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Turtle Bay News A Publication of the Turtle Bay Association September 2016 Vol. 59, No. 3

Turtle Bay Is Endangered! By Bruce A. Silberblatt, TBA Vice President, Zoning/Land Use Chairman he modified East Midtown rezoning area, not, as now, to contiguous properties plan is out there now and the effects or properties across the street. The floor Tof it upon Turtle Bay are horrifying. area ratio (FAR) would be increased to While it is designed to improve rapid tran- 18.0 and higher (21.6 up to 23.0 near 53rd sit, it spells a drastic change for the worse Street; 25.0 along ; and 27.0 to Turtle Bay. around ). The new rezoning plan would allow for The strip on the of , increased floor areas that encourage mod- 150 to 165 feet deep from 46th to 56th ern office towers with as few columns as Streets, would be expanded to 200 feet possible, and would raise floor-to-floor deep, a push that would overrun the low heights. New residential units would be rise R8B zoning regulation that now pro- limited to 20 percent of any new building. tects side streets in Turtle Bay (FAR 4.0). Looking west along from Chrysler Building, which is reflected in the windows of Unused air rights from landmarks could That area would raise the FAR to 18.0, the planned 1 Vanderbilt. Fr. New York YIMBY, be transferred anywhere within the entire continued on page 8 8/26/16.

MacArthur Playground: A Beloved Neighborhood Play Space By Marie-Louise Handal, TBA Parks Committee It is common in Turtle Bay to hear teens swings, a large jungle gym, a sand box, and Community Support Makes The and young adults reminisce fondly about a first-rate water spray. A turtle sculpture, Difference the “old days” when they enjoyed activities donated years ago by the TBA, is a favorite The playground generates community with friends and neighbors in MacArthur of the children. spirit embodied by neighborhood volun- Playground. This very special public space continued on page 3 MacArthur Playground is an oasis for out- has become an integral and even intimate door activities in the middle of our bustling part of the lives of many of our neighbor- city, designed to be enjoyed by both chil- Note the Event hood’s children. dren and accompanying adults. Scores of Oktoberfest The entrance to this gem of a park is at the children, with parents and caregivers, find Saturday, October 8, 1-4 pm intersection of East 49th Street and the their way to the park, year-round. It is a Live music. Pumpkin decorating. FDR Drive, east of 860-870 United Nations magnet on hot summer days when children Bouncy House, Plaza. It is gated and fully equipped with arrive in swimsuits, carrying water balloons Dag Hammarskjold Plaza East 47th/First & Second and beach pails, to enjoy Info: 212-826-8980 the tall water spray. TBA Annual Meet The park features benches November, Date TBD throughout, tables, and Report to Membership seating at the entrance as Light food and wine well as the far end. Con- Info: 212-751-5465 crete tables with chess/ TBA Holiday Toy Drive & Party checker boards built into December, Date TBD their tops also serve for Location TBD arts and crafts, not to Bring toys for needy children. Food. Paying bar. mention birthday parties Info: 212-751-5465 and other celebrations. Hence, all those wonder- ful memories!

Turtle Bay Association • 224 East , New York, NY 10017 • (p) 212-751-5465 • (f) 212-751-4941 • [email protected] • turtlebay-nyc.org TBA Who’s Who TBA Installs Memorial Plaque for Jeannie Sakol Turtle Bay Association We have missed Jeannie Sakol since she forever-youthful presence and intelligence 224 East 47th Street passed away in October, 2015, after many to many pressing community causes. New York, NY 10017 Phone: 212-751-5465 years of working with us on Turtle Bay This past July, in honor of Jeannie’s lega- neighborhood projects. Fax: 212-751-4941 cy, the TBA installed a plaque in the tree Email: [email protected] Jeannie accomplished a great deal in her bed at 230 East 48th Street, and celebrated Website: www.turtlebay-nyc.org professional life as a journalist, editor, by placing white roses among the flowers publisher and columnist. As a board mem- already growing there. The plaque will al- Check our Bulletin Board: ber and energetic activist, with the TBA ways remind us of our good friend Jeannie. East side of Second Avenue since its founding, Jeannie brought her Look for it the next time you pass by. between 48th and 49th Streets, outside wall of supermarket.

Board of Directors Officers President: William E. Curtis Secretary: Vacant Treasurer: Dick Irwin Vice Presidents: Millie Margiotta Dolores Marsh, Bruce Silberblatt Directors Ethel Bendove, Bunny Blei, Meryl Brodsky, Orin Buck, William E. Curtis, Lee Frankel, Phyllis Gitomer, Denise Hamilton, Marie-Louise Handal, Bill Huxley, Dick Irwin, Florence Kelly, Mary F. Marangi, Millie Margiotta, Mark P. Markowski, Dolores Marsh, Pat McDougald, Michael Resnick, Carol Rinzler, Bruce Silberblatt Honorary Emeriti Barbara Connolly

Community Calendar 17th Precinct Community Council Open Meeting Last Tuesday every month, 6 pm 225 East 212-826-3228 The 17th Precinct MTA Van Schedule (No meetings July, August, December) 167 East 51st Street and New York, NY, 10022 1st Friday, 9 am - 10 am Community Board 6 Contacts 212-826- 57th Street and Third Avenue Full Board Meeting Precinct...... 3211 1st Friday, 10:30 am - 11:30 am Second Wednesday every month, Community Affairs...... 3228 7 pm Community Policing...... 3212 Editorial Committee NYU Medical Center Crime Prevention...... 3224 550 First Avenue Editor: Lee Frankel Domestic Violence...... 3210 212-319-3750 Layout: Hilary Black Youth Officer...... 3207 Now live online at Photographs: Vivian Gordon Auxiliary Coordinator...... 3216 http://wp.cbsix.org/live Contributors: David Baker, Detective Squad...... 3206 Lois Gaeta

2 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org MacArthur continued from page 1 the perimeter to screen the teers who help cultivate the flower boxes park from and maintain the space, working with the the FDR. Parks Department employee who is on New and up- hand daily. Volunteers also advocate for dated ame- improvements and repairs, and help raise nities were funds. Recently, also installed: after weeks of slides, swings, phone calls, they a larger spray succeeded in sprinkler, a changes: improved signage to discourage having the sand bicycle rack box replenished, adults unaccompanied by children from and a drink- even as other using the playground’s restrooms, and a ing fountain. area playground means to assure that the gate latch closes Some bench- sand boxes went fully each time park visitors enter or exit. es and trash unfilled. bins were re- The playground is also overdue for an ex- MacArthur Play- placed. termination, essential to control rat popu- ground has none- lations and relocate pigeons. The TBA is At that time, theless reached the point where it requires now undertaking an extermination proj- the jungle major renovations if it is to continue serv- ect involving community residents, local gym received ing the community’s children. The city last politicians, and building associations and little attention. Now, eight years later, the renovated the playground in early 2009, at staffs. We are seeking funding for a com- unit needs major work beyond fixes to its a reported cost of $280,000. The improve- roof recently done by the Parks Depart- prehensive extermination plan, which ments included all-new paving and land- would also replace and augment the cur- scaping, and expanded plantings around ment. The TBA Parks Committee is decid- ing whether to make further repairs rent (damaged) trash bins with high- or replace the jungle gym entirely. quality, rat-proof receptacles. We are also The protective padding around reviewing the effectiveness of trash collec- various play areas is in dire need of tion in and around the playground. replacement. Other improvements Volunteers Welcome under consideration include add- If you are interested in joining our volun- ing a couple of shade trees near the teers, please leave a message for Marie- benches in the playground’s center, Louise Handal at the Turtle Bay office, pruning the existing trees, and re- 212-751-5465 or [email protected]. moving damaged layers of paint Include which park (MacArthur Play- from the concrete walls. ground, Dag Hammarskjold Plaza or Peter There are other sorely-needed Detmold Park) most interests you.

Lovely June Afternoon Greets TBA Street Fair

The TBA’s Street Fair drew natives and tourists who ambled along , brows- ing the vendors, on June 25, a lovely afternoon. The proceeds of this annual event are donated to various organizations that serve the local community.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney joined the TBA table to help bring in new members. www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 3 New in Government

Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney shortage of affordable housing for both Steve Rosenberg, executive director of New York 12th District renters and homeowners, Krueger says, Scenic Hudson, said, “If we want all New Statement on Murders “There has never been a more impor- Yorkers to have access to fresh, local food, Outside of New York tant time to understand your rights and then we must save the nearby farms that Mosque how housing laws apply to you.” serve the city’s neediest neighborhoods In mid-August, Congress- The report includes: now, before they are lost to development. woman Maloney released a • Questions and Answers About Tenants’ This modest, but visionary, strategic in- statement saying, in part: “I Rights vestment will make the city a national am deeply disturbed by the • A Spotlight on the NYC Rent Freeze model of how to create a more equitable blatant attack on Imam Maulama Akonjee Programs SCRIE and DRIE and secure regional food system.” and his assistant Tharam Uddi. My heart • The Rights of Co-Op Shareholders and Based on a report in the Poughkeepsie Journal, goes out to their families. We must recog- Condominium Owners August 10, 2016 nize that our Muslim community is far too • Property Tax Exemption Programs often the target of bigotry and hatred. We District Office, 211 E. 43rd Street, Suite must continue as a broader community to Find this report on Senator Krueger’s web- 1205, New York, NY 10017, 212-818-0580. stomp out any discrimination that divides site or visit or call her District Office at Dan Quart us. I am thankful for the NYPD’s diligent 1850 Second Avenue, Ground Floor, New State Assembly Member, District 73 work on this investigation and remain con- York, NY 10128, 212-490-9535. Fights Actively for Transit fident that they will bring those responsi- Daniel Garodnick ble to justice.” NYC Council Member, District 4 Improvements in the City Called on Congress to Fund New Fed- Dan Quart has reported Proposes Land Easement eral Opioid Programs success in the fight to - re to Help Hudson Valley store $1 billion in funding Maloney has called on Congress to fully Farmers fund the Comprehensive Addiction and Term limits will force Dan that will allow construc- Recovery Act (CARA) that President from his current office, and tion of the Second Avenue Obama signed into law in July. CARA cre- he is looking north to Albany Subway to move forward into its next ated a number of new federal programs to as a possibility for the future. Working phase. The is a vi- combat opioid abuse. Although the final with other city council members and the tal part of plans to increase access to public version of CARA has passed the Senate Scenic Hudson Land Trust, he is pursuing transportation within the underserved far and the House, Congress has yet to provide a project that would help Hudson Valley east side of , including Turtle funding for these programs. farmers stay in business, and continue to Bay. Dan has pledged “to continue fight- Opioids have caused a severe drug epidem- make fresh produce available to New York ing to make sure this project is funded to ic in , according to Warren City residents. Cooperation between the completion.” Zysman, CEO of Addiction Case Interac- two regions hasn’t always been easy, so Dan is also working with the MTA to bring tions, and have claimed more than 28,000 this is a welcome step beneficial to both. more Select Bus Service to heavily-used American lives a year. “CARA could be a Given the difficulties of farming as a live- bus routes in the area, to make sure that lo- great step in the fight against opioid abuse, lihood, worsened by recent drought con- cal service and bus shelters are maintained, said Rep. Maloney. “Without dollars, how- ditions and an aging labor pool, upstate and to help insure that elderly and disabled ever, CARA will be nothing more than an- farmers are being tempted to sell off large New Yorkers can access the transit system. other empty promise. Republicans in Con- parcels of their land as its value increases He is currently co-sponsoring the Move NY gress need to put their money where their with development and speculation. The mouth is and allow a vote to actually fund size of New York City as a market could plan, which would provide for changes to the fight against opioid abuse.” help solve the problems faced by farmers transportation infrastructure in the city and District Office, 1651 Third Avenue, Suite and also alleviate the disappearance of its surrounding areas. Move NY includes 311, New York, NY 10128, 212-860-0606. farms and open space north of the city. increased and dedicated funding for large transit projects on the East Side, as well According to The New York Times, Dan Liz Krueger as funding for smaller projects, like bus State Senator, 28th District has “proposed spending $50 million for shelters or streetscape improvements, that a conservation easement program that New Report Available: would be chosen by people in the district. “Summer 2016 Albany would pay farmers the development value Update, Report to New of their land and impose a deed restriction District Office, 353 Lexington Avenue, Yorkers on Housing” to permanently protect their land from de- Suite 704, New York, NY 10016, 212-605- Responding to the growing velopment.” 0937.

4 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org Night Out Against Crime In NYC The Turtle Bay community celebrated National Night Out Against Crime, on the evening of August 2. A happy crowd of New Yorkers, some with their pets, enjoyed delicious grilled food provided by Ali Baba Restaurant, lively entertainment by Girls on Top, tables hosted by city and community organizations, and – most important – the chance to meet and talk, on a more ca- sual basis, with 17th Precinct police officers who protect us each day. The 17th Precinct Community Council sponsored the event, which was hosted in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney with TBA board members.

(l. to r.), Assembly Member Dan Quart and Senator Liz Krueger.

(l. to r.), Sherrill Kazan, Liz Krueger and Carolyn Maloney.

www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 5 Art & Culture in Turtle Bay

Turtle Bay Music School works by Saint-Saens and Brahms. songs from our finest composers. According to the New York Times, “…She may be the 244 East November 18 most accomplished interpreter of popular 212-753-8811 tbms.org Sophie X. Zhang, piano. An evening of chamber music, material performing today...” Free Artist Series Concerts including a world premiere of Jazz Vespers Fridays, 7 - 8 pm composer Pablo Marchettini’s Sundays, 5 pm Em Lee Concert Hall piece set on the poems of Please RSVP to [email protected] or Michelangelo, performed by Zhang and September 18 212-753-8811 guest artists. Jesse Lewis Trio. Guitarist Jesse Lewis September 30 December 9 leads a trio that includes Ike Sturm on Pablo Mayor - Folklore Hilary Castle, violin. A bass. Lewis is a member of Ike Sturm's Urbano Quintet. Enjoy the stirring performance of Evergreen, an in-demand player in NYC. inherent groove of Colombian “Transcendence,” an eclectic September 25 folkloric traditions to program that crosses genres to Laila Biali Trio. Award-winning Canadian contemporary Colombian jazz highlight the many voices of Jazz pianist, vocalist and songwriter Laila in this spirited and vibrant performance. the violin. Biali has toured with Suzanne Vega, Chris October 14 Botti and Paula Cole and recorded with Joao Martins, piano. Enjoy and supported Sting. She takes the best an Artist Series Concert by St. Peter’s Church of pop, rock and soul, informs it with TBMS faculty member Joao 619 Lexington Avenue/ her knowledge of jazz and weaves it into Martins. The Joao Martins saintpeters.org her musical arrangements. Laila's music Quartet, featuring reputed Mid-Day Jazz has been presented at prestigious venues players from the world Wednesdays, 1 - 2 pm spanning four continents including the music and NYC jazz scenes, presents a Sanctuary North Sea Jazz Festival, Tokyo's Cotton program that melds the traditional songs Suggested $10.00 donation Club, Peru's El Festival Internacional de Lima, and Carnegie Hall. of Brazil with jazz standards and original September 21 compositions. Penny Fuller and Anita Jazz Memorial November 4 Gillette with Paul Saturday, September 24 Jason Cutmore, piano. Greenwood. Charles Davis Jazz Memorial. Charles Cutmore, along with guest art- September 28 Davis (May 20, 1933 - July 15, 2016) ists John Marcus, violin and Marlene VerPlanck. Singer VerPlanck was an American jazz saxophonist and Ruth Sommers, cello, presents concentrates on the great standards and new composer. He played alto, tenor and baritone

Dinner and a Movie What better plan for an August evening than a bite with friends, music by a live singer, and a screening of “State of the Union,” the classic Frank Capra movie, starring Katha- rine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy? The evening attracted 200 guests. It was sponsored by Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, the Turtle Bay Association and the Ford Foundation.

6 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org Art & Culture saxophone, and performed extensively TALKS+ Thomas, where an extraordinary woman with Archie Shepp and Sun Ra. As a leader Thursday, October 6, 6:30 pm gives birth to painter Camille Pissarro, the he recorded for the Strata-East, Red, and Mind of the Mangaka. Join Mangaka Father of Impressionism to be. Growing up Smalls record labels, among others. Davis Yusei Matsui on idyllic St. Thomas in the early 1800s, also worked as a sideman on classic records for an intimate Rachel dreams of life in faraway Paris. by Abdullah Ibrahim, Art Blakey, Philly conversation in Thursday, September 22, 5:30 pm Joe Jones, Cedar Walton, Clark Terry, Elvin conjunction with Community Room Jones, Kenny Dorham, Dinah Washington, New York Comic Adult Coloring Group. Unwind and Freddie Hubbard and many more. Con, a rare op- express your creativity with coloring portunity to see the manga master in person. books that feature intricate designs and Followed by a reception. $30 non-member; patterns. All materials will be provided, but Japan Society $25 members, seniors and students. participants may bring their own sketchpads 333 East 47th Street Saturday, October 15 and art projects. Adults 50+. 212-832-1155 japansociety.org Open to Public: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm Wednesday, September 28, 12 pm Call or visit website for Box Office Sun., Oct. 16, 11 am - 4:30 pm Community Room and Gallery hours. Gallery Admission: Peace through Floral Expression Exhi- Understanding LinkedIn for Your Job $12; students and seniors $10; members bition. With a history spanning more than Search. Tom Powner, an experienced career and children under 16 free. Free to all 550 years, Ikenobo ikebana continues to management professional, volunteers his on Friday nights, 6 pm - 9 pm. inspire the world with masterpieces of floral time and expertise in this workshop. Net- design. Join us for this unique opportunity working is a powerful and necessary way to Films to view a wide variety of stunning ikebana connect with career and employment oppor- Friday, October 7, 7 pm arrangements by Headmaster Sen'ei Ikenobo tunities. You will learn how to build and use Paprika. The and other Ikenobo masters. There will be a network that effectively connects you with final film by a talk and demonstration by Headmaster opportunities. Space is limited; to register, the late, great Ikenobo. Free admission. call Grand Central Library. Satoshi Kon is a Wednesday, October 19, 6:30 pm Wednesday, October 5, 12 pm culmination of Where's the Beef: Wagyu Fact & Fic- Community Room the groundbreak- tion. Learn about Japanese wagyu beef with Job Searching Skills Seminar. Searching ing director's visual style and a crowning Yale agrarian for a job has changed. Tom Powner, of achievement of Japanese animation. $5 studies profes- Career Thinker Inc., will present this members; $13 non-members; $10 seniors sor Dr. Daniel seminar. Learn about the importance of and students. Botsman and networking; how to benefit from job and Monday, October 31, 7 pm watch an on- career fairs; tapping the hidden job market; The Face of Another. Legendary actor stage cooking the use of both traditional and online search Tatsuya Nakadai demonstration. methods; and how to target companies, not visits Japan So- Followed by a tasting reception with wagyu just job postings, recruiters and headhunters. ciety and talks at beef imported from Japan. $19 non-mem- Wednesday, October 12, 12 pm this 50th anniver- ber; $15 members, seniors and students. Community Room sary screening of Visit Japan Society or its website for more Cover Letters, Bios, and Thank-You Hiroshi Teshiga- events and to buy tickets. Notes for Job Searching: A Career hara’s existential, Thinker workshop with Tom Powner. horror-tinged Learn about how to craft an effective cover masterpiece. $15/$12 members. Grand Central Library letter for your resume and thank-you note following an interview. 135 East 46th Street (Lexington/Third) Workshop Wednesday, October 19, 12 pm 212-621-0670 Sunday, September 18, 3:30 pm Community Room nypl.org/locations/grand-central Body Sculpting with Takao Kawaguchi. Preparing for Job Interviews: A Career Fully accessible. Call or visit website for Dancer Takao Kawaguchi guides par- Thinker Workshop with Tom Powner. hours. ticipants through his creative process for The more you prepare the less intimidated “About Kazuo Ohno.” After a discussion Tuesday, September 20, 5:30 pm you feel. Increase your chances of landing a and a view of archival footage, participants Community Room job by knowing how to prepare for an inter- will sketch their images and create move- Book Club: Marriage of Opposites / Alice view. Learn about the importance of attire ments based on what they experienced. Hoffman. A discussion of “The Museum and body language, types of interviews you Some movement-based experience is pre- of Extraordinary Things,” a forbidden may face, telling stories that highlight your ferred. $35/$30 members. love story, set on the tropical island of St. strengths, and answering difficult questions. www.turtlebay-nyc.org Turtle Bay News 7 Important Housing Phone Numbers and Websites Turtle Bay continued from page 1 General ag.ny.gov 21.6, or even 23.0. Shame! NYC HPD nyc.gov/hpd The TBA has consistently argued against NYC DOB nyc.gov/dob including any properties east of Third Av- NYC Commission on Human Rights nyc.gov/cchr enue in the East Midtown rezoning plan. NYC Rent Guidelines Board nycrgb.org The increased FAR, the unrestricted air NYC Housing Court nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/housing rights transfers, and the push eastward in- Law Help lawhelpny.org cluded in the plan, would allow a wall of Council on NY Cooperatives & Condominiums cnyc.com super-tall skyscrapers to rise up here in our Tenants and Neighbors tenantsandneighbors.org neighborhood. The unused air rights of, Metropolitan Council on Housing metcouncilonhousing.org say, Grand Central Terminal, could end up Housing Court Answers cwtfhc.org in Turtle Bay! Imagine the effect upon our Tenant advocacy groups homes! Tenants and Neighbors 212-608-4320 Particularly desirable to developers are Metropolitan Council on Housing 212-979-0611 sites on wide streets and avenues, where Housing Court Answers 212-962-4795 the plan encourages developers to benefit Sources of legal assistance for eligible, low-income renters from adding extra floor area to existing Lenox Hill Neighborhood House 212-218-0503 buildings. MFY Legal Services 212-417-3888 For example, The Buchanan, located on Manhattan Legal Services 646-442-3100 Third Avenue and 48th Street, was erected Legal Aid Society 212-577-3300 in 1928 and has nearly 300 apartments New York Legal Assistance Group 212-613-5000 grouped around a handsome interior court- NYC Bar Association Justice Center Hotline 212-626-7383 yard. As one of the very few such buildings left in Manhattan, it should be landmarked Be An Election Worker! and deserves to be protected. Inspectors, Poll Clerks and Information Clerks earn a salary of $200 for working on Election Day, $100 for attending a 6-hour training New TBA Board Members class and passing the exam. We welcome Phyllis Gitomer For information call the Manhattan Board of Elections at and Florence Kelly, who join 212-487-5400. our board as we launch the For an application or to apply online, visit Fall season. Watch for more http://www.vote.nyc.ny.us/html/workers/positions.shtml information about them.

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

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

8 Turtle Bay News www.turtlebay-nyc.org