to enhance and preserve the character of the city’s many unique neighborhoods. Application form manhattancommunityboards.wufoo.com/forms/w881xp40o7uf2h.

March 5 (application deadline)

Paid summer internship with NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer College and graduate students can now apply for a paid summer internship with NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer. Learn more and apply at comptroller.nyc.gov/jobs/summer-internship-program.

Be a Public Benefit Counselor The Advocacy, Counseling and Entitlement Services (ACES) Project of the Community Service Society is recruiting retired individuals age 55 years or older to serve as volunteer public benefit counselors dedicated to helping financially disadvantaged people. ACES volunteers assist people with completing applications for public benefits and help correct benefit related problems. Apply by March 15. Volunteers must attend a training that begins on March 30, 2021. The training will be held through webinars. Upon completion, volunteers are placed in agencies in one of the five boroughs to provide information on government benefits to low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most ACES volunteers are serving in a remote capacity. A personal interview, successful completion of the training, and a commitment of six hours per week for one year of volunteer service is required. Applicants must have advocacy, research, and computer skills, in addition to an interest in assisting low-income populations and learning about public benefit programs. No prior benefit experience is required. Your participation in this program gives you a chance to help others in a truly significant way. For more information, please contact Rebecca Haase at [email protected] or at 212-614-5482. To apply, submit an online application on their website: cssny.org/programs/entry/the-aces-project. Press Release.

Become a vaccinator! New York State is encouraging eligible people, including retired health professionals and students in health career programs New Yorkers to take the required trainings to become vaccinators and support the State's COVID-19 vaccination program. Learn more covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/vaccination-training

St. George’s Choral Society is still accepting singers for their Spring Concert Concert/Video Release on Saturday, May 1 at 7pm The program will be Music of Dvořák, with Organ. Mass in D: Kyrie, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei Songs of Nature: Melodies Steal into my Heart, Vesper Bells Ring, Slender Young Birch MHNA members who would like to attend the performance get a discount: $15 instead of $20. Purchase tickets at paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=XYF7UHE783XEQ. For those who want to sing, let the SGCS know you are joining by paying dues ($120 for the spring) or emailing [email protected]. Learn more about membership at stgeorgeschoralsociety.org/member- guidelines. Zoom rehearsals are Wednesday evenings, 7-8:30pm. Contact [email protected] if you would like to audition to participate in the concert. The St. George’s Choral Society was founded in 1817, and was reimagined in the 1980s as a community chorus combining voices of all faiths to sing both sacred

and secular music. Under the guidance of their artistic director, Dr. Matthew Lewis, they now rehearse at St. George's Church (virtually during the pandemic) and perform at the Church of the Incarnation, at the corner of Madison Avenue and 35th Street (blended virtual and in-person performers during the pandemic). St. George's Choral Society invites amateur and professional musicians to collaborate in the rigorous preparation and presentation of great choral music to inspire and educate their members and community.

Upcoming events

February 22 2pm Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Update for the Business Community with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and other guest speakers Sen Schumer will provide an update for the business community about COVID recovery and other matters that affect New York City's economy. Register at app.livestorm.co/manhattan-chamber-of-commerce/an- update-for-the-business-community

February 22 2pm Virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall for People with Disabilities To help address questions around the recent expansion in vaccine eligibility, the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Victor Calise and NYC Health Department Assistant Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige will be holding a presentation and discussion on vaccine distribution in NYC. After presentations, the community will have the opportunity for feedback and questions. Register for the town hall on Zoom us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KgZ4Wzf6RaOfiKZIT7Nizg or dial in at the time of the meeting (646-876-9923 with ID: 856 7890 5346)

February 22 2-3:30pm Taxes and the Pandemic Cares Act: Regulatory Compliance Issues and Opportunities for Small Business While the recent government relief packages have provided invaluable opportunities for small businesses to address COVID-19-related business challenges, it has also resulted in unprecedented tax and accounting challenges, complexities, and uncertainties. This webinar is hosted by the Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Panel members: Ramona Cedeno, founder and CEO of FiBrick, an Accounting and Fractional CFO services firm. Alan Gassman, an attorney specializing in small business taxation, creditor planning and estate and trust administration. John Mallano, Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) New York District office. Moderators: Richard Kravitz, CPA, Editor in Chief of The CPA Journal; and Steven Mezzio, Ph.D., CPA - former Partner with PwC, Current Professor of Accounting for the

Pace University Lubin School of Business. Introductory remarks from Beth Goldberg, District Director of the SBA's NY District office, Akira Arroyo, Director of the Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project, and Andrew Flamm, Regional Director of the Pace University Small Business Development Center The Pace SBDC is part of the New York Small Business Development Center's (NYSBDC). The NYSBDC is a U.S. Small Business Administration (U.S. SBA) Resource Partner and is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. SBA. Register at register.gotowebinar.com/register/7175842104838737932.

through April 10 MAS photo exhibit: Under Construction: One Vanderbilt and Grand Central Terminal, an Exhibition by Stanley Greenberg The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) presents a collection of photographs by Stanley Greenberg depicting Grand Central Terminal’s western façade uncovered during the construction of One Vanderbilt. Nearly five years ago, a series of East Midtown office buildings were demolished to make way for One Vanderbilt, which would soon become one of the largest towers in the world. When buildings are torn down, views not seen for decades—or even a century—are revealed, changing the way we look at the space. And here was a truly unusual New York sight: a vantage point on one of our city’s most famed and photographed landmarks that few had ever seen. As One Vanderbilt began its ascent 1,401-feet into the air, MAS commissioned Greenberg to document this remarkable moment in time. He photographed the Terminal while it was visible from Madison Avenue and from the new tower. He was also given access to One Vanderbilt as it rose, which allowed him to photograph not only the terminal but everything else visible from the tower. With the opening of One Vanderbilt, New Yorkers will have access to a new, permanent vantage point on the western façade at the tower’s public observation deck. About the artist: Stanley Greenberg is the author of Invisible New York, Waterworks, Under Construction, Time Machines, and CODEX: New York. His next book, Springs and Wells of Manhattan and the Bronx, will be published in 2021 by FW:Books, Amsterdam. Greenberg is a recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and has had solo exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago and the MIT Museum. His work is in the collections of the Whitney Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the New York Public Library, and other museums around the country. Greenberg lives in Brooklyn, NY. For more information, visit stanleygreenberg.org and follow the artist on Twitter @greenbergphoto1 and Instagram @stanleygreenberg. All photographs © Stanley Greenberg. See the exhibit: mas.org/photo_exhibitions/under-construction.

February 22 7pm Race to City Hall: Maya Wiley, Mayoral Candidate in Conversation with Seth Pinsky Online event. Maya Wiley, Senior Vice President of Social Justice and Professor of Urban Policy at The New School, joins 92Y CEO Seth Pinsky for a one-on-one conversation about her mayoral run. What is her vision for New York City, and her plans for public health, economic recovery, housing, racial justice, education, the arts and culture? Register for free and submit your questions for Maya Wiley at www.92y.org/event/race-to- city-hall-maya-wiley.

through February 23

New York State Budget Hearings [Source: State Senator Liz Krueger's Coronavirus Update email of 1/22/2021]. This week marks the start of a new administration, and following Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address last week, the start of our work on the state budget. I am hopeful that these events will have the positive impacts of increasing the City and State vaccine supply, bringing greatly needed revenue to New York State, and creating innovative opportunities to generate new sources of revenue here at home. During the coming weeks, the NYS Legislature will be holding budget hearings to hear testimony on important Transportation, Environmental Conservation, Elementary Education, Housing Workforce, Health, Higher Education, Mental Hygiene, Human Services, Public Protection, Local Government, Economic Development, and Taxes budgetary matters. You can view the schedule, sign up to testify at a budget hearing, and watch these public budget hearings from the NYS Senate website. Learn more at nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/liz-krueger/legislature- announces-joint-budget-hearing-schedule-0. Schedule of hearings, sign-up forms and more. New York Senate website nysenate.gov. New York State Assembly website nyassembly.gov.

February 23 2-3pm Webinar series - Coronavirus Update: Effect on Industry - Outdoor Dining, Re- Opening Schedules for Small Businesses City & State is proud to present “First Read Coronavirus Update” a four-part webinar series in partnership with the Office of the Counsel to the Mayor, featuring the Mayor de Blasio’s closest legal and policy advisors. The event will be moderated by City & State Editorial staff. Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of NYC Department of Small Business Services, Bess Chiu, Chief of Staff, Counsel to the Mayor of New York City, Kate Cocklin Deputy Counsel, Office of the Counsel to the Mayor, and Carl Rodrigues, Chief of Staff to Deputy Mayor Vicki Been will speak about New York City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the future of small businesses including restaurants, bars, theaters and other small businesses affected by long term closings and restrictions. Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_55hZ4kq6R-eWW8okpc0Jug.

February 23 (approximate time 2-3:30pm) NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission Advisory Reports on the development adjacent to Grand Central Terminal 71-105 East 42nd Street - Grand Central Terminal - Individual and Interior Landmark Manhattan - Block 1280 - Lot 1, Zoning: C5-3 CD: 5, a French Beaux-Arts style railroad terminal designed by Reed & Stem and Warren & Wetmore and built in 1903-13. Agenda: www1.nyc.gov/assets/lpc/downloads/pdf/2-23-21.pdf LPC-21-05602 Application is for advisory review pursuant to Zoning Resolution Section 81-60 concerning the harmonious relationship of a new building and Grand Central Terminal. Presentation for LPC-21-05602 www1.nyc.gov/assets/lpc/downloads/pdf/presentation-materials/20210223/71-105-east-42nd-street.pdf LPC-21-05603 Application is to alter the viaduct sidewalk and the 42nd Street passage to connect to an adjacent new building

Join the meeting at us02web.zoom.us/j/85652843873?pwd=aHV2VWhNdkc1SDFLeitDbE9YN3NnUT09, or dial in using the numbers: 646 558 8656 US (New York), 877 853 5257 US Toll-free, 888 475 4499 US Toll- free, Webinar ID: 856 5284 3873, passcode: 646895. Or view it on YouTube at youtube.com/user/nyclpc/featured. Information on how to submit testimonies is at www1.nyc.gov/site/lpc/hearings/hearings.page.

ongoing Help with the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program Curtains Up NYC is a City of New York program that offers free application assistance for NYC businesses and nonprofits connected to live performance applying for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program of the federal government. Learn more at www1.nyc.gov/site/mome/news/fair-share-shuttered-venues- grants.page. Schedule for NYC Small Business Services webinars at eventbrite.com/o/nyc-department-of- small-business-services-5423713077.

February 24 1 - 2pm Health Care Town Call for the Media & Entertainment Community Presented by the NYC Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment. Guest speakers: Marielle Kress, Executive Director, NYC Care, NYC Health + Hospitals; Renata Marinaro, National Director of Health Services, The Actors Fund; NYC Care and The Actors Fund will speak on health coverage options for media & entertainment industry professionals across the industry. Join this session to learn what your options are if you are seeking coverage. NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services offered by NYC Health + Hospitals to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance based on federal guidelines, regardless of immigration status. The Actors Fund offers personalized health insurance counseling and enrollment support, referrals to health care resources, and seminars on how to care for yourself. Register at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0nC90inkS9KnFA6a9by87w.

February 24 5pm Zoom discussion with the editors of Prisoner Reentry in the 21st Century: Critical Perspectives of Returning Home Roosevelt House at Hunter College presents a live Zoom discussion of Prisoner Reentry in the 21st Century: Critical Perspectives of Returning Home, co-edited by Dr. CalvinJohn Smiley and Dr. Keesha M. Middlemass. The co-editors will be joined by Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado Dr. Joanne Belknap. The book explores the social, communal, political, and policy matters that determine the success of reentry. You can order a copy of Prisoner Reentry in the 21st Century: Critical Perspectives of Returning Home with at a specially discounted price (20% off) exclusively from Shakespeare & Co. at https://shop.shakeandco.com/prisoner-reentry-21st-century-critical-perspectives-returning-home. Register at community.hunter.cuny.edu/roosevelt-house-pages/prisoner-reentry-in-the-21st-century- critical-perspectives-on-returning-home-02-24-21--.

February 24 7:30pm Zoom panel discussion Truth and Lies: Covering COVID-19 Hear from leading science and health journalists about the challenges of reporting on COVID in this age of misinformation. Besides the challenge of translating life-and-death medical and technical information quickly to a broad audience, they must also guard against misinformation, lies, and the politicization of science. Moderator: Emily Laber-Warren, director of the Health and Science Reporting Program at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, CUNY. Speakers: Lauren Friedman, a top health and food editor at Consumer Reports and adjunct professor at Newmark J-School; Roxanne Khamsi, a science journalist and WIRED contributor who has taught at Newmark J-School; and Apoorva Mandavilli, a health and science reporter at The New York Times. Presented by The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, part of the City of Science series. Register at gc-cuny.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TjM3nbPTRv- Q5e1bEobu1w.

February 25 New York City middle school buildings will reopen for in-person learning. Your child’s school will contact you with your student’s specific in-person schedule. High school students will continue to learn remotely until further notice. To find out additional details, visit DOE's COVID-19 Information and Updates page schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/coronavirus-update or Read the Chancellor's February 8, 2021 letter to families schools.nyc.gov/about-us/news/chancellor-s-message- for-families.

February 25 2-3:15pm New York's Path to Ranked Choice Voting - Manhattan Forum Hear answers to your burning questions including: How exactly will ranked-choice voting work in New York City? What are the pros and cons? Who benefits? Who is disadvantaged? * How to inform voters? Risk of confusion? * How will this affect campaigning? Less negative campaigning? Coalition campaigning? * What kinds of candidates will benefit from this? Who will be hurt by it? Speakers: Maya Wiley, Former Counsel to Mayor de Blasio and Mayoral Candidate; Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President and Mayoral Candidate; Hazel Dukes, President, NAACP New York State Conference; State Senator Brian Benjamin; Assemblymember Carmen de la Rosa; Rodney Capel, VP, State Government Affairs, Charter Communications. This event is sponsored by City & State and Spectrum. Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H- cOa59QS3CEVL_KAAMOig.

February 25 6:30pm Public Information session: SoHo/NoHo Neighborhood Plan: Mixed-Use & Public Realm Update Note: This event is included because the opposing view thinks that all historic districts will be endangered by this upzoning. Register at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_48uib2eWR8Gu_aB-VFadbg. Join the New York City Planning Commission for the second remote session in the SoHo/NoHo Neighborhood Plan info session

series. This session will focus on SoHo/NoHo's mixed-use character: understanding quality of life in a community where businesses and residents live in close proximity. The format will be a Joint Presentation by the Department of City Planning (DCP), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Department of Sanitation (DSNY) followed by Q&A. A YouTube livestream link will be provided on the DCP website at nyc.gov/sohonohoplan on the day of the event, for those wishing only to watch. Learn more about the issues for this public session below in the Preservation section.

February 26 8pm Boston Early Music Festival presents Stile Antico: Golden Renaissance: Josquin des Prez Brought to you by The Morgan Library & Museum. Marking the 500th anniversary of his death, this sumptuous program of highlights from the recording features some of Josquin’s best-loved motets and chansons including the superb Missa Pange lingua. This concert will be broadcast on the Morgan's YouTube channel youtube.com/channel/UC2scvd9X4GX5-qSYrNSsSIw.

February 26 9am Public Hearing to finalize the rules for Open Culture The Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management (OCECM) is establishing rules for the Open Culture Program. The OCECM rules are in title 50 of the Rules of the City of New York. Open Culture is a new permit type available from the Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) allowing for ticketed performances. Arts and cultural institutions, as well as entertainment venues, will have the opportunity to secure a permit for single day, socially distanced performances at over 100 street locations throughout all five boroughs. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Join the NYC Rules hearing via your browser at nycmayor.webex.com/nycmayor/j.php?MTID=m6ad15ec6bac954ee8e1d95fcc2db0052. To join the meeting by phone call 1-646-992-2010. Access code: 179 810 2128. If you wish to comment on the proposed rules you can submit comments by website, email, letter or by speaking at the hearing. Website nyc.gov/nycrules. Email [email protected] (be sure to include your name and address). Mail written comments to Stefan Grybauskas, Director of Street Activity Permit Office, Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management, at 253 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10007. Written comments must be received no later than 1pm on February 26, 2021. Sign up to speak before the hearing by emailing [email protected] by February 25th at 5pm. You can speak for up to three minutes. Each speaker will be timed. You can review the comments made online on the proposed rules by going to the website at nyc.gov/nycrules. A few days after the hearing, a transcript of the hearing and copies of the written comments will be available to the public at OCECM. Applications open on March 1st at 12pm. The program will run through October 31st, 2021. The guidelines will be finalized and go into effect following the finalization of the Open Culture rules that are scheduled for a public hearing on February 26, 2021. Learn more about the Open Culture permit at www1.nyc.gov/site/cecm/cultural-events/guidelines.page. Eligible arts and cultural institutions include: Members of the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), Recipients of Cultural Development Fund (CDF) support, Recipients of borough arts council funding in 2019 or 2020, Other groups eligible for CDF grant funding but haven’t received before, Eligible cultural venues (performance venues) include entertainment facilities

designed to be used for a performance in front of a live audience, such as concert venues, theaters, and other establishments. Source: 311 portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03369. Learn more at www1.nyc.gov/site/cecm/cultural-events/guidelines.page. Nearby Open Culture locations are: East 26th Street between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue East 29th Street between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue [Existing Open Street Location] West 35th Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue East 47th Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue

Optional extension to February 28 NYC Restaurant Week® NYC & Company has announced a special winter NYC Restaurant Week® program, NYC Restaurant Week To Go, to support local restaurants offering takeout and delivery. You can make reservations at nycgo.com/restaurant-week. Participating Murray Hill Restaurants are shown below. (This information changes frequently. The Restaurant Week or the restaurant’s website will have the most recent information.)

• Abbey Tavern • Atto • Bareburger - Murray Hill • Capital Grille Chrysler Center • Evergreen on 38th Street • Hill & Bay • MakiMaki Sushi – Lexington • Masala King • Mazu Szechuan Cuisine • Park Avenue Tavern • Sinigual • Sushi Sen-Nin • Wagamama Murray Hill • Waterfront Ale House • Wattle Cafe

For businesses & nonprofits

March 2 11am–12 pm Navigating New York’s Commercial Leases

(Free virtual training for nonprofits) The COVID-19 pandemic has strained many New York-based nonprofits in resource-challenged environments and raised countless questions in the area of commercial leases. This virtual training gives you a walkthrough of the proper measures to take when handling the effects of the pandemic on your commercial lease. Special guest: Salvatore Gogliormella, Partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This program is offered in partnership with New York Lawyers for the Public Interest. Register at learning.candid.org/training/2021-03-02-virtual-navigating-new-yorks-commercial- leases.

through March 9 (contest deadline) FedEx® Small Business Grant Contest What could your small business do with $50,000? This year, the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest is offering over $250,000 in cash and prizes to 12 winners. Entering is a great opportunity to gain exposure for your business and connect with your community and your fans. What do you want to share about your business? What could a grant help you accomplish? The story of your small business is one worth telling. You’ve grown stronger and wiser over the last year. Submit an entry at fedex.com/en-us/small- business/grant-contest.html. You will have to create an account, write a short profile of your company, upload an image of your logo along with some photos, create an optional YouTube video, fill out the contest entry. Then, promote your entry to get people to vote for you. Winners will be announced on May 10.

Report: NYC Hospitality Alliance December 2020 Hospitality Rent Report, February 16, 2021 thenycalliance.org/assets/documents/informationitems/Jl65e.pdf The NYC Hospitality Alliance, a nonprofit trade organization representing the hospitality industry in New York City surveyed 403 restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and event venues in NYC about their rent obligations during COVID-19. The survey data was collected between January 8th to January 30th, 2021. Key findings: 92% of respondents could not pay their full December rent. 60% of landlords still haven’t waived rent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 40% of landlords that waived rent during the COVID-19 pandemic, less than 1/5 waived more than half the rent. 86% of respondents could not renegotiate their lease due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Matrix designed to help you decide what assistance is best for your small business The Small Business Administration put together a matrix that compares the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) and the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) eligibility. sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/cross-program-eligibility-sba-coronavirus-relief- options

Small business owners can get free face masks for their employees from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce manhattancc.org/common/11099/default.cfm?clientID=11099&ThisPage=home. Schedule a pick-up time at calendly.com/manhattanchamber/january-pick-up-appointment-free-face-masks-clone?month=2021-03.

Kudos to Murray Hill public schools (partial listing)!

COVID-19 Report Card for PS 116 Mary Lindley Murray. Three positive tests were reported since September 2020 (2 students, 1 teacher). No new positive tests. Total On-site Students Enrolled + Teachers/Staff=304. Total Off-site Students Enrolled + Teachers/Staff=172.

COVID-19 Report Card for The River School. Three positive tests were reported since September (1 student, 2 teacher/staff). No new positive tests. Total On-site Students Enrolled + Teachers/Staff=354. Total Off-site Students Enrolled + Teachers/Staff=161.

COVID-19 Report Card for Murray Hill Academy. One positive case reported (teacher/staff) since September. No new positive tests. Total On-site Students Enrolled + Teachers/Staff=82. Total Off-site Students Enrolled + Teachers/Staff=211.

Changes in the neighborhood

Chase-Murray Hill Branch closing on March 8, 2021 450 3rd Avenue (at 32nd Street), 212-481-0683 locator.chase.com/ny/new-york/450-3rd-ave

and just across town Madison Square Garden welcomes back fans on February 23! MSG’s message: We are thrilled to welcome fans back to Madison Square Garden, following the state’s decision to allow New York’s arenas to operate at 10% capacity. Our first events with fans will be New York Knicks and New York Rangers games, with Knicks beginning February 23 and Rangers beginning February 26. We want you to know that your health and safety remain our top priority, and we have worked closely with state and health officials to develop the strongest operating protocols with the goal of providing a safe and enjoyable experience. While we’re not where we want to be yet – with every seat filled – this is an important first step. We can’t wait until we’re able to welcome more people through our doors, and when that day comes, we look forward to sharing in unforgettable moments at The World’s Most Famous Arena with more of our passionate fans – we’ve missed you! Learn more at msg.com/reopening-faq.

200 East 34th Street, aka Eastlight. Rendering courtesy of COA 200 East 34th LLC. New Renderings, Aerial Photos Revealed For 501 Third Avenue, Aka Eastlight, In Kips Bay, Manhattan February 11, 2021, newyorkyimby.com, by Michael Young YIMBY has an exclusive set of new renderings and photos that depict Eastlight, a 34-story, 388-foot-tall condominium building at 200 East 34th Street in Kips Bay. Designed by CetraRuddy Architecture and developed by 200 East 34th LLC, who is listed as the owner on permits, the 135,094-square-foot project will yield 144 units and 2,992 square feet of commercial space. The site is located at the corner of Third Avenue and East 34th Street and is alternately addressed 501 Third Avenue. Noble Construction Group is in charge of building the tower, and the teaser site has also launched...No formal completion date has been announced, but we predict work on Eastlight to be done sometime in early 2022.

Governor Cuomo Advances 20-Million-Square-Foot Empire Station Complex Redevelopment Plan, In Midtown, Manhattan February 20, 2021, newyorkyimby.com, by Vanessa Londono Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the board of directors of Empire State Development (ESD) had adopted the general project plan for the Empire Station Complex. The drafted plan, supported by a draft Environmental Impact Statement, would foster high-density redevelopment on eight sites surrounding the Penn Station transit hub...The plan would also bring forth various public transportation improvements, including new entrances to Penn Station and nearby public transit, and public space improvements to address open space and traffic circulation for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. The buildings facilitated by the plan will generate revenue for those public transit improvements in the project area...Next steps for the plan consist of a virtual public hearing on the draft Environmental Impact Statement and General Project Plan…followed by a 30-day public comment period. Related: Empire State Development Corp. press release governor.ny.gov/news/governor- cuomo-announces-adoption-general-project-plan-transformative-empire-station-complex The public zoom hearing is March 24 at 5pm. Details on how to join the public hearing and submit testimony: esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/GPP-and-Draft-EIS-Meeting-Instructions-2-19-2021.pdf. Register at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqc-6qrjMsEtBw5na484O_opVtF7dVvp5K

Preservation & history

Cultural Medallion dedicated to Milton Glaser was installed at 207 East 32nd Street The Art is Work building, located at 207 East 32nd Street, and since 2020 occupied by the New York Review of Books, is now adorned with a Cultural Medallion honoring Milton Glaser, who had his studio and offices there from the 1960s until his death in 2020. This is a 4-story building, originally built in 1920 by the Tammany Society as a Democratic Club for the local ward. When Glaser and Clay Felker launched New York magazine in 1968, its offices occupied the top floor of the building. Ms Magazine was also created and had its offices here. Thirty-second Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue was recently named “Ms Magazine Way.” Learn more

Upcoming event February 25 6:30pm SoHo/NoHo Neighborhood Plan: Mixed-Use & Public Realm Update Note: This event is included because the opposing view thinks that all NYC historic districts will be endangered by this upzoning. Register at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_48uib2eWR8Gu_aB-VFadbg. Join the New York City Planning Commission for the second remote session in the SoHo/NoHo Neighborhood

Plan info session series. This session will focus on SoHo/NoHo's mixed-use character: understanding quality of life in a community where businesses and residents live in close proximity. The format will be a Joint Presentation by the Department of City Planning (DCP), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Department of Sanitation (DSNY) followed by Q&A. A YouTube livestream link will be provided on our website at www.nyc.gov/sohonohoplan the day of the event for those only wishing to watch. NYC Department of City Planning FAQ about the plan www1.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/plans- studies/soho-noho/soho-noho-qa.pdf. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Councilmember Margaret Chin’s report Envision SoHo/NoHo: A Summary of Findings & Recommendations envisionsohonoho.nyc/envision-sohonoho-report1

Opposing view: City’s Soho/Noho Upzoning Plan Endangers Historic Neighborhoods Everywhere! Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, Winter 2021 Newsletter, page 1. After intense lobbying during the COVID-19 pandemic by real estate interests…in late 2020 Mayor de Blasio announced a proposal to upzone SoHo and NoHo. This would allow development in these neighborhoods of up to nearly two-and- a-half times the size current rules permit, and huge big box chain stores. The proposal directly contradicts promises made…about transparency and public consultation, as well as the supposed purpose of the year- long SoHo and NoHo “envisioning” process…Even more disturbingly, the Mayor and candidates running to replace him have made clear that they see this as the first step towards similar upzonings of other centrally located historic neighborhoods throughout New York City. Read the full article. Find out more at http://www.villagepreservation.org/sohonoho. You can sign a petition on the GVSHP website secure2.convio.net/gvshp/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=245. Or email your local government officials listed below; remember to include your name and address on your email. Department of City Planning (SoHo/NoHo), DCP page on the Soho/Noho plan www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/soho-noho/soho-noho-overview.page

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams [email protected] Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer [email protected] Council Member - New York City Council Margaret S. Chin [email protected] Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. email [email protected] Council Speaker - New York City Council - District 03 Manhattan Corey Johnson email [email protected] Department of City Planning Chair Marisa Lago website contact form www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/about/email-the-director.page Queens Borough President Sharon Lee email [email protected] Staten Island Borough President James Oddo website contact form statenislandusa.com/contact.html Council Member Carlina Rivera (District 2) Manhattan email [email protected] NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer website contact form comptroller.nyc.gov/about/contact-our-office Mayor Bill de Blasio website contact form www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/contact-the-mayor.page Council member Keith Powers (District 4) email [email protected]

Observing Black History Month Her Name Was Elizabeth Jennings Graham. Do you know her story? Source: New York Transit Museum On a hot Sunday morning in July 1854, Elizabeth Jennings, a 24-year-old Black schoolteacher on her way to church, boarded a Third Avenue Railroad Company horsecar at Pearl and Chatham Streets in lower Manhattan. Soon after boarding, Jennings was ordered to get off the horsecar and told to wait for a car that served African American passengers. At the time, all public transportation in New York City was privately owned. Some omnibuses and horsecars displayed signs announcing “Colored Persons Allowed,” but these segregated vehicles were few and far between...Jennings took her case to court. She sued the driver, the conductor, and the Third Avenue Railway. Remarkably, Jennings was represented by a 24-year-old lawyer, Chester A. Arthur. Then just a junior partner at Culver, Parker, and Arthur, he later became the 21st President of the United States...Jennings won her suit and was awarded damages. Jennings’s victory served as a powerful catalyst in the fight for equality on New York’s public transit vehicles, but it…would take nearly twenty years before all New York City streetcars were desegregated...In 1873, the New York State legislature passed the Civil Rights Act, which explicitly outlawed discrimination on public transportation in the city. Learn more about Chester A. Arthur, who lived in Curry Hill (aka Rose Hill), in the building where Kalustyan's spice shop is now doing business.

Schools

New CDC guidance: Vaccinate teachers, but don’t wait to open schools February 12, 2021, chalkbeat.org, by Matt Barnum

February 25 5pm (online webinar) Parent Guide to Remote Learning Parents and caregivers of students with disabilities can get remote learning support during the weekly virtual series from Rep. Adriano Espaillat and the NYC Dept. of Education. View it at facebook.com/RepEspaillat/posts/2754762241402432. Register online.

Here’s how NYC will admit students to ‘gifted’ programs for 2021 February 17, 2021, ny.chalkbeat.org, by Christina Veiga New York City will not test rising kindergarteners for admission to gifted programs, the education department announced Wednesday. Instead, students will be evaluated by their pre-K teacher or sign up for an interview. Students will then be referred for admission and enter a random lottery for one of the 2,500 seats. There are 65,000 incoming kindergarteners, and typically about 15,000 vie for spots in gifted programs...The change is for students entering school in fall 2021 only...The education department did not share what criteria students would be evaluated on...Parents will have to opt-in to consideration for the program.

Beginning March 8, the Gifted & Talented (G&T) interest form/application will be available. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/gifted-and-talented.

Applications for admissions to NYC public schools 2021-2022 school year Learn more at schools.nyc.gov and at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade. Sign up for the DOE emails schools.nyc.gov/sign-up. Families can apply online at MySchools.nyc or over the phone at 718- 935-2009. • The Pre-K for All application period will run from February 24-April 7. All New York City families with children born in 2017 can apply to pre-K for the 2021-2022 school year. Families seeking an open 3-K or pre-K seat for this current school year can call 718-935-2009 or email [email protected] to learn about any available options in their community. • The 3-K for All application period will run from February 24 - April 30. New York City offers free, full- day, high-quality 3-K for All programs in a growing number of school districts across all five boroughs. All New York City families with children born in 2018 can apply to 3-K for the 2021-2022 school year. Children who live in 3-K districts have priority to attend, but families in any district are welcome to apply. Find your school district by calling 311 or visiting schools.nyc.gov/Find-a-School. Families in every school district who are eligible based on their income and needs also have the opportunity to apply to free or low-cost Pre-K and 3-K programs with an extended day and year, including Head Start, through these central applications. Families seeking an open 3-K or pre-K seat for this current school year can call 718-935-2009 or email [email protected] to learn about any available options in their community. • Beginning March 8, the Gifted & Talented (G&T) interest form/application will be available. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/gifted-and-talented. • Kindergarten enrollment ended January 19. • Middle School enrollment is open until February 23 (deadline has been extended). In New York City, most students apply to middle school during their fifth grade year. For one year, the NYC Department of Education middle schools will not use academic records, auditions, or other screens or assessments to evaluate or admit students, and will maintain priority for students living in the district. These changes are meant to increase diversity in the schools. • Specialized High Schools late registration for the SHSAT until January 28. Your child must be registered to take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). Fiorello H. LaGuardia performing arts high school requires an audition; registration ends March 1 (deadline extended). • High school application and enrollment is open until March 1 (deadline extended). Register for virtual events for information about high school admissions. In New York City, students apply to high school during their 8th grade year or if they are first-time 9th grade students. Virtual high school information sessions, hosted by the NYC Dept. of Education. Register at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKjRZrJgKU9_cmPBtb3MeZprJ6mNaMcD2YUmFlrH8TkcmRQw /viewform February 26 in English.

You must have a MySchools account myschools.nyc/en. Contact a Family Welcome Center if you need assistance schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/family-welcome-centers. You can explore high school options in the MySchools directory.

Geographic (location-based) admissions priorities for high schools will be phased out over the next two years, meaning that the location of a student’s home cannot alone determine their chances of getting into a certain school. District priorities for high school admissions will be permanently eliminated this year. All

other geographic priorities—like borough residence requirements—will be eliminated next year. Screened high school programs can use the following criteria this year to rank applicants: a combination of 2018-2019 state test scores, previous years' grades, and/or other measures. You can find any program's academic screening criteria on their MySchools page, in the Admissions Factors section.

Census

Census Bureau Statement on Redistricting Data Timeline, February 12, 2021 The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that it will deliver the Public Law 94-171 redistricting data to all states by Sept. 30, 2021...The redistricting data includes counts of population by race, ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino origin), voting age, housing occupancy status, and group quarters population, all at the census block level. This is the information that states need to redraw or “redistrict” their legislative boundaries...states have had access to prototype geographic support products and data tabulations from the 2018 Census Test to help them begin to design their redistricting systems. This is one tool states can use to help minimize the impact of schedule delays. In addition, the Census Bureau today completed the release of all states’ 2020 Census geographic products needed for redistricting. This will enable states to redistrict promptly upon receipt of their 2020 Census tabulation data.

Policing & police reform

Proposed reforms to NYC school policing would limit arrests, use of handcuffs, and hospital transfers February 17, 2021, ny.chalkbeat.org, by Alex Zimmerman New York City Council members are considering a raft of legislation meant to reform the role of school policing...The most controversial of the Council bills would enshrine in city law a promise Mayor Bill de Blasio made last summer to transfer oversight of school police officers from the police department to the education department by June 2022. It also would bar school police from making arrests, using handcuffs, wearing their uniforms on school grounds, and would also require retraining to focus on “de-escalation” and “restorative justice” techniques...But even advocates who favor sweeping reforms to school policing are raising questions about whether city lawmakers have the authority to mandate these changes to the school safety division...A second bill under consideration would minimize the role of the police in responding to student mental health crises and transporting them to the hospital for a psychological evaluation...If a student needs to be taken to the hospital, it should be at the discretion of a “clinically trained mental health professional,” according to the bill.

City Council Unveils Legislative Plans to Redefine Public Safety and Strengthen Police Accountability January 29, 2021, council.nyc.gov, council.nyc.gov/press/2021/01/29/2061 [T]welve-item legislative package includes reforms to discipline and reducing the role of police...This package is in response to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order in June directing New York City to adopt a policing reform plan by April 1... Hearings will begin on February 8th. [All hearings are remote. Sign up to testify and view hearings at council.nyc.gov ] 1. Creating a non-police emergency response for mental health emergencies. This bill will be heard in the Committee on Mental Health on February 22 at 10am. 2. Moving traffic crash investigations to the Department of Transportation. [T]his bill would transfer the primary responsibility for investigating serious vehicular crashes from the police department to the Department of Transportation (DOT). This bill will be heard in the Committee on Transporation on February 24 at 10am.

Housing, homelessness, zoning & affordability

(opinion) Seizing the Opportunity to Create New Affordable Housing at Reduced Cost January 14, 2021, gothamgazette.com, by Brenda Rosen, Breaking Ground President & CEO Governor Cuomo...announced..."We should convert vacant commercial space to supportive and affordable housing and we should do it now."...Nonprofits like Breaking Ground are ready to jump on these opportunities and will need investment capital from government partners to move them forward, with the potential to unlock thousands of new housing units that can be brought online quickly.

Report: United Housing from the Ground Up: Affordable housing recommendations for New York City's next Mayor, 2021 Related: USICH Opening Doors - Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness June 2015 usich.gov/resources/uploads/asset_library/USICH_OpeningDoors_Amendment2015_FINAL.pdf

Budget, finances & taxes

As usual, many legislative items are being included with the State’s budget.

Nursing home reforms proposed The Governor announced nursing home reform legislation to improve the safety and quality of New York's nursing homes through a series of reforms that increase transparency around nursing home staffing, expenditures and ownership; hold operators accountable for violations of the Public Health Law and other misconduct; and ensure nursing home facilities are prioritizing patient care and safety over profits and adequate funding is spent on direct patient care and resident staffing.

De Blasio Urges Albany To Tax Billionaires And Avoid Budget Cuts February 11, 2021, gothamist.com, by Christoper Robbins De Blasio said that he generally favored a specific tax on billionaires over a state tax on stock trades, like the "Wall Street Tax" being proposed in the state legislature. "I think it should be done federally. I agree there is a problem if one state acts and other states don't, it could have a counterproductive outcome," de Blasio said of a stock transfer tax. The governor has said he is only in favor of raising income taxes on wealthy New Yorkers if the state does not receive enough relief money from Congress.

Top state lawmakers oppose Cuomo’s push to override NYC’s landmark climate law February 18, 2021, nysfocus.com, by Colin Kinniburgh It’s just two paragraphs, buried toward the end of the nearly 4,000 pages making up Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposed state budget for 2022. Yet critics say this obscure budget measure could undermine one of the most ambitious local climate laws in the world: New York City’s Local Law 97, which requires the city’s big buildings to slash their greenhouse gas emissions 40% over the next decade and 80% by 2050. Part R of the Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation bill — one of a dozen pieces of legislation making up Cuomo’s proposed Executive Budget for 2022 — would allow building owners to meet their emissions targets under Local Law 97 by buying credits for renewable energy produced elsewhere in the state...Liz Krueger, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and number three in the chamber, also slammed the measure...“New York State should not be in the business of undercutting bold local climate leadership.”... State officials and other backers of Part R including the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) stress that expanding the criteria for energy credits eligible under Local Law 97 is only a stopgap measure until more renewable energy comes online for New York City…The fate of Part R will be decided in the coming months as the Senate and Assembly draft their own versions of the budget and then return to Governor Cuomo for negotiations.

State Legislators Eye Revenue from Inheritances and Gifts with New ‘Heirs Tax’ February 17, 2021, gothamgazette.com, by Samar Khurshid

Free Tax Prep Services from NYC New Yorkers who earned $68,000 or less in 2020 may qualify for free tax preparation services. NYC Free Tax Prep providers can help eligible New Yorkers file their taxes now and transmit the returns to the IRS when they open the tax season on February 12, 2021. Other useful links: NYC Free Tax Prep brochure How to become an NYC Free Tax Prep Volunteer Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers. Available in 12 languages. Information about Economic Impact Payments. Note: NYC Free Tax Prep preparers can help eligible New Yorkers claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

New York Public Library's Income Tax Help (for individuals & families) nypl.org/help/community-outreach/income-tax-information

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

Community Board 5 issues from their Community Notices email of 2/18/2021

The Street Vendor Bill was voted on by the City Council last month expanding the number of permits from the 1983 cap of 2900 to 4000 at the rate of 100 a year from 2022-2032, specifically earmarking Manhattan. After hearing from local business groups and vendor advocates, CB5 weighed in with a letter to our Councilmembers outlining some outstanding community questions and the need for follow-up on several issues. CB5 emphasized the need to improve a system that has long needed change and listed the following five requests:

• The City create and share a detailed use map of all sidewalk and street uses in CB5 so we can holistically understand the competition for these spaces. • The City and advocates increase the available data on street vendor operations in the district, including producing an inventory of both permitted and available sidewalk spaces in CB5 for street vendors to legally operate. • The City share a detailed plan for street vendor enforcement, including the methods, planned staffing levels, desired outcomes for these efforts, and how success will be measured. • The Vendor Enforcement Board, as well as representatives of our elected officials, commit to regularly reporting to CB5 on the implementation of this new street vending program. • The City appoint a representative from CB5 to the Street Vendor Advisory Board. We will let the community know as we learn more about vendor enforcement going forward.

Governor Cuomo introduced a bill in the budget proposing an amendment to the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law to allow Class B and C office space in CB5 to be converted from commercial to residential use.

The law would expressly override any state or law local zoning laws or codes, including the building code, zoning resolution or the energy code or any other prohibitions that would limit those conversions. Under the measure, hotels and offices can go residential if the owner agrees to set aside at least 20 percent of the apartments as affordable, or if the property is used as supportive housing through an agreement with the state or city, although the affordability set-aside is not necessarily within the same community district.

It would remain in effect for five years, expiring on 12/31/26.

CB5 passed a resolution asking the Governor to remove this bill from the budget and our State representatives to oppose the measure cb5.org/cb5m/resolutions/2021-february/resolution_4.

While we agree that addressing high commercial vacancy rates, underutilized hotel properties, as well as addressing the lack of affordable and supportive housing are essential priorities, we are deeply concerned that this bill will not address its stated goals, may exacerbate an already high market-rate residential vacancy rate, and does not require desperately needed affordable housing in our district.

[Source: Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney's Weekly Update email of February 12, 2021] Investigating Parler’s Financing & Ties to Foreign Entities Since the attack on the Capitol on January 6, numerous Parler users have been arrested and charged for their roles, with the Department of Justice citing in several instances the threats that individuals made through Parler in the days leading up to and following the insurrection. All those with ties to the January 6 assault should not—and must not—be allowed to hide behind the veil of anonymity provided by shell companies. And so, on Monday, I wrote to Parler demanding information related to Parler’s financing and potential ties to foreign entities. Read more about the investigation and my letter to Parler COO Jeffrey Wernick at oversight.house.gov/news/press-releases/chairwoman-maloney-demands-docs-related-to- parler-s-financing-ties-to-foreign. Letter oversight.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/2021-02-08.CBM%20to%20Wernick%20- Parler%20re%20Negotiations.pdf.

Reports

Steps to a more Age-friendly Manhattan Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer’s latest report, based on over 1,000 responses from senior New Yorkers proposes dynamic solutions for addressing the needs of our older adults, researched and written in partnership with The New York Academy of Medicine. The report is part of the MBP’s office’s Age-friendly Manhattan initiative, covering everything from transportation to housing to community support and health services. As NYAM President Dr. Judith Salerno said, “Manhattan’s 65+ population is on track to increase

19% by 2030. We need to listen to and address the needs of this population…to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy everything that Manhattan has to offer.”

Report: A Rising Tide of Hate and Violence against Asian Americans in New York During COVID-19: Impact, Causes, Solutions © 2021 Asian American Bar Association of New York, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP This paper discusses the data showing that anti-Asian hate and violence have skyrocketed in 2020, focusing on the New York City region...Anti-Asian hate and violence are not new...Historically, anti-Asian racism was fiercest during times of economic downturn, war, and disease...Racial animosity towards Asian Americans also stems from misinformation or incomplete information. During the early stages of the pandemic in the U.S., speculation about the origins of the virus and the methods of transmission was widespread, especially given the dearth of authoritative information and guidance. Much of the speculation blamed Chinese people...[we] propose the seven initiatives below: Clear reporting mechanisms for victims, including online and hotline reporting, uniform and consistent classification, documentation, and reporting of hate crimes by law enforcement as well as uniform and consistent investigation and prosecution of hate crimes, the Asian Hate Crimes Task Force and greater representation of Asians in law enforcement, public office, and the courts, public education campaign, stronger unity and collaboration among minority groups, legislative reform, civil actions.

Report: New York City’s Covid-19 Economy Will Not Snap Back February 12, 2021, The New School Center for New York City Affairs, by James A. Parrott New York City lost 750,000 payroll and self-employed/independent contractor jobs on average between the months of February and December in 2020. The loss for the entire year was the worst single-year city job decline since the 1930s. The partial rebound since last spring has been called a K-shaped recovery for good reason; many in the bottom half of the economy have lost jobs or earnings and are experiencing severe housing and food insecurity, while most of those in the top half of the income distribution retain their jobs, and many have seen their financial assets rise in value...The city’s underemployment rate is 25 percent. This report examines the Covid-19 economic and employment impact in New York City at the end of January 2021, assesses the several labor market challenges for the year ahead, and discusses how much and what kind of job growth the city can expect in the year ahead.

(opinion) A 5-point plan to create New York City’s new economy February 17, 2021, cityandstateny.com, by Tom Allon The city and state must adapt to irrevocable changes COVID-19 has wrought.

Scams

The top frauds of 2020 February 4, 2021, consumer.ftc.gov, by Monica Vaca, Associate Director, Division of Consumer Response and Operations

2/5/2021 Bad actors are using government logos in phishing emails in an attempt to steal account information. Email image links lead to websites impersonating federal agencies. Any email from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will come from accounts ending in sba.gov. Learn more about frauds directed towards small businesses at sba.gov/document/report-sba-programs-scams-fraud-alerts

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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]

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, for urgent requests email [email protected]

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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