The Upper East Side Community Corner

East River Esplanade Update

2011-04-30T22:35:00.003-04:00

Back in September of 2010, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Council member Jessica Lappin established an East River Esplanade Taskforce to rehabilitate the East River Esplanade north of 63rd Street.

Progress on the planning phase for the improvement of the East River Esplanade has been moving steadily. Congreswoman Maloney secured at $475,000 earmark for the project. This earmark will be used along with federal funding from the Surface Transportation Program and state funding from the Department of Environmental Conservation, to fund a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the creation of a new esplanade along the East River. The RFP, issued by the New York City Department of Economic Development, solicits proposals for a feasibility study that would cover engineering, design, landscaping and other planning related to the new esplanade.

"This study will help us gain a better understanding of the costs and complications involved in building a new esplanade at this location,” said Congresswoman Maloney.

The Mayor’s Vision 2020 New York City Comprehensive Waterfront Plan specifically calls for the creation of a new waterfront esplanade along the East River from 38th to 60th Streets.

Population Drop, Vacancies and Fewer Sales on the UES

2011-03-31T00:57:00.003-04:00

The 2010 Census revealed that the population of the Upper East Side declined from 63,700 to 61,2007. In addition to a declining population, the Carnegie Hill section of the Upper East Side had the highest percentage of vacant housing units in the city, with more than 13% of vacant units. Over a 10 year time period, the vacancies increased by 26% while there was a simultaneous 3.8% decrease in the total number of housing units. Different theories are being discussed as to why this occurred. Some theorize that perhaps residents knocked down walls in multiple units to create larger homes. Others speculate that people were at their homes in other locations when the census was being taken. The census' definition of vacancy includes units temporarily occupied by people who have a usual residence elsewhere. While Carnegie Hill saw a decrease in number of housing units and the highest vacancy rate, Yorkville, by contrast, had a 1.3 percent increase in the total number of units, and a 5.4 percent vacancy rate.

Not only has the Upper East Side experienced a population drop and increase in vacancies in the Carnegie Hill area, but it is also experiencing a decrease in signed real estate contracts. In comparison with the Upper West Side,the Upper East Side is behind. Both neighborhoods have roughly 1,000 apartments on the market. The Upper East Side has a 3.6% decrease in signed contracts since January while the Upper West Side saw an increase in signed contracts of 15%. However, if last year's market trends are any indication, by the start of summer, the Upper East Side may end up with a larger increase in signed contracts. Stay tuned.

The UES Landscape: Fairway Sets Opening Date and the Yorkville Clock Ticks Again

2011-02-28T11:43:00.004-05:00

Mark your calendars, Upper East Siders. Fairway is opening on June 22, 2011! Construction of the grocery began in October. Recently, Fairway posted help wanted ads. The much-awaited grocery store will include an in-house Kosher butcher and bakery, coffee roasted on the premises and more than 600 artisanal cheeses.

A more venerable neighborhood landmark, the Yorkville clock, was recently restored to its full ticking glory. Over the summer, the clock stopped at ten to nine. Thanks to the Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, clock expert Robert Baird of Historical Arts and Casting, West Jordan, Utah, repaired the clock.

The clock, manufactured by the E. Howard Clock Company of Massachusetts, dates back to 1898 when it was installed by jeweler Adoph Stern in front of his jewelry store at 85th Street and Third Avenue.

On August 25, 1981, the clock was designated a NYC landmark. After a few moves damaged the clock, it was restored in 1998 as a result of fundraising efforts by FRIENDS, the Friends of Cast Iron Architecture, and Neighbors Restoring the Historic Yorkville Clock.

Photo courtesy of http://www.friends-ues.org/.

Upper East Side 2010 Crime Update

2011-01-28T14:44:00.002-05:00

2010 was a year of declining crime in NYC and the Upper East Side. NYC saw an overall crime decrease of approximately 1.4% while the UES overall crime declined by 4 percent. While the NYC murder rate increased by 13.4 percent, the UES murder rate decreased by 50% with just one murder in 2010. The number of robberies and burglaries also decreased on the UES. The number of robberies fell from 144 from 146 and burglaries from 231 from 314. However, not all categories of crime declined. The number of rapes and felonious assaults increased. The rapes were mainly "acquaintance rapes."

Grand larcenies compose approximately 75 percent of all crimes on the UES, but this crime category also saw a decline of 2.1 percent.

To track weekly crime statistics by precinct, visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/crime_prevention/crime_statistics.shtml

Grant Awarded to Friends of the UES Historic Districts

2010-12-20T11:33:00.002-05:00

The Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts was awarded a grant from the Robert and Elizabeth Jeffe Preservation Fund for New York City by the National Trust for Historic Preservation . The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing communities throughout the United States. The grant will be used to create an architectural and cultural guide to the Upper East Side neighborhood, including detailed maps of the Upper East Side’s historic districts and landmarks.

The Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts was founded in 1982 and serves as an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historical architecture on the Upper East Side. FRIENDS acts as both a community advocate for preserving archictural history and as a public educator.

UES Transportation Update: Taxi Ride Program Ends and Public Hearing for Second Avenue Subway Construction

2010-11-30T11:08:00.004-05:00

After a short run of 7 months, the UES group taxi ride program ended after failing to attract riders. Taxi and Limousone Commissioner chief David Yassky pondered the reason why, "there’s not enough common routes from there to work or if it’s a chicken-and-egg problem, where passengers will only go there is there are taxis and taxis will only go there if there are passengers — and no one will act first."

While the construction crews are encountering delays from gushing underground streams, the Second Avenue subway construction continues to plague area businesses. So far, thirty one businesses between 63rd and 96th streets have gone out of business, and the income of the remaining businesses has been reduced by almost half.

Members of the community are pleading for legislation that would allow Second Avenue businesses to receive financial assistance, a real estate tax abatement, a sales-tax-free area, improved sanitary conditions, and more accessibility to the stores.

The government is responding by pledging to replace bent, unsightly fences; repave broken sidewalks, and open up sidewalks. The East 92nd Street area is the first section to undergo these repairs, which are expected to be completed shortly at a cost of about $70,000. In addition, the MTA plans to open up an office in a recently vacated retail space, where residents can stop by with concerns, and a Web-based timeline, to provide a block-by-block guide of the planned work schedule.

Today a public hearing will be held by the New York State Standing Commission on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions to review the subway project. The hearing will examine problems associated with the construction and its delays, and what can be done to possibly mitigate those problems.

NYS Standing Commission on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Hearing on the Second Avenue Subway Project:
November 30th, 2010, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location:
250 Broadway, 19th Floor Senate Hearing Room
New York, NY 10007
Phone: 518-455-2441
Fax: 518-426-6809

WATCH LIVE
http://www.nysenate.gov/committee/corporations-authorities-and-commissions

Charity, Celebrity Style

2010-10-22T13:41:00.008-04:00

The New York Junior League is a women's organization dedicated to community service. Founded in 1901, the New York chapter of the Junior League is the original chapter of the Junior League. Today some 3,000 NYJL volunteers devote their time to causes ranging from domestic violence prevention to health education to cultural enrichment. Several of the NYJL's committees serve the Upper East Side Community: assisting the New York Center for Children with abuse case tracking, providing instruction on infant care and child safety at The Grace House, and volunteering at the Stanley M. Isaacs Center. In order to fund its community-changing efforts, the NYJL hosts a number of fantastic fundraisers that are open to the public.

On Friday, October 15, the Junior League rolled out the red carpet for attendees at its Hollywood-style homecoming, "A Night with the Stars." The halls of the stately East 80th Street townhome the New York Junior League calls its headquarters were adorned with stars, balloons, and of course, a red carpet. Three floors of the headquarters offered different spaces to socialize and relax, each with different drinks- from a rum room to a wine room to a vodka room- and accompanying hors d'oeuvres A DJ kept the dance floor of the ballroom moving. After the main event, guests continued the festivities on the UES with an afterparty at Stir on First Avenue at 73rd Street. The evening's proceeds benefited the charitable activities of New York Junior League. As always with the Junior League, the event was well-attended and offered attendees the opportunity to socialize with a purpose.

To learn more about the Junior League and its charity events that are open to the public, visit http://www.nyjl.org/index.php.

East River Esplanade Task Force Established

2010-09-16T13:22:00.001-04:00

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Council member Jessica Lappin have established an East River Esplanade Taskforce to rehabilitate the East River Esplanade north of 63rd Street. The task force will assess the condition of the esplanade, estimate the cost of repairs, and secure funding.

It is evident from the sinkholes, potholes, lack of benches and shrubbery, that not only is the Esplanade unsightly, but it can also be unsafe. The East 70's portion of the Esplanade is particularly perilous, with several spots closed off.

On July 26 a preliminary meeting was held, during which is was determined that the Parks Department is the appropriate agency to take the lead on this project.

On October 7, Congresswoman Maloney, Council member Lappin will meet with community board chairs and Parks Department chairs to continue planning for this project. Of course, funding will be the biggest challenge for this project.

The esplanade was built in the 1960s, along with the FDR Drive. The pavement was last renovated in the 1980s, when hex block pavers were installed, but the seawall from 59th to 96th streets has never been renovated.

Back to (a New) School

2010-08-24T21:49:00.000-04:00

In order to relieve overcrowding on the UES, next month a new public school, 267, will open at 1458 York Avenue. Rather than redrawing the zones, students living in the overcrowded P.S. 290, 183, and 59 zones will have priority to attend the new school. P.S. 267 is slated to move in two years to the building which currently houses P.S. 59, the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, located at 213 East 63rd St. At that time, P.S. 59 will move to a new building. When P.S. 267 opens next month it will contain three kindergarten classes and the school will expand by one grade each year until it houses grades Kindergarten through 5. The school is expected to have an ultimate capacity of 450 students.

The new East Side Middle School (ESMS) will open at 333 East 91st Street next month as well, increasing the school's current capacity by approximately 150 seats.

Other new UES schools are in the works. In September of 2012, P.S. 151 will open in a new location which is to be determined. And in September of 2012, P.S.59 will return to a newly constructed home on East 56th Street.

Hopefully the opening of these new seats and new schools will decrease the waitlists and relieve the overcrowding problem that affects so many UES students and parents.

Group Taxi Stand Provides Relief to Former X90 Riders

2010-07-26T13:53:00.001-04:00

A new group ride taxi stand has opened on York Avenue between 70th and 71st Streets. The stand was primarily created to serve those commuters whose transportation routines were disrupted by the discontinuation of X90 service to the Financial District.

The taxi stand is open from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. The flat fee fare is $6 for two or more passengers, and commuters may be dropped off anywhere from Pearl St. to the World Financial Center. For a passenger information card, click here.

Council Member Jessica Lappin lauded the launch of this new taxi stand, "Hail to the TLC for working with us to create a creative, no-cost way to help commuters on the east side. In particular, this will provide a great new option for those passengers who are being hurt by the discontinuation of the X90 bus."

Don't forget about the other group taxi stand located on E. 72nd St. and Third Ave. with dropoffs on Park Avenue from 72nd St. to 42nd St.

Fairway is In, Subway Advertisements are Out

2010-06-23T18:54:00.000-04:00

Upper East Side residents can't escape the fact that the neighborhood is undergoing much development, especially with the construction of the Second Avenue subway. Some development is readily welcomed by the community while other development is more closely scrutinized. At last week's UES Community Board Meeting, CB8 voted on two proposals affecting development in the neighborhood: Fairway's proposal for a loading dock and the MTA's proposal to allow commercial billboards within 125 feet of 2nd Avenue.

At the CB8 meeting, many residents spoke in support of Fairway's proposed use of the loading dock. Residents expressed a desire to ease Fairway's transition to the neighborhood because they felt the store would benefit the community. Those who opposed the loading dock cited concerns with decreasing area parking and the noise that would result from having the loading dock open from 5 a.m. to midnight in this mixed-use community. Residents noted that loading docks in the neighborhood are typically restricted to 10-12 hours of operation. The general consensus, however, was that the presence of Fairway on the UES is wholeheartedly welcome and will add something that UES residents have been missing: an affordable gourmet grocery. Ultimately, the board voted to approve the proposal for the loading dock.

Although the proposed commercial billboards would only be used until the completion of the subway and would help hard-hit businesses to regain revenue during construction, residents spoke overwhelmingly against allowing commercial billboards within 125 feet of 2nd Avenue. Many felt that the presence of the commercial billboards would dilute the residential character of the neighborhood. Not surprisingly, CB8 voted against allowing the commercial billboards.

It seems that not unlike most communities, UES residents are wary of development but welcome it when they believe it will bring something valuable to the community.

Central Park Tennis Court Controversy Ends

2010-05-31T22:39:00.002-04:00

After its plans were a year in the making, the Parks Department recently abandoned a proposal that would have placed four climate-controlled winter bubbles over Central Parks tennis courts from November 15 to March 23. The plan included golf cart rides to carry uptown players from Fifth Avenue and Central Park West to the courts.

Just last February, the Upper East Side's Community Board, Community Board 7, approved the proposal. Months later the Upper West Side's Community Board 8 raised concerns over the bubble approved by Community Board 7, including environmental concerns from heating the 26 courts with diesel generators and expensive court fees. The proposed play fees, ranging from $30 to $100 per hour, would have varied depending upon the popularity of the time slot. At the more than half-dozen bubbled tennis courts at other city parks throughout the city, hourly rentals typically run between $28 and $56. The rate of a season pass for the tennis courts is currently $100 for March through November. The revenue generated would have gone to the city's general fund rather than the Parks Department. Community Board 8 was concerned that the required fees would create exclusivity in this public space as many people could not afford to use the courts in winter. Others complained that the bubbles would obstruct park views.

As a result of the complaints by Community Board 8, Community Board 7 chose to revisit its decision and withdrew its support from the bubble project. Sen. Liz Krueger, whose district covers the entire park, issued a letter in opposition to the plan. Krueger said she was disturbed that the Parks Department would propose such an idea. “[The plan] violates the entire commitment of Parks Department to keep Central Park the crown jewel,” Krueger said. The Parks Department dropped the proposal at the end of April.

This is the second time this year the Parks Department has abandoned plans for a tennis bubble on the Upper East Side. This spring the city also abandoned its plan to cover popular softball fields at Queensborough Oval beneath the 59th Street Bridge on the East Side year round and use the land for tennis.

Are you in favor of bubbling Upper East Side tennis courts for winter use? What if a more environmentally friendly heating method were available?

For Cinco de Mayo Consider Cascabel Taqueria

2010-04-30T19:45:00.005-04:00

This tiny taco joint that takes no reservations has been garnering rave reviews from novice nibblers and famed foodies alike. The tacos are served in a clean space that is somewhat inundated with Mexican wrestling paraphernalia such as figurines and posters. The lime green walls add brightness. The restaurant seats about 22 people excluding the bar. In addition to lunch and dinner, brunch is available on weekends. The service is quick and efficient. Without a wait, your order will be ready in mere minutes for you to devour.

The menu offers starters, sides, corn tacos, larger plates, and a few desserts. The high point of the food at Cascabel is the use of only fresh ingredients. It’s fitting that each table is equipped with four types of salsas and hot sauces as the tacos would benefit from more seasoning. You can enjoy refreshing beer, wine, and agua fresca with your tacos.

The prices here are very reasonable, $7.50 for 2 tacos. However, for some people, the two small tacos may not be filling enough to comprise an entire meal.

Although there is better Mexican food to be found on the Upper East Side, namely at Taco Taco, Cascabel is a convenient place to stop for a quick meal. Dining here is proof that you can eat cheap on the Upper East Side.

DETAILS:
Cascabel Taqueria
1542 Second Avenue b/w 80th and 81st
212-717-7800
Lunch: M-F 12-4:30
Dinner: M-Th 4:30-10
Th-F 4:30-11
Brunch: Sa-Su 12-4

Second Avenue Subway Update

2010-03-31T21:40:00.003-04:00

Plans for the Second Avenue Subway started back in 1929 and construction first began in the 1960s, but the financial crisis of the 1970’s halted progress. The plan was resurrected with the Phase One groundbreaking on April 12, 2007.

The Second Avenue Subway will provide services along two lines, the Q and the T. The new train will run generally under Second Avenue from 125th Street to Hanover Square; second service (an extension of the existing train) will operate from 125th Street under Second Avenue and connect to the 63rd Street Line and the Broadway express tracks, using an existing track connection between the 63rd Street Line and the Broadway Line. The will then continue along the Broadway Line express tracks and the Manhattan Bridge into Brooklyn. There are four phases of the plan.

The current construction is focused on Phase 1, which the MTA estimates will be completed in December 2016, although the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) estimates that it won't be finished until June of 2018. Phase 1 encompasses the Upper East Side, from 96th Street to 72nd Street. Phase 3 of the four phase project will also encompass the Upper East Side, from 72nd Street to 60th Street.

At groundbreaking, the estimated cost for Phase 1 was $3.8 billion; the estimate has now risen to $4.4 billion. The entire project was originally slated to cost $13 billion, however, estimates have ballooned to approximately $17 billion. This month, the project received $78.9 million in stimulus funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Last week it was announced that UES residents living in 28 apartments on Second Avenue between 93rd and 96th Street will be displaced from their homes in apartment buildings along This brings the total number of apartment relocations to 69 since last year. The displacement is temporary, and will last from 30 to 60 days. The subway construction has compromised the integrity of these buildings. The overall cost of the relocations, as well as stabilizing and façade work on other nearby buildings, will cost the MTA between $6 million and $8 million, doubling what was initially projected.

As of this week, Construction crews are boring tunnels between 91st and 95th Street.

Of course, not only has the construction forced UES residents to be temporarily displaced, but it also has impacted businesses along Second Avenue. Storefront entrances have been blocked and the construction has caused Second Avenue to be a hassle to traverse.

Take heart, Upper East Siders; despite these negative impacts and the short-term negative impact of the subway construction upon real estate values, experts anticipate that the subway will raise property values along 1st and 2nd Avenues.

For more information, visit http://www.mta.info/capconstr/sas/.

A Post Office Saved: Community Activism at its Best

2010-03-11T07:30:00.001-05:00

In October, victory was won for some Yorkville residents of the East 70’s and East 80’s who use the post office at 1483 York Avenue, otherwise known as Cherokee Station. Back in the summer, the USPS toyed with the idea of closing the Post Office and moving the services centered there to another location, in an attempt to consolidate Post Offices due to a $7 billion deficit caused by low revenue and decreasing mail volume. At the time, there were more than 3,000 offices under review nationally, including 14 throughout the city, and 5 in Manhattan. The USPS considered moving services to Gracie Station, Lenox Hill Station and Yorkville Station, and even Roosevelt Island. Under the USPS proposal, residents would have been forced to travel at least half a mile from the original Cherokee station, and perhaps a river away! Keeping Cherokee station is especially important to our community because many of our senior citizens rely upon its services; they would be severely inconvenienced by having to travel further to the post office.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney has been instrumental to the development of Cherokee station. Back in 1994, Congresswoman Maloney successfully advocated for expansion of Cherokee station. She secured a space twice the size of the former station, with seven full service windows and 800 more boxes, resulting in a total of 1,000 boxes at the station.

Back in the summer, the community rallied to keep the post office open. The East 79th Street Neighborhood Association collected almost 1500 signatures on a petition to keep the post office open. Several elected officials, including Carolyn Maloney, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, State Senator Liz Krueger, State Assembly Members Micah Kellner and Jonathan Bing, City Council Members Jessica Lappin and Dan Garodnick, joined together and wrote a letter urging the USPS to save Cherokee Station.

At the end of November, the USPS announced that it would not close Cherokee Station. Congresswoman Maloney proclaimed, “Since New Yorkers can’t walk on water, I am delighted that the Postal Services won’t be closing the Cherokee Station and moving its operations across the East River.”

This is just one example of how residents of the Upper East Side, paired with our elected officials, can work for the best of the community.

What other issues are you advocating in the community that you’d like to bring to the attention of this blog and the community?

Fireplace Retreat on UES!

2010-03-03T12:37:00.002-05:00

Ooooh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is sooo delightful! Living on the Upper East Side for now 6 years, I had never known some of the charming hidden treasures that our community holds close to heart. You see, I had this preconceived notion that in order to entertain or “be cool” it was imperative that I put my little booty into a yellow cab or make the 6 block trek in my high heels over to the subway and make the journey down town. Friends in town? Lets meet at this hard to get in place on avenue A. Dinner date? Fabulous little place in Soho. Parents in town? Great family style nook in Nolita…You get the point.

However, lately, it has been well, cold. Quite frankly with this economy who wants to incorporate $40 in cabs into the night of entertaining? Even worse who wants to wait and wait for that 4 or 5 express train to come and then hear, “All express trains are running on the local track and with limited service”. I can definitely tell you that I for sure do not want to hear this as it is 20 degrees on the platform.

Recently in an effort to save money, body heat and valuable night time, I started looking at some of the bars and dinner places here within the Upper East Side, and began to explore other alternate places to meet up with friends and family or go out for my treasured date night with my husband. The results have been unbelievable! I cant even begin to think about the money I have spent hauling it down town or the shoes ruined making that long journey over to the subway to wait and then end up being late!

My entertainment explorations were put to a test this past weekend. Originally, I had plans to head south and meet up with friends that were coming in from the ‘burbs and wanted a “swank” night out in the city. Out of habit I thought, perfect, there is this great place in Gramercy with a fireplace and where you can reserve a table for drinks. Phone number in mid dial, I stopped, paused and reassessed the situation. They also are cigar smokers and I immediately remembered one of the very few almost unknown places in the city that allows patrons to smoke inside. Yes, inside.

Lo and behold, the place that still allows you to smoke is, no not downtown…. but uptown, on the lovely Upper East Side. Lexington Bar and Books on 73rd and Lexington is one of the very few bars within NYC that still allows you to smoke cigars inside. Your friends will be impressed with this classy find and little known fact all the while having great conversation in an appropriately filled dimly lit loungey space holding either a delicious glass of wine, cold beer or a concoction of your choice. Even better on these cold nights mosey on over to the fireplace and carry your laughs and talks while being warm!

Who would have thought that a great and rare find could be found in the baby stroller filled, dog walking enclave that is our community. Entertaining is a blast but doesn’t mean that we northern Manhattanites have to venture down south to show friends, family even ourselves a cool night out on the town.

Lexington Bar and Books is just one of the many little finds to be found and depending on your evening outlook or entertainment purposes there is something to be ventured to on the Upper East Side.

UES Riverfront Park

2010-02-24T19:41:00.001-05:00

It's about time this project is actually getting off the ground. It's been eight years in the works but Community Board 8 got one step closer to finishing the Andrew Haswell Green Park when it approved the final phase of the project last week. Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20100222/upper-east-side/upper-east-side-riverfront-park-gets-final-green-light#ixzz0gVIyqS9O

A few things to take into consideration

2008-10-06T21:25:00.006-04:00

Local news:
Con Edison started work to abate and demolish retired Transit Authority facilities in the East 75th Street Substation and in the street on East 75th between York Avenue and the FDR as early as Monday, October 6th. The Transit Authority ducts are composed of a concrete like material containing asbestos. As such, the removal process will include all appropriate safeguards. Proposed days and hours of work are as follows:
Inside substation: Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm
Outside substation (i.e. on the street): Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm
We will provide more details as soon as they are available.

I love trees, but trees don't love me. My eyes itch just reading about this:

Upper Green Side has two great events coming up:

· Great East Side Tree Giveaway - Sunday, October 19th at the 92nd Street and
First Avenue Greenmarket, Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project, Million
Trees and Upper Green Side (we're the really small fry here) will be giving away
1,250 trees to individuals, community groups, community gardens, block
associations... Any and everyone who has a place to plant a tree, is willing to
transport it to that place and plant it. There'll be 19 varieties, and both shade and
flowering trees. Think the size of the young "7 gallon" street trees the city plants.
The average or large size granny cart - but definitely not the little ones - are a
great way to get your tree to where you want it. If you want 5 or more trees,
you'll need to have a group identity and email your request to Michael Crowley at
mcrowley@nyrp.org. We don't want a single one of these 1,250 left unplanted!!
Tell your friends !

In case you missed the last electronic recycling opportunity:

· UGS Electronics Recycling - Columbus Day Weekend (October 11th, 12th and
13th) at St. Catherine's Park, First Avenue between 67th Street, 10 am and 3 pm.
Laptops, Desktops, Monitors, Printers, Scanners, Fax Machines, Copiers, Servers,
Mainframes, Routers, Hubs, Modems, Keyboards, Mice, Cables, Hard Drives,
CD-Roms, Circuit Boards, Power Supplies, TVs, VCRs, DVD Players, Audio
Visual Devices, Radios, Stereos, Cell Phones, Pagers, PDAs, Household Batteries
and More. They'll take them all!!

On October 14th, the Carnegie Hill Neighbors, are having
another recycling event at the Church of Heavenly Rest, 2 East 90th Street,
between Fifth and Madison Avenues, 11 am to 7 pm.

Manhattan Community Board 8
SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY /TASK FORCE
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Hunter College School of Social Work
129 East 79th Street, Auditorium
7:00PM

Agenda
1. Construction Update
a. Launch Box update

b. Shaft Site work at 69th and 72nd Streets

2. Architectural finishes and design:
a. 96th Street station

b. 86th Street station, except the entrance serving the east side of Second Avenue at 86th Street* *This entrance is being studied in an Environmental Assessment and will not be discussed at this time.

c. 69th Street entrance to 72nd Street station* *Because the entrance serving the east side of Second Avenue at 72nd Street is being studied in an Environmental Assessment, this entrance will not be discussed at this time. In addition, designs for the 72nd Street station ancillary facilities at 69th and 72nd Streets are not completed. When ancillary facility designs are complete, we will return to Community Board 8 to present them.

Meanwhile, it feels like Spring outside...enjoy!

Things to do and think about

2008-09-29T19:49:00.010-04:00

Buy Local:

The Upper East Side Greenmarket: St. Stephen’s Church, East 82nd Street between First and York Avenues, every Saturday from July 12, 2008 through November 22, 2008. Now, more than ever buying local is the way to go.

The benefits of the Big Mac:

Ronald McDonald House of NY will celebrate their 30th Anniversary by hosting a block party on October 4, 2008 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM, East 73rd Street between York and First Avenues. For more information, contact Jim Rooney at 212-639-0182 or visit http://www.rmdh.org/.

Many years ago, I worked for a company that was responsible for coordinating kids from a Ronald McDonald House to a concert of a band that was one of the world's biggest and most popular attractions. We traveled to 31 cities in 29 days, exhausting, but it was one of the greatest jobs I've ever had. Some of these kids were fragile and they weren't going to live much longer; others were going through treatments and the future was still unclear. I cried my eyes out every show as I led these kids to meet the band, after which I filled their arms with free merchandise. Then I watched as they sat in their VIP seats and had the time of their lives. For some, literally. I visited as many of the houses that I could in places like Jackson, MS, Tampa, FLA, St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL and others. It was a major learning experience. I'll be at the block party.

Get your costumes ready:

The Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum invites you to their Halloween event entitled “Pumpkins & Mask” on Saturday, October 4, 2008, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, 2 East 91st Street. For more information, call the Membership Office at 212-849-8349 or via email at chmembership@si.edu.

And last but not lease:

Bloomberg Called Ready to Announce Third-Term Bid

The mayor is going to propose a plan to revise the city’s 15-year-old term limits law.

If you feel Mayor Bloomberg has been a successful mayor, you may be cheering. If you feel he hasn't done enough and we need a "change" you might be shaking your head in disbelief. I guess we'll have to see how this plays out.

Rescue Me

2008-09-21T07:31:00.008-04:00

The renovations continue in my building. How long has it been? Months. Tonight, it got out of control.

Sitting in my apartment, minding my own business, grading papers, I began to smell something funny, gas like, wafting through my pad. At first, I wasn't sure if it was coming from the outside or somewhere inside the building. The window was already open and the fans were on, but it wasn't helping. I discovered that the smell was strongest in the bathroom and that the fumes were coming in through the vents.

I kept grading papers until my head began to ache and I suddenly felt dizzy and weak. By now, my apartment was filled with toxic fumes and I rushed out the door, knocking on my neighbors' doors, but no one answered. I found workers in the apartment two floors below mine and after pounding on the door a man opened it. I told him that fumes were filling the building, especially my place and that they needed more ventilation. He smiled and said, "One half hour more."

I called the management company and left a message with yet another complaint about the renovations going on here: who does this kind of work on a Saturday night? I then called 311 and told my story. I was switched to the Police and told them my story, meanwhile moving to sit right by the window. From there the call went to the Fire Department and within minutes the hook and ladders, ambulance and police were here.

As they came up the two flights I could hear them talking about the fumes. When I opened my door the first two firemen got a good whiff and they asked how I was doing. I had my huge cat in my arms, very heavy cat, and the fireman made sure I had enough ventilation while some of the others spoke to the workers downstairs and went to speak to the super. I didn't even think of going to the super. I wanted something done right away. Plus, I was too light headed to go back down the stairs. Before they left, the firemen told me to be sure to call if there was a problem.

I heard the firetrucks pulling away and went back to the window when there was a knock on my door and it was a policewoman and man checking to make sure that I was okay. One of the officers even apologized for not getting upstairs sooner because they were stuck behind the firetrucks. Both officers acknowledged the fumes and said if I needed anything else to be sure to call.

By now, I was feeling very tired and went back by the window and sure enough, a knock at my door. It was the EMT's. She asked if I was feeling any chest pains and took my information for a report reflecting that they had offered to take me to the hospital. And then she asked if I needed to go to the hospital. No thanks. I said I was okay, just a bit lightheaded and she said, "So are we--from those fumes."

I don't know exactly which company or precinct they came from, but it was somewhere on the UES. All of the people involved, from the 311 operator to the EMTs were exceptionally professional and extremely kind and caring. I feel so lucky to have had so many people helping to take care of this situation, which could have been so much worse.

I'm going to find out where they all came from and send my thanks. It's a great feeling to know that I am so well protected in my neighborhood on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Time Goes By

2008-09-11T22:05:00.015-04:00

I swore I wouldn't watch any of the coverage of the attacks, yet found myself listening to the conversation Katie Couric had that morning with a woman who witnessed the first plane hitting the tower. She was down in Battery Park, right there. Along with this are the images televised that morning. Time really hasn't made this any easier.

Like so many others, I find it hard to believe that it's been seven years since the attacks on September 11, 2001. I tend to gauge the mood of my students before bringing it up for discussion in my classes. You never know how this event may have impacted a student, especially since so many of them live downtown. I usually start out by asking them how old they were when this happened. Most of them were seven or eight years old and because of that I don't get too political or show too much emotion.

There were a few years following the attacks in which a number of students said they weren't impacted by the events on 9/11 at all. At first I was shocked to hear this, but then I realized that many of these remarks were made by students who were in denial and overwhelmed by the enormity of it. Of course, there were those who lived or were going to schools out of town, so naturally their experiences were different.

This year, all of my students said that they were definitely touched by it and the level of their compassion and concern was very high. Still waters run deep.

Riding the Elevators in the Sky

By Anne Sexton (1975)

As the fireman said:Don't book a room over the fifth floor
in any hotel in New York.
They have ladders that will reach further
but no one will climb them.
As the New York Times said:
The elevator always seeks out
the floor of the fire
and automatically opens
and won't shut.
These are the warnings that you must forget
if you're climbing out of yourself.
If you're going to smash into the sky.

Many times I've gone past
the fifth floor,
cranking upward,
but only once
have I gone all the way up.
Sixteenth floor:
small plants and swans bending
into their grave.
Floor two hundred:
mountains with the patience of a cat,
silence wearing its sneakers.
Floor five hundred:
messages and letters centuries old,
birds to drink,
a kitchen of clouds.
Floor six thousand:
the stars,
skeletons on fire,
their arms singing.
And a key,
a very large key,
that opens something –
some useful door –
somewhere –
up there.

Now, here's some fun stuff:

**The 92nd Street Y is introducing its new season and logo with a video featuring 92 famous faces who have appeared at the Y. Name at least 30 correctly, and you and a guest can be the lucky winners of a one-of-a-kind Year's Membership to 92Y. Watch and enter at www.92Y.org/MUG.

**Join NYC Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn's Team to March for Marriage Equality this Sunday!!

Please join Speaker Christine Quinn for the 5th Annual Wedding March! We will be walking with Marriage Equality New York to support same-sex couples' right to marry. The march will kick-off at City Hall Park, proceed down Park Row and across the Brooklyn Bridge, and wrap-up in Cadman Plaza. There will be food and a festival in Brooklyn, along with artists, speakers and performers. Come out and support this great cause and meet others who are interested in LGBT causes.

Details

Sunday, September 14, 2008

City Hall Park (Take the R, W trains to City Hall or the 4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall or the 2, 3 to Park Place or the J, M, Z to Chambers or the A, C, E to Chambers)

We will start marching around 11:00 AM. Volunteers and participants, please join us at 10:45 AM sharp. We will have signs that say "Speaker Christine Quinn Marriage Team." We will meet in front of the fountain in City Hall Park (on the north side, facing City Hall).

Activities: Walk with the Speaker! Sign up others for future volunteer activities, meet fellow activists and distribute information on the Council's record on LGBT issues.

Please let us know if you would like to attend. You can RSVP to Tony Simone at (212) 788-6887 or http://us.mc342.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=tsimone@council.nyc.gov.

For questions or directions the day of the event, please contact Josh Aronson at (917) 331-2413 or http://us.mc342.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=josh.lovinga@gmail.com.

And last but not least: If you're like me, confused about the plans for Ground Zero (as in, nothing is happening) here's a good article to help you figure things out.

Scheduled Outage

2008-08-06T20:47:00.005-04:00

If they only knew just how apropos this really is. The scheduled outage is set to happen on this particular blog, www.blogger.com, in about 10 minutes. I've finally gotten back in gear and was ready to blog and now this. I'll type fast and do what I can and come back later.

Speaking of outages, my back has been out for over a month, which made swimming, walking, goofing around and other fun activities impossible. On the hottest day of our last heat wave my air conditioner began blowing warm air and I had to hustle to get resolve that issue. Long, long story short: Heat blowing out of a/c, jump on Internet to suss out deals, find something good at Best Buy, have to buy it on the telephone, encounter problems regarding someone coming to install air conditioner, made many calls to check, double check, cajole, argue and almost beg.

I remembered that I had a similar situation six years ago when the last air conditioner (a dinosaur that came with the apartment) died on another heat wave day (97 and climbing). I knew that there was a small shop on my block that sold air conditioners so I went dripping in sweat over there. Only because my head was about to burst from the heat, I ran to the bank to get cash (they wouldn't take a check or credit card) and with 5 minutes to spare bought the darn thing. I begged them to have it delivered and installed right then and for almost $400 I had cold air again. Rip off, sure.

So, this time I was desperate again and even though I already had one coming from BB, I called the shop, now on another block, and spoke to someone about wanting to "buy local" and told him what I needed. After way to much time on hold, the guy comes back and mumbling numbers tells me that he can sell me a unit and have it delivered and installed for $849!!! I'm still laughing. I couldn't contain myself and was screaming with laughter into the phone. I used the words are you blanking kidding me, what are you nuts? Even the most affluent person wouldn't give you that much for a 5000 BTU air conditioner. (please tell me that's true) That's the last time I'll ever call Cool Air on 76th Street. OH! Did I say the name?

Anyway, to finish this saga I'll just say that I ended up getting a great deal from Rainbow, they delivered that evening and gave me a reference for a really nice man to install it. He showed up the next day, popped it in the window, and now I'm freezing.

The hard drive story is the saddest. Fairly new computer, begins doing some very strange things, after 16 total hours (I'm not exaggerating--I have it documented) on the telephone with various Dell technicians I was sent a new hard drive, so I'm back in business. I hadn't realized that India was 12 hours ahead of us.

Okay, back out, air conditioner out, computer out, but with a little patience and a good sense of humor everything worked out. Except my back. I'm still in pain, but I've got air and I'm back here where I belong.

A lot has been going on around town while I've been "grounded" but there are a few things to talk about. Whole Foods is opening a store close to the Upper East Side. 57th and 2nd Avenue is just about there, right? From everything I've been reading, WF is trying to shake its reputation for being overpriced and therefore, unavailable for many New Yorkers. I'll check it out. Uh oh, time for the outage...

Happy Birthday, CB8!

2008-07-09T14:48:00.008-04:00

To be honest, I didn't know any of the information provided in this bulletin. I also don't know anyone who serves on the board or once served on the board or knew someone who served on the board or members, staff, former members or former staff or anyone. However, if you read on you'll see that this party is being held at the Crowe’s Nest, 1804 Second Avenue, (between 93rd and 94th Street), Monday, August 4, 2008, from 7:00
PM to 9:00 PM, so if you can attend, do.

To: Current & Former Board Members, Current & Former Public Members, Board Staff, Elected Officials, and Friends of Community Board 8
From: David G. Liston, Chair
Date: July 3, 2008
Re: Community Board 8 Celebration
* * *
As many of you may know, in 1951 Robert Wagner, then Manhattan Borough President, established twelve “Community Planning Councils.” The Councils, consisting of 15 to 20 members each, were responsible for advising the Borough President on planning and budgetary matters. In 1963, they became "Community Planning Boards" and were extended to the other boroughs. Later in the 1960s, former Mayor Lindsay set up "Little City Halls" on an experimental basis in just a few communities. In the mid-1970s, the Planning Boards and Little City Halls were combined into "Community Boards" and in Fiscal Year 1977 (July 1, 1976 - June 30, 1977) Community Boards were
for the first time officially included in the City budget, which allocated funds for each board for office space, a District Manager, staff, and supplies.

Please come to celebrate the history, accomplishments, and future of Community Board 8. The cost will be $32.00, which will include dinner, dessert, and coffee. Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar. In addition to all current Board Members, Public Members, Board Staff, elected Officials and their staff, and friends of CB 8, I would like to invite former members, former CB8 staff, and former elected officials and their staff. To assist in that effort, I ask that you forward this invitation to any former members, staff, or elected officials and their staff with whom you are in touch or for whom you have contact information.

I will ask a few people to speak for a minute or two at the event about what being on the Board means, or meant, for them and about experiences which capture the value of CB8. Please let me know if you would like to be, or can suggest, one of the speakers. I look forward to seeing you on Monday, August 4, 2008. If you plan to attend, please let the Board Office know by Friday, July 25, 2008.

Taking The Plunge

2008-07-03T00:29:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I'm a little paranoid about people, kids, peeing in public swimming pools. Well, any swimming pool for that matter. I usually leave Manhattan for a month or more during the summer, so I don't spend much time in our local swimming pools, but I really need to get some laps in so I'm venturing out tomorrow to the John Jay outdoor pool. I'm sure there will be a lot of little kids there, but I know that it's a very clean pool so I'm going to just get my mind off of any thoughts of urination. Growing up in Southern California, I was always in pools. I can still clearly see the sign up on every fence in every yard with a pool: We don't swim in your toilet, Please don't pee in our pool. Catchy.

I didn't even think about anyone peeing in the pool back then and I'm sure somebody must have. As of tomorrow, I don't care. I'm going swimming. Swimming is summer and this is summer. It's almost the 4th of July. If that's not summer, what is? I've made my usual promise of working up to 15 laps and if I get to 2 tomorrow, I'll be happy. I've still got not just my winter white skin, but my winter potato-sack body as well. Now, to find last year's bathing suit, which I'm sure I'll have to squeeze into. No matter, I'm taking the plunge.

What Is The Hold-up?

2008-06-21T09:39:00.008-04:00

And who exactly is being held up? Yep, the situation touched off by the construction of the Second Avenue Subway is still unresolved. A couple weeks back a gum chewing Jay DeDapper had a report on Politics To Go about the nightmare which is the situation up on 2nd Avenue. With only two days left in the session, the bills introduced to help the businesses in that area had passed the Assembly but not Congress. Shops are closing, people are losing their jobs...why isn't Mayor Bloomberg stepping in? He doesn't seem to be supporting the bills. The subway construction still has at least 7 years to go. It's hard to imagine that any of the businesses currently there can hang on that long. Go, shop, eat...

After writing to various elected and non-elected representatives and getting no response, I just received this notice from Manhattan Community Board 8:

SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY
TASK FORCE
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
New York Blood Center
310 East 67th Street, Auditorium7:00PM
Agenda
1. Review and discussion of the East 86th Street Subway Station
2. Review and discussion of the East 72nd Street Subway Station
3. Old Business
4. New Business

Could they be any more vague? Guess I'll have to wait for the meeting to find out what this means. Meanwhile, the situation in that area gets more dire each day. I'm sure with this heat and humidity people aren't hopping a subway to shop or eat above 86th Street. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think so.

Rather than repeat what others have already noted, check out
and you'll see the Launch Box and MTA sites. They both cover this topic pretty well. I just got aggravated reading everything again.

I'm going to have to brave the weather and make my way back uptown. It's the least I can do. Besides, it's never too hot for a bagel.

Did I Hear What I Think I Heard?

2008-06-20T12:09:00.003-04:00

The highest raise hike since 1989. Someone bring me a glass of water. I paid $250 a month for a hovel on 52nd in 1989. A raise like this wouldn't have been quite so traumatic. I suppose for people making 6 figures, this isn't so problematic, but for people like myself, a teacher, this is going to be impossible to figure out.

I understand that landlords have monthly expenses, but what have they been doing with their money? Maybe they'll have to cut down on their profits or spend more wisely when doing repairs so they don't have to keep doing them. I know the previous owners of my building would have rather used gum and tape then actually invest in the proper materials when fixing things around here. That's why there have been pipes bursting and ceilings caving in.

The Rent Guidelines Board authorized rent increases of up to 4.5 percent on one-year leases and 8.5 percent on two-year leases. Most of us try to take the two-year lease because we're afraid of what the next hike will be. I'll be forced to take a one-year lease. My employer is never going to give salary raises of more than 5%, regardless of the rise in the cost of living or anything else. Clearly, this city is willing to lose more people. Sure, we all like to think that we are paying for the privilege of living in New York City. I've said many times that while my friends might be paying what I pay for my little studio apartment on the UES for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house in wherever, they also have to live wherever and I get to live here. Snobbish, I know. Maybe they know something I don't?

The board also authorized a supplemental rent increase that will affect only tenants who have lived in their apartments for six years or more. Owners of buildings with those tenants have the option of charging them the approved increases, or a $45 monthly increase for one-year leases or $85 for two-year leases, whichever is greater. Is this fair? Maybe for those people living in apartments and paying $500-700 a month, but for the rest of us? It doesn't seem right.

And on another note, unemployment is on the rise.
I know this is true because in the last few days I've heard of three people who lost their jobs. I don't think it was anyone on the Rent Guidelines Board.

What Goes Up Must Come Down?

2008-06-19T11:16:00.003-04:00

There will be a vote this evening on the next rent increase for rent stabilized buildings in town. Although I'm still contracted on the last hike with my current lease, I'm still nervous about what the jump will be for next year. The renovations continue in my building with rents (studios with washer/dryers and dishwashers, no doorman or elevator) at upwards of $3,000 per month. There's talk that with the amount of construction going on in the city, there will be a glut of empty apartments. I wonder.

I'm going to wait and see what tonight's vote turns up and then re-think this whole thing.

Building Madness

2008-06-04T05:09:00.008-04:00

Every morning I check the news, weather and traffic conditions before I leave the apartment. The weather is something that I'm obsessed about even though it rarely affects my life at all. I wear the same clothing year round; natural fabrics just get layered or non-layered and I throw on a selection of over-clothes--jackets, sweatshirts, coats--as the weather calls for. Still, I have to see at least 3 different weather reports each morning. I watch the traffic report so I can be ready for what may be in store for me on my commute to work. While I live only 28 blocks from work, it can take 12-40 minutes to get there depending on my mode of travel and traffic conditions. The 2nd Avenue bus is my first choice in terms of accessibility because it's a 2 minute walk both from my apartment and to my job. Traffic determines whether it will take 12 minutes or 40 to get there. That 59th Street Bridge can be problematic. Days that I have to leave later, I end up in a cab, which can be hard to find sometimes, and take either the FDR or York, depending. The FDR is preferable because on a good day, it can take that 12 minutes I keep mentioning.

Except for days like last Friday. Everything must have happened in the time it took me to leave my apartment and get down to the corner for a cab. Not knowing a thing, I told the driver to take the FDR. It took 15 minutes to get on the drive. While idling, I heard the helicopters overhead and asked if he knew what was going on. "A crane crashed up on 91st Street, there's an accident on the lower level of the 59th Street Bridge, and there's something going on down by the UN." Then we sat on the drive for a bit until it began moving slowly. We had the radio on and I heard there was a problem on the subway, so it seemed that any mode of transportation would have been problematic that morning. Except walking, of course. My book bags were so heavy that I wasn't about to try that.

It took a few seconds for the news of the crane crash to hit me. Deciding to pick up a coffee by work instead of by home had me fuzzy, not at all clear headed. As the traffic crawled down the drive and the radio gave reports of the incident I finally got that it was on 91st and 1st, my neighborhood.

At that point, I no longer cared about the traffic, getting to work late, or anything but what was going on up on 91st. How could another crane crash? What is going on in this city? Has greed taken over completely? Many of us have been saying that the building here on the UES has gotten out of control. Is anything going to change? Or will the construction continue at this pace regardless of accidents, incidents, tragedies, or complaints? Like the plan of the 2nd Avenue Subway, which seems not to have been very carefully thought out. Is there a plan for all of the construction going on here? Where is everyone going to park? The builders of the building on 91st got their permit because they promised to build a new middle school in the area--that's one way to get more schools, I guess. What is the plan?

After absorbing the news, I didn't care how long it took or that it ended up being a $15 cab ride.

Eat My Dust (and more)

2008-05-24T10:52:00.005-04:00

I hate to sound bitter...no, that's not true. I don't care if I sound bitter. I am bitter. The renovations in my building continue, slowly but surely. I just found a chunk of plaster on a shelf under my cupboard in the kitchen (not exactly a kitchen, more like a counter), and it's another example of the shake-up that continues day after day. This is nothing: My neighbor Katie came home from a week away with her family and discovered the ceiling in her bathroom laying all over the toilet, floor, in the bathtub...you name it. The apartment upstairs, one of the newly renovated, was right there, right through the huge hole in the ceiling. The City was called (I'm a big fan of 311) and an inspector came, but I don't know if they checked the debris for asbestos or not. I'm wondering about that because a few of us have called to complain about the never-ending "dust" that continues to settle everywhere in our apartments and has greatly exacerbated everyone's allergies. My eyes were swollen and bloodshot for 3 weeks. It's not just the pollen.

I haven't heard back from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, but I'm anticipating a letter from them any day now. They're the ones who are supposed to be notified when things like this occur. They must be crazy-busy these days. ConEd was parked outside for over a week working on what I'm not sure. It had something to do with the new power needs, what with a washer, dryer and dishwasher in each of the renovated apartments. I don't think the plumbing can handle it. The toilets overflow when the water has been turned off and then back on. Three of the apartments not being renovated have water damage and mildew in the walls. The owners won't fix those until the renters move out. Then they'll raise the rents sky high. Not that some of them aren't pretty high already. Mine for example.

Everybody's been waiting to hear what the decision will be regarding the rental hikes. After a bit of discussion about the power of the Rate Guidelines Board in terms of what criteria will determine rate increases, a vote has taken place and Rent increases of 5 1/2 percent for renewals of one-year leases on rent-stabilized apartments and 9 percent for two-year leases were approved yesterday by the New York City Rent Guidelines Board. 9% without any renovations taking place. No wonder I'm bitter.

All Quiet On The Eastern Front

2008-05-11T05:01:00.008-04:00

I'm not sure how they did it, but the usual rowdy, noisy customers exiting the Vudu Lounge are gone. Or at least quiet. For the past few weekends, I've noticed a change. I don't think the place closed down. Besides, there are other bars and restaurants along 1st Avenue and their clientele is quieter, too. Is it my imagination? Have they posted signs on the door saying, Shhh...baby sleeping...? What happened?

It's almost eerie having the quiet descend upon the neighborhood as it has. I'm certainly not complaining. I appreciate whatever happened that caused this change in behavior. I'm just sort of baffled by it. I can hear the swooshing of cars going up and down the Avenue, but no police cars chasing or pulling anyone over. No couples fighting. Not one round of "100 Bottles of Beer On the Wall"...where did everybody go?

To sleep, they all went to sleep. Except for me. And now I can hear the birds starting to gather in the trees and my cat, Webster, is up in the window waiting for the dawn to break. There are still a couple of hours to go until then, I think. This must be the sound of Spring. Birds singing instead of drunken people. A change in the weather, perhaps, was all that was needed to bring quiet to the neighborhood. Maybe it's just the cold of winter that admonishes people to sing and talk loudly so as to keep the blood flowing, to keep warm?

Whatever it is, it's nice. And quiet. Nice and quiet. Sweet dreams...

April Was National Poetry Month

2008-04-30T09:10:00.004-04:00

On this last day of April --An ode to Spring:

Being Stung By A Bee on the Lexington Avenue Local

Ouch! etcetera
Aside, and then likewise the
Conclusion that I

Had indeed not been
Stabbed in the left shoulder with
A knitting needle

By some demented
Wretch whose misery I'd be
Momentarily

Too angry to spare
Any real sympathy for
(Though I knew too well

Life had undone so
Many) sitting in the jammed
Car heading uptown

Through the acutely
Nonrural subway tunnel:
Said conclusion drawn

From a subsequent
Nonmechanical humming
In my ear accompanied

By an actual glimpse
Of the creature who would not
Live long buzzing off,

As it were and as
A matter of fact as well—
What some idiot

Of the literal
Might mean by rus in urbe...
All of those aside,

It was only weeks
After that I realized
That the very (most

Nonliteral) point
Of the sting was that the thought
Buzzed through my mind some

Days later that I
Was as one who, once stung by
A gold-banded

Bee in a fable,
Might have thereupon acquired
As a gift—not from

Apollo himself,
But from one of his nine girls—
A peculiar kind

Of wisdom: but of
Which sort, and from which of them—
Which of the Muses—

Let alone what tied
That bunch to that misplaced bee
(Poor lost bee! I had

No anger for her
As I might have had for the
Knitting-needle nut)

And what deep cosmic
Questions had hung on this I
Could not imagine.

But although with no
Gift nor Muses nor indeed
An available

Apollo, I would
Come to conclude that even
The subsequent brief

Sting of the sudden
Awareness of them and their
Moot irrelevance

Was as much of a
Gift from those nine sisters as
Is ever given.

--John Hollander

"People Do Care"

2008-04-29T17:16:00.006-04:00

That's a quote from a man I just saw on the news. "People do care." He was referring to Anthony Weiner, House of Representatives, 9th District, telling a news conference that New Yorkers are paying up to 50% of their monthly incomes to rent. Finally!

New York renters are some of the most maligned, mistreated, ripped-off people in the country. While the rap is that all New Yorkers are affluent, the reality is that we're not. Most people, even those who appear to be secure, live on credit or from paycheck to paycheck. Working people are not rolling in the dough. The mentality related to renting in New York has been the same forever. Renters pay prime rents, especially in Manhattan, for the privilege of living here. That doesn't mean that the buildings and individual apartments reflect the price. The attitude is, "If you don't want it someone else will." I know when I rented my apartment almost nine years ago I was told I'd have to take it, "as is" and I did.

At 3AM my first night here I almost broke my neck slipping on a loose linoleum tile in the kitchen. It took me two weeks to peel off the old flooring and replace with a new one. This was at my own cost, of course. Since then, I have watched my apartment and the building, built in 1922, slowly but surely wear thin. It's been dank, dark, dirty and cracking at the seams. There have been numerous pipes bursting, floods, and mice infestations while the residents just had to take it. Sure, other buildings might have it worse but this is the UES and at a rent of over $1300 it seems like the customer must be able to be right once in a while. This and numerous other buildings were once owned by a family business--mean, nasty, lying people--that sold out to another company last year.

Naturally, the talk leading up to the sale was speculative as to whether or not the new owners would buy us out. I think some of my neighbors, particularly those who have lived here for a few decades and still pay a fair rent, imagined they'd get a lump sum to move out. Others were hoping for a payout and help finding a place and the move. I told my neighbor "I just don't want to get screwed over." Long story short, no one was bought out but the newer tenants were given leases with grossly raised rents and they all moved after finding apartments that weren't less, but gave them more for their money. This building is a small walk-up, no doorman, no elevator, so these tenants didn't want to feel completely cheated. The rest of us waited to see what would come next.

The rents were raised (4.25-7.25%) and nothing else happened for months until about a six weeks ago. Ever since the building was sold couple we would get a notice under our doors or in the mail every couple of weeks or so apologizing for the work that was going to be done in the building. Nothing ever happened. Meanwhile, we heard about other buildings in the area that were emptied out and the tenants got paid to leave because the buildings were going to be demolished and new ones going up on their lots. Finally, one more notice appeared under the doors and taped around the building and within a week the crews showed up and six apartments were gutted.

As anyone who has ever done renovation of any size knows, it's a mess. It's been weeks of dust so thick that no amount of cleaning seems to get it all. Plus, they must have shaken the foundation loose because I've been finding this dust, more like soot, in closets all over my clothes, shoes, on the floor and in the cabinets in the kitchen. The vents have been blowing something out that lies like snow on my stove and floor. Everywhere I go there's dust. I know this is true of my neighbors as well. Everyone has complained of trouble breathing, eyes stinging, and frazzled nerves. (not from the dust, of course)

One day, they turned the water off for the entire day. I didn't know they were going to do this because they didn't post the note on the front door (in the form of a letter with tiny print) until after I came home from work. I managed to survive a day without water, but when they finally turned the water back on I heard a WHOOSH, a geyser-like sound, and before I knew it my bathroom and kitchen were completely flooded. Water ran under the door, down the hallway and kept going down the stairs. One of the workers offered to mop it up, which I passed on, but it took me over an hour to clean everything up. I was worried about my neighbor below me and sure enough, she was out of town. When she returned she found her electric off from the flooding and everything in her fridge spoiled.

We've been told that they're planning to put a washer, dryer and dishwasher in each renovated unit. With these old pipes, this can't be good. I've tried speaking to someone from the owner's office about this and her tone became curt, thinking I was going to ask for the same in my apartment. When I finally got my question out, she said she was running out the door. It took a call to 311 to get the intercom system fixed after 3 weeks of it being out of service and I think it's going to be months of calls, reports and complaining to make sure the rest of us don't "get screwed" while the new owners count their profits. Word is they're planning to rent the units for at least $3000 a month. For a studio apartment. It will be interesting to see who can afford to rent them and why they would want to live in a building like this one with no amenities at that price. I guess to live on the UES.

I'm not finished with this subject. I'll be back.

The Pope is coming, The Pope is here

2008-04-18T18:59:00.004-04:00

I can hear the helicopters and the various sirens breaking through the usual city noise as the Pope travels along the east side again. Working close to the United Nations, I was almost late to work because of the traffic along 1st and 2nd Avenues (although the Pope hadn't even landed at JFK, yet) and coming home there were enough cops, fire trucks and emergency vehicles in place to handle any emergency.

Riding on the bus up 1st Avenue I noticed a police car with its lights flashing leading a stream of tourist buses. It took a few moments for me to realize that people had made the trip to the city in groups to see the Pope. Was it a caravan of Catholics or Jews? They were headed up to the synagogue where he was going to be visiting in a couple of hours, so it could have be anyone. There were people lining certain streets; 63rd, 65th, 68th and of course, 72nd Street. The Pope would be staying in his crash pad on 72nd.

The visit to the Park East Synagogue was a rousing success. I saw it on television because every channel covered it. It was fun to click around to the various channels and compare camera angles. You can tell which news organization has what kind of clout based on the placement of their camera. NBC had a better angle than CBS and it could have been my imagination, but it seemed like CNN had the best spot. Let's face it, Wolff Blitzer is obviously a favorite of the Vatican. Everyone was happy, the rabbi, the Pope, everyone.

His visit to the synagogue was an effort to bring Jews and Christians closer. I wonder if it really will. If anyone wants to revisit the visit, Charlie Rose will be discussing it tonight on his show. I'm excited that he's going to be at Yankee Stadium on Sunday to throw out the first pitch. That's not true, of course, but I have made a lot of people say, "Really?" No, not really. He'll be preaching to the masses. All 53,000 of them. I won't be there, but then I wouldn't be there for a baseball game, either.

It will be interesting to see how the visit plays out. I know our president was impressed. At the end of the Pope's sermon in DC the Pres leaned over to him and said, "Awesome speech!" God bless America.

It's Not Just The Honking...

2008-03-25T05:43:00.007-04:00

There's so much going on in this city. Some of it good, to be sure. A great deal of it, bad. As a citizen, it's incumbent upon me to try to keep up with what I can should it affect me on a personal level or not. Isn't that a right and a responsibility of all citizens? It would be so easy to be tunnel-visioned and only see what we prefer to see; to hear only that which we choose to hear. Well, not easy. Take the noise on my generally quiet block. There are days and nights that are so peaceful that I could be living in a small town somewhere.

After the end-of-the-day traffic dies down along 1st Avenue it's really quiet here. Except on the weekends. Especially between 2am and 4am on Friday and Saturday nights. As a late-nighter, I'm usually awake when the singing, yelling, crashing and other assorted sounds begin. First of all, don't people know that singing loudly while walking down the middle of the street in the middle of the night is a no-no? I hate to cramp your style, but really...you know how you can't sing on key sober? Well, you REALLY can't sing on key intoxicated. Around the holidays was particularly painful for those of us who still manage to tolerate Christmas music. For some reason, carolers no longer move through the neighborhoods in the early evening bringing holiday cheer, on key and with perfect pitch. Instead, groups of people sing at the top of their lungs, if you can call it singing. And the words. Learn the words, please.

These are some of the same people who don't care that they are walking down a quiet, sleeping, street. And because they have had a few and their eardrums are blown from the loud music or noise in whatever club or bar they have spent the evening, they scream at each other instead of talking softly. BABY SLEEPING. I can't even repeat some of the conversations (if you can call it that) I've heard. Like a rumble of thunder the voices hit my block off the avenue and as they get closer to my building the volume rises and the pitch gets higher. For some reason the men, mostly young men, need to repeat what they're saying over and over and the women, mostly young, hit notes reminiscent of chalk on a blackboard. Sometimes, it is more than voices that rumble and I can hear slapping and punching and shoving. Why do they need to hit garbage cans and cars? In the early hours of the morning the sound of garbage cans toppling over carries and one or two seems more like dozens.

My favorite are the couples tripping over their feet and their words, bickering about who knows what as they walk very slowly by. You are not attractive when you drink, okay? Someone needs to tell them. There have been times when I couldn't tell if they were goofing around or the women really meant it when she yelled, "Help!" I've called 911 on a few occasions. I'd rather be wrong instead of finding out later that she meant it and I did nothing to help.

I know I'm not the only one to complain. Calling 311 after a night of screaming, crashing, honking and the like, I've been told that a lot of people around here call to complain. I'm usually awake, but for those who are sound asleep, it's truly disturbing to be awakened by all that noise. Oh, and the cars and trucks that race down the street. They're driving way too fast. This is a small, narrow city street not a highway. The roar of the engines make my windows rattle like crazy. Slow down. Every once in a while it gets very quiet and when I look out there are two or three cop cars idling. A voice softly says, "What's going on here?" and I can see the perpetrators leaning against a car, but can no longer hear them. It doesn't take long and the next time I look out my window everyone is gone.

There are a few bars up and down the avenue, but one of the main culprits is the Vudu Lounge. I can't hear what's going on in front of the place, although I've been told it gets crowded and noisy. As customers leave at the end of the night my street and others within a 10 block radius are affected. As someone who spent plenty of time in clubs and bars when I was younger, in fact I made my living working in them back in the day, I understand the need for people to have a place to go and have fun. When I first started getting annoyed I felt kind of bad (and old), but as the years have progressed, I don't feel bad anymore. Quiet time is hard to find these days.

For anyone interested and available, there are posters all over the neighborhood announcing a meeting tonight Tuesday, March 25, 5:45pm, at the New York Blood Center, 310 East 67th Street, Auditorium:

Discussion of Vudu Lounge, 1487 First Avenue (77th/78th Streets) - regarding continuous complaints of noise and neighborhood disturbance.

Surprise is just another word...

2008-03-16T13:12:00.011-04:00

Nothing surprises me anymore. At least that’s what I said when the news about Elliot Spitzer hit the airwaves. As a teacher, it's IMPOSSIBLE to suggest any semblance of ethics or morals when our leaders, on all levels, keep either screwing up, screwing us or just plain screwing. My students were not surprised, not even the youngest or, what I hoped would be, the most innocent. And in fact, other than feeling bad for his family, a lot of them really didn't see what all the fuss was about. What was I supposed to say? If anyone, anyone, dares complain about the youth of our country and any improper, illegal or immoral behavior they produce, I just laugh. Who the hell are their role models? Parents and teachers are not enough. We don't make the news. (Well, I was on NY1)
I tried to downplay the news in my classroom, which was impossible with all of the headlines glaring from newspapers and online websites. Nothing, truly, nothing surprises my students. They expect the worst of people and, I have to say, are more forgiving than I am. They have become accustomed to those in positions of power screwing up, screwing off or just screwing. Some thought the governor was a jerk, a louse, a loser, a cheat, a liar for doing what he did and most hoped that he didn't use the taxpayer’s money for his trysts. They did not think about it any more than that. The chances of teaching the importance of knowing right from wrong or anything relating to a moral imperative is rough—wrongdoing, cheating, lying, hypocrisy, stealing—it is all around us. I guess none of us were surprised, after all.

Not surprised that is, until the crane crashed and crushed an entire building. This building sits (sat) right across the street from the bodega where my students shop for their cigarettes (gag) and gum. The crane, sitting at the foot of the new condominiums on 2nd Avenue at 51st Street fell and broke right through all of the buildings on 2nd Avenue resting, finally, on (and crushing) a smaller building on 50th Street. Our school is on 50th Street, not far from this tragedy. Too close for comfort. Everybody was surprised by this…or were they? The neighborhood has been complaining about the size and scope of this building since day one. Many of them have called 311 and the police, worried, complaining about the crane-- watching as it flapped around in the wind. Greed has taken over the City. What else could it be? What else would entice local officials and building inspectors not to recognize that the block can’t house a project of this size? The structure sits on lots where two small buildings once sat, so they built up, not out. It’s just too big.

I’m surprised more people weren’t killed.

Lying, cheating, stealing, screwing our youth out of a life they should be having. Instead, they are jaded, insensitive, and impossible to surprise. This is not to say they aren’t compassionate or caring—most of them are, but most of them aren’t ’t shocked by falls from grace, airplanes or cranes crashing into buildings, death and dying. We are forcing them to grow up too fast. My cheeks redden and tears spring to my eyes when I hear about stabbings and bathtub drownings and dead babies found in dumpsters. Most of my students think it comes with the territory of living. What have we done?

Wake Up People

2008-03-07T16:30:00.004-05:00

A major heroin operation was just shut down by Manhattan South Narcotics detectives, and was coordinated with the Special Narcotics Prosecutors Office and Drug Enforcement Task Force Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (SEA) as just reported in the post on their website - Heroin Mill On East 75th Street Is Shut Down.

Defendant Juan Pablo Ramos called apartment 2b of 242 East 75th Street in the Upper East Side of Manhattan “the office”, and he and associates ground down kilograms of heroin, packaging it into glassine envelopes in a studio which overlooks the playground of the Robert F. Wagner Middle School. It is estimated that the organization was distributing more than four kilograms of heroin per month, grossing approximately $4 million per year. The heroin was sold wholesale to street level dealers in the Upper East Side, West Village, Gramercy Park and East Harlem, already packaged in ten-dollar bags.

Sometimes we forget stuff like this goes on everywhere, even right in the heart of the Upper East Side.

East Side, West Side

2008-02-22T21:20:00.007-05:00

I'm still reeling from the news that Cafe La Fortuna on the UWS is closing...forever. A mainstay in my life for over 26 years, this is the last of the old haunts. As the years have passed, my friends and I have watched as one by one our favorite restaurants, clubs, bars and coffee houses have gone out of business because of high rents or the gentrification of the neighborhoods. Cafe La Fortuna was the first place I was taken to on my first visit to Manhattan. Back then, I didn't know from East or West, Up or Down and it didn't matter. What I did know was that John Lennon had frequented the cafe with Yoko and that was enough for me. Every friend or relative who has visited me here has been taken to La Fortuna for a treat. While it's no secret that the chairs are really not comfortable and frankly, the food isn't so great, the beverages and desserts are and you can stay and chat or read or work for hours and no one cares. I can't count how many snowy, rainy, humid days I have spent there to escape the elements.

I've written here about trying to find a place on the UES to have coffee and work, but what I didn't say was that Cafe La Fortuna has been my regular place all these years. My friend Paula and I meet there whenever we can to enjoy the iced cappuccino with chocolate gelato. Even in winter. I'm so happy that I was able to take my brother and sister-in-law there last summer. I made a big deal of it and they really loved it...they got it. I know I'm not alone when I say that while I certainly wish everyone at La Fortuna well, I'm sure going to miss the little cafe with the pictures of opera stars and John and Yoko and the great opera music playing in the background.

My search continues for that perfect cup of coffee with the perfect ambiance to match. It's not going to be easy to replace Cafe La Fortuna, that's for sure.

The Upper East Side Challenges

2008-02-17T06:41:00.013-05:00

My new calendar is getting pretty filled up and it's only February. What happened to the days when winter meant catching up on some reading and too many cups of coffee? In an ever-changing neighborhood, there are many problems and issues that need attention. Here are a couple of dates to consider:

The Transportation Committee will be holding a public forum of the York Avenue Traffic Conditions on Tuesday, February 19 @6:30PM, NY Blood Center, Auditorium, 310 East 67th Street. The purpose is to discuss the traffic conditions on York Avenue--assessment of existing conditions to include bottlenecks, choke points and pedestrian hazards from E. 59th Street to E. 92nd Street.

Monday, March 3 @7:00PM, Hunter College School of Social Work, 129 East 79th Street, Auditorium. Some of the topics to be discussed: Construction Update, discussion of proposed architectural treatment of the entrances and ancillary facilities; discussion of safety concerns related to Subway construction including the stop signs at East 92nd Street; discussion of ways in which the Second Avenue Subway Task Force and the Second Avenue business Association can work together, etc. (Note: this meeting was originally scheduled for Monday, February 25)

It's good to see that the local businesses continue getting some attention; unfortunately the news isn't so great:
The Second Avenue Subway Task Force, which relates to this:
Second Avenue Subway Construction Alert

On Friday, February 22nd, the work zone along 2nd Avenue between 91st and 95th Streets will be moved from the west side to the east side of 2nd Avenue.

Similar to the construction work on the west side, the work on the east side primarily involves the relocation of utilities in preparation for the excavation of the tunnel boring machine launch box under 2nd Avenue. This phase of the utility relocation will take about four months.

For more information, contact Marcus Book (646-252-2675), Alissa Kosowsky (646-252-2656) or Jim Dubbs (646) 252-2665. Questions can also be directed to the SAS Hotline 646-252-2670 or to the construction field office at 212-792-8020 or 212-792-9719.

Meanwhile, all these meetings won't mean a thing if the neighborhood can't survive. Instead of heading downtown, keep your business local and Shop Second Avenue.

For the last 26 years, whenever something has happened in the city, my mom who lives in California asks me if it's close to where I live. Until last week, the closest event was the plane flying into the apartment building on 72nd and York, which is close. For some reason, Mom hasn't asked about the horrible murder of a psychologist on the UES. This time, it's really close, right around the corner. I'm glad that she hasn't asked. I know her imagination would have gotten the best of her had I told her the truth. As it is, the truth is no longer beyond my imagination. The latest news reported that the killer has been caught. For the family and friends of Dr. Kathryn Faughey, this is not the end of it but only the beginning.

Shop 2nd Avenue

2008-02-16T17:06:00.005-05:00

We all need to step up and support the businesses being affected by the 2nd Avenue Subway construction project. As this construction moves down 2nd Avenue, more and more businesses will be impacted negatively due to the scaffolding which will be put up in front of their storefronts and the inconveniences that pedestrians will feel trying to physically get to these locations (e.g. construction equipment, noise, alternative walking paths, etc.). We should all make a concerted effort to spend time at these businesses, place orders over the phone, and do whatever else to ensure they don't become casualties of this effort by the MTA to improve our area.

Uppereast.com has created a special new section entitled, "Shop 2nd Avenue" which will be dedicated to helping businesses impacted by the 2nd Avenue Subway construction. Please bookmark this section so you can return regularly and provide your support for these businesses!

Primary Day

2008-02-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, it's impossible not to know that this coming Tuesday, February 5, is Super and that means Presidential Primary Election Day. It seems that I'm not the only one not to receive anything in the mail concerning this. Is that possible? Where are those yellow notices reminding us to vote? And more importantly where to vote. In case anyone doesn't know, there are newcomers to the area after all; a good place to start for all things elections is the New York City Board of Elections.

Aside from not receiving the usual notice, there has also been an absence of prerecorded candidates giving their spiel. Or is it just at my house? The first time I received one candidate's message I really thought it was her speaking. It's a little eerie. My brother has an answering machine message like that. Before the message is through, I have already started talking to him. Except it isn't him and then there's that beep showing me the error of my ways. I fall for it all the time. Anyway, except for a few calls from Al Franken's team (I know, this isn't Minnesota) the phone has been relatively quiet.

My polling place is a school, which mean it will be closed. The school where I teach will not be closed, which means that my students will be complaining all day. So much for democracy. Another good site for election information is NYC.gov. "Always Open" is their motto, so if you're like me and need to know something at 3:00am that can't wait until morning, that's the site to visit. Polling places are open 6:00am to 9:00pm, so there's lots of time to be able to vote. Last but not least, if you can't be glued to the tube watching the results, you can surf here and find out what happened. Have fun.

Call It Progress

2008-02-02T17:36:00.000-05:00

Many, many years ago I moved from Southern California (not quite the Megalopolis it is now) to Southern Oregon (sleepy, rustic, small town) and the first bumper sticker I saw was "Don't Californicate Oregon." Charming, right? Of course, I knew exactly what it was saying: Don't come up here with your big city ways and try to change us. And while the influx of cash and opportunities were eventually welcomed, the area still resents the growth that has overtaken a good deal of the state.

That's how I feel about all the changes threatening the life here on the UES. The monster that is the 2nd Avenue Subway, while practical in nature, has shaken up this part of town. You can check out a great blog dedicated to this project, which will keep us all informed, photos and all. It seems like every other day there's an article or newsletter about new condo construction on what is already a crowded, busy intersection. I can't figure out how the area is going to handle all of the people, let alone the traffic, on that street.

I have lived in a few small towns and while I profess to preferring the big city, like many people, I covet the quiet street I live on and the small town feel of my neighborhood, after 5:00pm and on weekends. The madness of mid-town has not hit us up here and I don't want it to. However, it seems inevitable. All those people needed to fill all of those condos, co-ops and apartments are going to need supermarkets, parking places, restaurants and the other necessities of life. I'm not going to say that I won't benefit from at least some of this, but it's going to get crowded up here and I'm not sure it's worth the trade-off.

With progress comes the demolition of the past and this is apparent all over the UES. Many blocks house low-scale rowhouses and small, older apartment buildings, but with the advent of new, taller buildings many of the older buildings are being threatened. The UES, is known for its historic buildings, which give this part of town character and a sense of history. The best place that I've found for the most up to date information and activities about this subject is the website for FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts.

So, while progress is a good thing, it does require due diligence. I'm keeping my eyes open and my fingers crossed that this new plan for our neighborhood doesn't overwhelm the good life we have come to love up here on the UES. I know "you can't fight progress" completely, but we don't have to be blind to it either.

Looking For A Place To Hide

2008-01-20T01:53:00.000-05:00

I'm constantly looking for a place to hide away and get at least some of my work done. Finding a spot to lug the pounds of paperwork, someplace quiet, comfortable, isn't easy in this town. I've tried out a few Starbuck's in my neighborhood, which can work, but only if I get there super early before the locals have settled in with their laptops. Those guys don't move all day. I like the big table and the salads at Beanocchio's, great music, but it's not always conducive to concentrating. A friend told me about M. Rohrs, the new one on 86th, and it has just the right elements for getting things done. Walking into the cafe/shop is deceiving. It looks very small with only a couple of tables and chairs. However, if you walk all the way back, past the counters with a large variety of coffee and pastries, there are a number of places to sit and relax or work. I settled in at the old bar and spread my papers out. With a nice cup of coffee and one of those overlarge scones, I was in heaven. The music was good, mostly oldies, and there were people with laptops, a few of them reading and some visiting with friends. I admit to eavesdropping, I tell my writing students that it's a good way to "observe" and assign it as a project every semester, but the truth is that people have gotten so uninhibited that it's not even necessary to strain; just sit back and you'll get an earful. While I snacked and slowly worked my way through a stack, I heard two different conversations, both of them mentioning people that I once knew. Isn't that weird? I'm talking about 15 years ago or more. I didn't say anything, but did have to chalk it up to that small world thing.

2nd Avenue Coalition

2008-01-10T10:54:00.000-05:00

A press conference was held on 1/10 at the north west corner of 95th street. In attendance were Assemblymen Bing and Kellner, Council member Garodnick as well as representatives from the offices of various elected officials such as Scott Stringer, Jessica Lappin, Carolyn Maloney and Senator Krueger, Serrano and the Mayors office.

The group convened at the northwest corner of 95th street

Eddie Crowe, group leader and owner of Crowe's Nest

Carolyn Maloney

Jessica Lappin

Liz Krueger with Uppereast.com's Ash Youssef

Jonathan Bing

The group discussed the challenges being faced by businesses due to the construction of the 2nd Avenue subway, which is not expected to be completed until 2013. A group of local business owners is looking for some assistance to help with a dramatic slowdown caused by unreasonably difficult access to their locations - with many area sidewalks shut down altogether, and others severely limiting pedestrian traffic.

See NY1 coverage here. For more information, please see No Place for the Little Guy (or Girl) for background on the 2nd Avenue Coalition.

Martha Hill Dance Fund

2008-01-07T10:00:00.001-05:00

Upper East Side Patrons Support Dance Legacy, by Elizabeth Gariti

“You all look wonderful,” says Bruce Marks, Boston Ballet’s Artistic Director Emeritus in his opening remarks to the crowd at the Peking Park Restaurant the other night. Marks was addressing a group that spanned 50 years of American dance history gathered to celebrate the careers of dancers and choreographers Pearl Lang, David Dorfman and Levi Marsman at the 2007 Martha Hill Dance Fund Award Gala.

Martha Hill was a contemporary of the first wave of Modern dancers and choreographers. She studied with Martha Graham and was in the Graham Company before she left to spread the work of Modern dance through her teaching. The Martha Hill Dance Fund was established to honor, perpetuate, and reward Martha Hill’s commitment to dance education and performance. The Martha Hill Award is presented annually to dancers, choreographers, dance educators, administrators and journalists for demonstrated leadership in dance.

Martha Graham is “recognized as a primal artistic force of the 20th Century alongside Picasso, Stravinsky, James Joyce, and Frank Lloyd Wright”. However, while not a household name, it was Martha Hill who had the most influence in spreading Martha Graham’s legacy and the legacy of other influential Modern Dance choreographers like Hanya Holm, José Limón, Doris Humphrey and Anna Sokolow by starting workshops, festivals and dance departments in universities throughout the country. She was simultaneously the Chair of the Bennington and NYU Dance Departments and was the first Director of Dance at Juilliard in the early ‘50s. The program she began at Connecticut College in the 40s evolved into today’s American Dance Festival (ADF), currently at Duke University.

Since the first Award Gala in 2001, the Fund has celebrated the careers of master teacher Alfredo Corvino, dance pioneer Mary Anthony, choreographer Doug Elkins and dance critic/administrator Doris Hering among others. Tonight, the Lifetime Achievement Award was being presented to Pearl Lang, one of Graham’s earliest protégés (Graham choreographed 9 works on Lang and “gave” her 7 of her own roles) and a historic choreographer in her own right. David Dorfman, who has carried the Modern Dance legacy to the next generation and whose work and company has become a foundation of the genre, was given the Mid-Career Award. 2007 marks the second year of the Young Professional Award which was presented to Levi Marsman, a junior in the Ailey/Fordham BFA dance program and Silver Medalist in the Seoul International Dance Competition. The Master of Ceremonies was Bruce Marks, also a former member of Pearl Lang’s company. Denise Jefferson, Director of the Alvin Ailey School, presented the Young Professional Award; choreographer Susan Marshall presented the Mid-Career Award, and the Martha Hill Award was presented to Ms. Lang by Doris Hering.

It was a heavy Graham crowd, populated with leading members of the dance community. To breathe the air was to breathe the living history of Modern Dance. Dance critics and writers Jack Anderson (New York Times) and Elizabeth Zimmer (Village Voice) mingled with early Graham dancers Ethel Winter, Mary Hinkson and Mary Anthony. Choreographer and former Limón Company member Jim May posed for a picture with Bruce Marks and Spanish dancer Mariano Parra. The Alvin Ailey and Paul Taylor companies were represented by Sylvia Waters, Artistic Director of Ailey II, and Mary Cochran, former Taylor dancer (also the Dance Chair at Barnard). A group of young dancers from the Graham School were there along with Miki Orihara, a current member of the Graham Company.

The theme of the evening was the communal power of dance and how the members in the room need to band together to keep the field going forward. In his acceptance speech, David Dorfman commented, “We are here because we think dance can do something—because we think there’s something bigger than us to believe in—an element for transformation. . .”

Pearl Lang spoke about the influence of Martha Hill, “Without her tireless work, we would not be here as dancers, teachers and choreographers today. One person—with very little help—took a whole movement out of the cities and put dance on stages and universities and places where people gathered.”

“Now, who danced in these concerts? All of us (indicating the room), and José (Limón) and Charles Weidman, and that was the hey-day of Modern dance.”

Bruce Marks concluded the ceremonies with, “Never has it been more important for us to dance. . . here are our heroes tonight.”

It’s Upper East Siders who make the Martha Hill Dance Fund possible. The MHDF board and patrons are sprinkled with notable Upper East Siders, among them Harvey Lichtenstein (former Executive Director of Brooklyn Academy of Music) and artist Marianne Schnell. Upper East residents Hudas Liff, Board President, and Hortense Zera, Board Vice President, are founding members.

Also, the UES is home to the Graham School (316 E. 63rd St.) where anyone, professionals and non-professionals, can take classes and experience the history for themselves. Many Graham Company members, past and present, teach there, including Pearl Lang.

The Martha Hill Fund, with the help of Upper East Side patrons, keeps the heritage of not only Martha Hill, but all of Modern Dance, alive. The fund is currently working on a Martha Hill book and film project and is sponsoring a lecture series with influencers from the field. For more information and to contribute to the Fund, go to http://www.marthahilldance.org/.

And In The End

2007-12-29T16:05:00.000-05:00

As far as I'm concerned, 2007 has worn out its welcome. What 2008 will bring is anyone's guess. I'm not particularly optimistic, then again I'm not a presidential candidate or a megalomaniac. Not mentioning any names. The Upper East Side has clearly become a mix of the haves, the don't-have-enoughs and the have-nots. The builders and the MTA have taken over and if you walk up and down the avenues and back and forth across the streets, you'll see potholes, dips, discarded trash, cigarette butts, dog excrement, cement mixers, designer shops, consignment shops, tons of scaffolding, and food, food, food and more of it. It seems like anything you could ever want or need can be found in this ever-changing section of Manhattan. Long before I began blogging, I was utilizing Uppereast.com on a weekly basis. I was always a proponent of the Yellow Pages, in fact that's how I found my current job, nine years ago, but with the advent of the Internet life became so much easier. I like my questions answered fast. If you're reading this you already know what I'm talking about.

I like to look back over a year to see what went on, or didn't, as the case may be. I've found a lot of interesting information on the Gotham Gazette website. 2007 went by fast and if you check out their website you can take a look at the Top Stories of 2007.

I received the latest calendar, bulletin and agenda from Community Board 8:
Second Avenue Task Force Committee
Tuesday, January 22nd, 7:00PM
NY Blood Center 310 East 67th Street, Auditorium
1. Presentation: MTA NYC Transit
*Construction Update
*Discussion of proposed architectural treatment of the entrances and ancillary facilities
2. Discussion re: safety concerns related to Subway construction including the stop signs at East 92nd Street and continued discussion regarding impact of construction on FDNY access (joint with the Public Safety Committee)
3. Discussion of impact Subway construction on Play Street on 91st Street between Second and Third Avenues
4. Discussion re: the Second Avenue Subway Coalition and ways in which CB8's Second Avenue Task Force and the coalition can work together in a supportive and constructive manner.

I'll be checking this meeting out. It's not a bad idea to take a look at the calendar to see if there's something on it that may be of interest to you or someone you know. We don't have to be in the dark, there is a lot of information available.

Like millions of other people I watched the ball drop in Times Square from the comfort of my own pad. This new ball is a beauty. You can watch a video of the ball dropping. Fun. Happy New Year!

No Place For The Little Guy (or Girl)

2007-12-16T12:16:00.000-05:00

I just got back from my meeting up on 92nd Street and Second Avenue. The jackhammering and other noises were silent, but the despair that has taken over the Avenue was loud and clear. To say it's a mess up there would be a fatal understatement. Of course, many of the shops weren't open yet, but the ones that were looked closed. There were no holiday decorations or lights to speak of and why would there be? The entire area is starting to look like a ghost town. (War Zone is more like it, but I don't like using that expression, all things considered) It's impossible to park anywhere and walking is difficult at best. The streets are completely overtaken by huge pieces of equipment, cement and wooden blockades. I watched one of the wooden ones get blown around and finally completely over, blocking the part of the street it isn't supposed to block.

What is happening? Why didn't the MTA or the City discuss the subway project with the local business owners and landlords? It's clear that a few businesses have already gone under or moved, but what about those that need or choose to remain? These small businesses can't afford to pull up stakes and move to another neighborhood. What will happen to them?

Funny you should ask. I spoke to Eddie Crowe from Crowe's Nest Bar and Restaurant about the situation up there. It was clear from the tone in his voice that he is very concerned about his business as well as the others that run from 91st to 96th Street on Second Avenue. About 7 weeks ago, Eddie and the owners of 4 other businesses (Delizia Pizzeria and Restaurant, Nina's Argentine Pizza Restaurant, and Wine Lover's Store) joined together to found the Second Avenue Coalition. As of now, there are 29 other business owners that have signed on and they have been meeting once a week or so, trying to come up with ideas and proposals to help ease the situation up there. (I say up there because I'm writing this from 78th Street). Eddie verified that 3 businesses have gone out of business and the MTA offers no compensation for those losses or anything that will no doubt occur. The subway project is scheduled to go until 2014. I shudder to think what that area will go through until then.

Eddie Crowe was quick to include the residential building owners as well. Most of them will not get through this easily, if at all. Who is going to want to rent, let alone buy, in that neighborhood? I can't help wondering if the MTA isn't in cahoots with some big builder and when the Avenue goes down, they will build up. Cynical? I don't think so. Let's take a look at the situation: There's no place to park and there's no visibility. I was standing right on the corner of 92nd and Second and the west side of the street is totally taken up by equipment and the east side of the street had cement blockades or lines of cars trying to drive through all of this. I saw the Crowe's Nest sign, but couldn't see beyond that. Why would I go any farther? As Eddie put it, "Why go to Second Avenue when you can go to Third or First for shops and food." (Not a direct quote)

But all is not hopeless. The coalition has met with elected officials to discuss various proposals to help ease the situation. Here are the first few: Make the area a Sales Tax Free Zone. This would encourage people to stay and shop in their own neighborhood and bring in others to enjoy the fair prices. Tax Abatement for landlords and building owners to help lower rents for the duration of the building of the new subway line. As I already mentioned, it will be impossible to get people to move in at the current rent prices. The third proposal on the table is to have a Shop Second Avenue Campaign to remind and encourage people to visit the shops and restaurants in the area, especially during the holidays. Business is already down there and this is supposed to be the busiest time of the year. Some of our elected officials have stepped in and are promising help, but I'm not going to mention their names until I see some action. I'm going to stay in touch with Eddie Crowe (and go there for dinner during the holidays) and post new information as I get it.

Here's what we all can do: Stop in to Crowe's Nest, Delizia's, and Wine Lovers and sign the Petition for the Sales Tax Free Zone. That would be a great place to begin, for all of us, business owners and consumers alike. I'll post more when I know more. Meanwhile, as our Mayor is so fond of saying, "Go out and shop, eat in the great restaurants..."

Don't Charge Me

2007-12-05T20:42:00.000-05:00

I don't even drive in New York. Frankly, I can't take any more raises in anything except my paycheck and that's not likely to happen anytime soon. I guess people are talking about the Congestion Pricing situation, but no one I know is. None of us drive into Manhattan because we live here. I'm hoping that this plan actually helps with the congestion, especially around the 59th Street Bridge, but I still don't quite see how. There was talk that at least some of the burden of paying for this plan would fall on those of us living in Manhattan. (Even the non-drivers) I wasn't able to attend the latest meeting however another blogger did and here is his accounting of it.
I'm going to keep my eyes on the news and make a determination when the plan is settled.

No news on the 92nd Street Marine Transfer Station. I did find some good information about it, some of it a bit dated, but still pertinent. Sign up for the newsletter, if you haven't already. I'm waiting to hear about the next step in this process. Here's another good site to keep an eye on. They've got three sample letters available for everyone to use when writing to your elected officials. We don't even have to write our own letters, they've supplied them for us. I wrote a few and my fingers are crossed that someone actually reads them.

I'm all for writing letters and emails. I've spent quite a bit of time in the last five years reacting to the talking heads on television by writing pointed emails and giving them hell about whatever idiotic thing he or she has spewed. Don't you wonder how some of those people are allowed on television? And they get paid for it. I'm all for free speech, of course, but isn't there some sort of protection in place for those of us who can still use our brains and figure out what we think and feel about issues? I'm thinking all the time, which is why I constantly have a headache.

What about the new plan for breaking up the subway system and having managers responsible for each line? It sounds pretty good to me. After all, with all of the trains and passengers the subway system moves it seems like it's incumbent upon someone to be focused on each line as opposed to the entire system at once. They're starting this right away, so it's been in the works for quite some time. Hopefully, this new plan will be successful and the 2nd Avenue line will benefit from it before the first train pulls out of the station.

There's a lot going on here on the UES and I'm not sure I like any of it. I know every neighborhood, like every city and town, has to have growth and with that, change, but it sure seems like every change is so big. Subway, big; new apartment buildings and condos, big; new rules and prices for drivers coming into the city, expensive (even for me); garbage dump, big, big; new management system, huge. I guess in the biggest of apples, that's how things go.

Everybody Sing

2007-11-25T11:07:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to subdue my desire to complain. It is really hard to do these days. Everywhere I turn there is something or someone getting in my way, doing things that are annoying, disturbing or uncalled for. My disdain for cell phone users has reached the outer limits of common sense, so that I can’t even bring myself to do the impressions that usually brought laughs and nods. (Even from cell phone users) My biggest pet peeve is the people who complain about little things, things they can actually change or fix, and think that everyone else is dying to hear about them. I know people who complain to friends, family, a therapist and anyone else who will listen. They must feel great, getting it out, letting it go. What a relief.

This morning while watching CBS Sunday Morning, I felt exonerated, celebrated even. There are Complaint Choirs popping up all over the world. Singing complainers. One of the choirs has a song about cell phone users. I can’t believe it. Unfortunately, I don’t sing in public so joining one of the choirs is not a possibility for me, but maybe one of you would be interested. I don’t think there’s a choir in NYC. That's unbelievable? With all the trials and tribulations that occur during a day in the city, you’d think someone would be singing about it. The founders of the CC thought about the possibility of transforming the huge energy people put into complaining into something else. Pointing out human foibles is always helpful.

I've always felt that the best way to change something is to take action. Apartment a mess? Clean it. Too overwhelming to do alone? Ask a friend or hire someone to help. Not feeling well? Take a nap, an aspirin, a bath, go for a walk or see a doctor. Just don't complain all day about it. No one else can help you. They'll say what I say. Having a problem with a friend or loved one? Talk to them, write a letter, cook them a meal. If necessary, break off or away from the relationship. We can't be close to everyone. If someone doesn't enhance your life, make room for someone new. There are thousands of options. Complaining all day isn't one of them.

Upset about things going on in your neighborhood? Lodge a complaint. Did you witness questionable police behavior? Complain. Tired of having trash bulging out of the trash cans in front of your building? Questions about recycling? Recycling is more than putting your soda bottles and cans in the recycling bin. Do you work for a company that doesn't recycle?

Many of my neighbors are dog owners, many who rescue dogs. Most dog owners on the UES are good about cleaning up after their dogs. Unfortunately, there are those who are not. Laws to protect dogs, to protect the public, licensing, pet stores...there are laws for everything relating to dogs. What ever happened to "curb your dog"? See, that was a productive complaint. In my building the dog hair is left all over the stairs and hallway floors. My long winter coat is forever coated in dog hair along the hemline. I wish the dog owners would take a look down and sweep every once in a while, but they wear short jackets, so they don't notice. I only wish I had stock in lint rollers.

With all of the big and little injustices in this town, it could be a full time job keeping track of everything. I've got a full time job already, so I'll get back to it and leave the complaining to someone else for now. But I'll be back.

Thanksgiving Thoughts on The Upper East Side

2007-11-22T09:18:00.000-05:00

I have many things to be thankful for. Unfortunately, I have even more things to be angry or confused about. While out walking early Thanksgiving morning, I promised myself that I wouldn't use this forum, on this day, to complain. After all, a pumpkin tart was awaiting me at Annaliese's on First Avenue at 79th Street. I was disturbed by the scroll on the bottom of one of the news channels that reported that two men had been robbed at the entrance of Central Park at 79th Street. The UES has had its fair share of bad news in the last few weeks and on this day of thanks, cynical optimist that I am, I'm sticking with only the good news. Oh, and the "Cabby" killer has been caught. I guess that could be considered good news.

Then there's the news about the 2nd Avenue Subway. Last weekend I was walking with a friend up on 2nd Avenue at 92nd or 93rd Street and saw that a couple of buildings had been taken down and a huge crevice stood in their place. I was just up there--how did they take them down so fast? It was then that the sound of jackhammers and other demolition noises kicked in and my friend reminded me that this is the area that the station for the new subway line is going to be. The neighbors must be losing their minds. We had a meeting close by and the entire meeting was lost in the pounding, screeching, banging of the work being done down the street. Clearly, the local residents must be suffering and it's only just begun. I spent a few days wondering how the people in that neighborhood are handling the noise and then, like most New Yorkers, went on with my week. Until, that is, I started hearing about the project in the news. The federal government has approved $1.3 BILLION in financing for the first phase of the 2nd Avenue Subway.

Good news. Right? Has anyone noticed that the buses going downtown have been packed lately. Personally, I think they're running fewer buses (I have no proof of this). It can take 16 minutes or 40 minutes to go from 79th Street to 49th Street. When I'm not saddled down with books and bags, I can walk it in 25 minutes, tops. That new subway line is starting to look more and more appealing. And according to the newspapers, Governor Spitzer has taken a stand on the MTA fare hike.

I said I wasn't going to complain and I did pretty well. Even though I'm completely aggravated by the residue of dog excrement on the sidewalks, that cars that come to a stop halfway through crosswalks, the "not my problem" attitude of many locals, my lips are sealed. The holidays have commenced and I'm having more turkey.

Point, click, order

2007-11-17T23:38:00.000-05:00

I don't mind confessing: I'm addicted to ordering food online. My initial awareness of the online websites SeamlessWeb and Delivery.com came about purely by accident. There was nothing in my very small refrigerator, so I started clicking around online. I think I Googled the words "food delivery NYC" and that was all it took. I was hooked. Sure, there have been some dud orders, but for the most part ordering online and waiting for the buzzer to sound has been the extent of many nights of dinner preparation around here.

I've had a few bad meals and there have been a number of missing items. One time I got someone else's order and and the other customer received mine. Mistakes like that are pretty rare. Pita Grill sometimes forgets the extra order of Spicy Carrot Tahini, but the falafel salad is great. I'm not happy that they've discontinued the side order of fennel-crusted salmon and replaced it with tilapia. Tilapia is not salmon. The Cinema Restaurant once sent a hot cappuccino rather than the iced I ordered and I had to throw it out. I didn't get crazy about it. Mistakes happen. Plus, it was 11:00 at night and I really shouldn't drink caffeine late at night. Who should?

When it comes to sending orders back, I'm game. Peter's was quite magnanimous about sending the delivery guy back to pick up the tough, dry, hunk of meat meant to be a sirloin steak. They even sent another one to take its place. Unfortunately, it was just like the first one, impossible to chew. I had to let that one go and went to bed hungry. I don't know what I was thinking, ordering in a steak. It's too risky. Peter's menu is a nice one, with many choices and gluten free, if you're interested. The salmon is delicious. The two sites, SeamlessWeb and Delivery.com differ in minor ways and for some reason I seem to choose SeamlessWeb for most of my business. My favorite restaurant to order from? Depends on my mood. Blue Moon Mexican Cafe for their spicy sirloin chili, Shamrat for the chicken tikka, and Texas Rotisserie & Grill is the place for a nice fruit salad and a grilled chicken sandwich (spicy, please). The Cobb Salad from The Barking Dog is always a winner.

Cinema Restaurant has a divine chocolate volcano cake. I've only had it once yet remember it fondly. It reminds me of a hot fudge sundae I had in Lucerne Switzerland in 1985. That's a story for another time. I just got my confirmation email from SeamlessWeb and my dinner is on its way. When I want to have a meal out, I rely on Uppereast.com to check out all the great restaurants on the UES.

A Lot Going On Around Here

2007-11-03T23:37:00.000-04:00

It's so easy to get locked into our own personal worlds. The days are full and they fly by. I've had so much going on recently that I completely missed October. Like many people, I try to keep up with local, national and world news, but there's so much of it, so much going on that it's hard to take it all in. A good example of thisis the heated debate regarding the Proposed Site of a Marine Transfer Station at 91st Street and the East River. What that means is that they want to have a waste transfer station, a garbage dump, on the Upper East Side. I heard bits of news about it throughout the last six months or so, but didn't really know what it was or how it would impact the UES until my friend, Lisa, attended a meeting in early October. It was actually a legislative hearing, with a judge overseeing the meeting, and both sides of the issue were represented. The situation is very disturbing and for those, like me, who may have a simplistic understanding of what's going on, I'll try to sum it up. There is a Marine Transfer Station (MTS), built in the 1930s, up on 91st Street and the East River. It has been closed up since 1998 and there is a move to "reactivate" it. Now, this reactivation thing has a funny catch to it. There is some sort of "grandfather clause" which states that if an existing transfer station is available it can be used. In order to use it, the city would first have to DEMOLISH it as though it never existed and build a new one. The plan is to get the station going and the garbage trucks would line up, idling along York Avenue. This was done in the past and York Avenue was a smelly, dangerous place because of these trucks. They say they can process a truck in 3 minutes--give me a break--and if not the trucks will just sit and wait. Another great idea, to make full use of the transfer station, is to take business from private companies and keep the station going 24 hours a day, six days a week! Is everyone still with me? First of all, it sits in a residential area, ours, that would greatly affect the Asphalt Green recreational facility as well as two large public housing developments, Holmes Towers and Stanley Isaacs Houses, which house a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community in which 500 senior citizens live. It is the only MTS planned for a purely residential area. Just writing about this gets my blood boiling.

Lisa told me that information about these meetings was posted in her building for months. There was nothing in mine. Lucky for me, Lisa is socially and otherwise conscious, so she attended a meeting and was kind enough to give me her impression of what went on there. Many neighborhood people--parents, kids, students from The Chapin School--all ages, all backgrounds attended. There were environmentalists discussing the danger to the environment, doctors with testimony about health risks, a filmmaker showed a film he as evidence of just how busy that intersection is, City Council Member Jessica Lappin, a strong opponent, gave testimony, and there was testimony from State Senator Liz Krueger and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney both who oppose the proposed construction. People spoke emotionally, some cried. Everyone spoke eloquently, even the children, of their fears and disapproval. Of course, there were also representatives from the city there with their arrogant attitude giving the impression that this is a done deal. Let's not forget that some of the dangers include asthma, trucks injuring children and old people, that the cleaning requires heavily toxic chemicals to be pumped in that undoubtedly will fall into the East River. These fumes will be breathed in and smelled for miles. In the event that garbage, such as chicken and other types of food, fall off of trucks and into the street, seagulls will come in huge flocks and attack people and leave droppings everywhere. This has happened. I refuse to even think about the rats and other vermin that would settle in. This has happened in the past. I can't imagine why Mayor Bloomberg or the City would approve of this. There are other places to do this. Why would ANYONE put our population in such danger? Lisa told me a lot more about what she witnessed at this meeting and there's a lot more information to give, so I'll be back. Suffice it to say: this is a bad, bad idea. Meanwhile, write, call, email, fax your representatives, Mayor Bloomberg and the City and let them know how you feel!

My hometown

2007-10-26T12:08:00.000-04:00

My mind hasn't been on the UES this week. Instead, I've been glued to the news watching the fires in Southern California. Born and raised in Los Angeles, like my parents before me, I have a deep love for a place I can't stand to live in. When anything bad happens out there I become anxious and sad. So far, I have not gotten word that the fires have directly affected anyone in my family. I have cousins in the San Diego area, so they may have had to evacuate and other cousins in Topanga Canyon. I imagine that being so close to the Malibu area probably put them in evacuation mode. I guess this is a case of no news is good news. My best friend, Lisa, who lives in Las Vegas emailed me and told me about a family that drove to LV to escape the fires. Their car was completely covered in soot, as were they. They had only the clothes on their backs and a vacant look in their eyes. In her apartment building, a young woman was standing in the hallway talking on her cell phone. Clearly, she had also escaped the fires. Her cough was deep and her voice was hoarse. Lisa said that the smoke has reached Las Vegas and that last night they slept with the windows closed and the air conditioner running. I remember September 12 when the wind took a turn and instead of blowing Brooklyn way, as it had been, it hit the UES hard. I had to keep my windows closed and the air was thick and warm. Sleeping under all of my covers, so as not to have to breathe the air seeping through the cracks and crevices of the old brick building, was a mostly sleepless night. Because of the air or lack of it, because of the knowledge of what was being carried in that warm, thick wind.

First Thoughts

2007-10-21T21:23:00.000-04:00

There are many wonderful neighborhoods in New York City. I have always preferred Manhattan, for many reasons, but mostly because as long as I live here, no matter what happens, I can always walk to wherever I need to go. I know other people who feel the same way. This has proven to be the right choice for me during times in which public transportation was not available or it was just easier and faster to walk. Throughout the years I have visited, housesat and cat-sat, in a number of neighborhoods, but I have only lived on the East Side. Early on it was mid-town ES and I enjoyed being there, but as the years passed I came to call the Upper East Side home.

Whenever anyone asks me why I prefer the UES I always tell them because it’s a real neighborhood. In my immediate neighborhood, we are exempt from tourists, so once the workday is done; it’s just us locals. Holidays around here are peaceful. Only those who don't go away are here walking, shopping and relaxing. In fact, over some of the long weekends it’s a veritable ghost town up here. It’s great. However, like most neighborhoods in NYC, our neighborhood is undergoing a dramatic change.

As the months have rolled by I’ve seen buildings go down and bigger buildings go up. Just the other day I was riding the bus up 1st Avenue and noticed a gap where just a few days earlier a fantastic beautiful brick building stood. With the appearance of large buildings for various types of housing, the horizon has dramatically changed. While waiting in a long line for a bus that took forever to arrive, I began to think that the 2nd Avenue Subway might be a good idea after all. Change can be painful. Resistance to change is even more painful. I don’t like pain. However, I’m going to be patient and keep my eye on what’s going on around here. My loyalty and affection for this neighborhood remain even as I question what is going on around me. I’ll be keeping my eyes and ears alert, hoping to get the information that will help to make the changes easier to understand and tolerate. If anyone knows or hears anything they deem important, please let me know. We’ll get through this together.

Look Out

2007-10-01T17:51:00.000-04:00

Insurance broker Noel Lauria admitted he enjoyed taking target practice with his powerful compound bows in his East 80th Street apartment.

One morning last June three of his arrows missed the target he kept on his fourth-floor windowsill and sailed north toward 81st Street.

Two struck a scaffolding and the third pierced through a building's terrace window. Luckily no one was hurt during this incredibly reckless incident.

Retired Manhattan elementary-school teacher Serena Fogel, whose terrace window was pierced by one of the arrows, said in an interview with the New York Post, "Where were this guy's brains - hello?"

Lauria agreed to plead guilty to felony reckless endangerment and will not have to serve any jail time.

Upper East Siders beware.

Click here to read the article in the Post.

Cafe Carlyle Re-Opened

2007-09-21T13:55:00.000-04:00

The famous Hotel Carlyle's, Cafe Carlyle, on Madison Avenue and 76th Street, which has hosted entertainers such as Woody Allen, Bobby Short, Judy Collins, Barbara Cook, and Eartha Kitt, to name a few, re-opened last week after a three month renovation.

For more than 50 years the Cafe Carlyle has been a New York institution for cabaret and Jazz. This recent renovation was the Cafe's first. Among the changes are recessed L.E.D. lighting, shiny, patterned blue banquettes, mirrored columns, beaded gold wallpaper and and a new list of cocktails on the menu that include the agave gingerita (tequila, fresh ginger, Cointreau, egg white).

The ceiling is now two feet higher and the acoustical tiles that originally covered it are gone. A state-of-the-art sound system has also been installed.

Though these changes have been made to update the Cafe's look and feel, there is no doubt that the classic ambiance will still remain and that the Cafe will continue to be a haven for the rich and famous.

Click here to read Melena Ryzik's article in the New York Times entitled "Wiping the Stains Off a Bit of Old New York Glamour"

Shooting

2007-09-11T23:51:00.000-04:00

A 19 year old man was shot three times last Monday, after a dispute outside the Isaac Houses, at East 93rd Street and First Avenue. The victim was in stable condition at New York Hospital as of Monday night.

A near by group of children waiting to enter a community center were rushed inside, and luckily no children were hit.

To read the article in Tuesday's New York Post click on the title of this posting.

Community Board 8 Back in Swing

2007-09-10T23:38:00.000-04:00

After a quiet month in August Community Board 8 has returned to business as usual. This month there will be meetings addressing a number of major issues affecting the Upper East Side.

Worth attending would be the public hearing on the Julia Richmond Education Complex and Hunter College Land Swap, on Tuesday, September 18th – 7:00PM, in the Auditorium at 310 East 67th Street.

Also, the Second Avenue Subway Task Force will be meeting on Tuesday, September 25th –7:00PM, in the Auditorium at 129 East 79th Street, to discuss assistance to businesses in the construction zone and to give a construction update.

If you are interested in more information about Community Board 8 click on the title of this posting.

86th Street Out of Control

2007-08-31T20:24:00.000-04:00

Nearly the entire south side of 86th Street, between Lexington and 2nd Avenue, is a construction sight. Instead of sidewalks there are tunnels, over which hang huge cranes. The work spills far out onto the street and traffic from both sides is often condensed to two lanes.

These two giant contruction projects own 86th Street for the time being. Whether you think it is exciting or just annoying, it is impressive to see the power of real estate in the city. Two condos going up means full right to impose and disrupt entire city blocks. There is no attempt at containment in these construction projects. Every available square inch must get built on and if that means cranes in the middle of the street, so be it.

The question remains, will the future benefit from these condos out weight the hastle created by their construction?

2nd Avenue Subway Construction

2007-08-24T12:28:00.000-04:00

If you've walked along 2nd Avenue in the 90s, you might have noticed that work on the 2nd Avenue subway has become quite noticable above ground. Sidewalks have been shrunk down and closed off and both sides of the block have been turned into construction sites. It's noisy and its ugly, but this is just the beginning. The path of contsruction will follow the intended path of the subway, of course, and lead all the way into lower Manhattan. As of now, only the generally quiet 90s, with it's few bars, restaurants and high rise apartment complexes is being affected, but I fear residents along the more bustling parts of 2nd Avenue, even in the 80s, are not expecting what is about to come. How will all the businesses, especially the restaurants that line 2nd avenue on the Upper East Side, be affected?

String of Robberies

2007-08-14T13:33:00.000-04:00

A pair of burglars have recently targeted restaurants and other businesses across the Upper East Side.

The pair have broken into nearly a dozen establishments since April and stolen loose money, cash boxes and cash registers.

Though they seem to have a taste for Upper East Side restaurants, they have also robbed a cultural center, two spas and a jewelry store.

The first establishment hit was Fukumatsu, at 512 E. 52nd St., where an undetermined amount of cash was stolen. Other victims include:

* Da Antonio Ristorante, at 157 E. 55th St., on June 24.
* Eros, at 1076 First Ave., also on June 24.
* Arturo's, at 1617 York Ave., on July 17.
* Ray Bari Pizza, at 930 Third Ave., also on July 17.
* Panini Da Roma, at 960 Lexington Ave., on July 19.

The suspects are described as both Hispanic and 5-foot-9; one weighs 140 pounds, the other 215 pounds.

If you have any information contact your local police precinct.

Source: NY Post

Mayor Too Good for 6 Train

2007-08-01T00:30:00.000-04:00

For the many of us on the Upper East Side who live near local stops, it might be interesting to know that the Mayor, who boasts about his daily subway use, chooses to avoid us by driving from his townhouse on 79th Street and 5th Avenue to the 59th Street stop, where he catches the express to City Hall every morning.

The New York Times published an article yesterday exposing the Mayor's choice to ditch the 6 by bypassing two stops in his Suburban, the 77th Street station, which would be the closest, and the 68th Street station as well. Reporters from the Times had been staking out the Mayors morning commute for 5 weeks.

Personally, I don't see why the Mayor can't take the 6 and transfer like anyone else, but then again, he's not just the Mayor, he's also the richest person in New York City and in this city that's saying alot.

Regardless, it does seem hypocritical of the Mayor, who asks New Yorkers to follow his example and take the subyway, to drive for more than a mile of his commute. Not to mention his efforts to reduce traffic in Manhattan. Mr. Bloomberg is not quite living up to the standards of his own agenda.

To read the New York Times article click on the title of this posting.

Summer At Carl Schurz

2007-07-23T12:31:00.000-04:00

There are all sorts of great events going on this summer at Carl Schurz Park, from live music to movies to kids events and much more.

This Wednesday, July 25 at 7:00 PM at 86th Street in the Park, check out the Artemis Chamber Ensemble. On Wednesday, August 8 at 7:00 PM also on 86th Street enjoy Carnival In Brazil.

The Sunset Film festival will begin on Tuesday, July 31 featuring movies with Upper East Siders in them at 8:30 PM in the Hockey and Basketball court every other Tuesday.

There are also family concerts on Saturdays going on through October, and gardening activities as well on Saturday mornings.

For those looking to hone their internal energy practice Tai Chi on the Eastern Lawn South of Gracie Mansion every Thursday morning between 7:00 and 8:00 AM.

Click on the title of this posting to see the official Carl Schurz Park website.

Reforming The 421-A Tax Incentive Program

2007-07-16T00:28:00.000-04:00

Since the 1980s the 421-A Tax Incentive Program has given Manhattan developers tax benefits for building additional affordable housing. But up until now developers have been able build off site affordable housing anywhere in the city and still receive large tax breaks on luxury buildings in Manhattan.

In an attempt to reform the program Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the City Council have put forth legislation that would force developers to include on site affordable housing units in Manhattan construction projects to be eligible for tax benefits.

Critics of the legislation, who credit the existing program with the creation of 5,400 units of affordable housing say it will hurt the city by slowing down the construction of new affordable housing units outside Mahattan and market rate housing units in Manhattan.

Regardless of what critics say, if the State Legislature puts these reforms into effect at the end of this year the Upper East Side could see the construction of new affordable housing, something the neighborhood has not seen in a long time.

Another Ad Targets Upper East

2007-07-12T15:02:00.001-04:00

Now Absolute Vodka has a local ad campaign directed at Upper East Siders. A large banner on the side of a building on 87th Street off 1st Avenue depicts, or should I say predicts, a future scene showing a subway station on 2nd Avenue for the "T" train. The caption reads "In An Absolute World."

I have to say I like this ad a lot more than the Virgin Mobil ads that have been running in different neighborhoods around the city. This one makes sense and the message is clear. Absolute has always run good ads.

Still, I'm surprised by this trend of such direct advertising. In a way, I have to say I'm kind of flattered that a company takes the time to focus in on my neighborhood.

Not everyone will agree with the idea that the 2nd Avenue subway is absolutely necessarry, but it is something we are all thinking about. I found the image to be really relevant and the concept pretty exciting. To be honest this was the first time I really pictured the subway as a reality on the Upper East Side.

New Esplanade Along FDR

2007-07-08T19:44:00.000-04:00

Anyone who ventures downtown along the east river on the Upper East Side has wondered why the path just ends at 63rd street. Wouldn't it make sense if it kept going, like it does on the West Side?

Well, there is hope this meeting of Uptown and Downtown on the East Side could finally happen. There are plans in the works for a new waterfront esplanade that could stretch from 63rd Street to 34th Street. All the big politicians are backing this plan and prominent architects have been bidding for the project.

"I hope the City, State and Federal agencies will join together in seizing this golden opportunity to create a shoreline park space in a community which desperately needs it," said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney at a May 25th press conference. "We need to make every avenue to secure the funding to make this work."

Pete Grannis, the Comissioner of the State Department of Enviromental Conservation, has said the construction of a "greenway" along the east river would be an important environmental benefit for New York City and should be a priority.

So far there is no definte plan to create a full path along the river. A new park will likely get constructed to make up for parkland the city intends to give to the UN, but joggers, riders and strollers may still have their East River route disrupted in midtown.

Blackout

2007-06-29T14:57:00.000-04:00

It was about 3:30 on Wednesday when all the sudden the electricity went off in my apartment. It was strange, I heard loud thunder and then everything flickered on and off three times and went out.

I fumbled about my apartment trying to find a working flashlight. When I finally did I went out into the pitch black hallway and down the stairs. People were standing outside asking what happened. A doorman said it was a local blackout.

I decided to walk around. The first thing I noticed were that all the street lights were out. Drivers and pedestrians were directing themselves at their own risk. On York and 1st workers were hanging out in front of businesses, nobody seemed to concerned, except the manager at Sedutto's who screamed, "Everything is melting."

It was hot outside and the ice cream was still selling.

At about 4: 30 the lights went back on. People out in the street applauded.

I walked up to Lexington and crowds were gathered in front of the 77th Street subway station and at the bus stops on the block. At 86th Street I met a man who had spent an hour stuck in between stations on the 4 train.

By then the trains were running and thing returned to normal fairly quickly.

Con Ed still doesn't know what really happened, but they patted themselves on the back for having restored power quickly.

Construction Buzz

2007-06-25T13:55:00.000-04:00

The Upper East Side is under construction, both above and below ground, and residents can expect to feel it.

On 86th Street two huge new condos, the Lucida on Lexington Avenue and the Brompton on 3rd Avenue, are beginning to emerge from the ground. Cranes are scheduled to come out on the the site of the Lucida by this July and the cranes are already out on the site of Brompton.

Normally a pretty bustling block, with shoppers, movie goers and Subway users, 86th Street will really be rocking this summer.

Just one Avenue down from the condos preperations are being made for the construction of the 2nd Avenue Subway. Last week MTA contractors began installing hundreds of "crack monitors" in and on Upper East Side buildings. They will monitor possible structural damage caused during the construction of the Subway.

The need for "crack monitors" is a clear indication of how the massive underground construction project will be affecting the area.

Historic Tour

2007-06-18T01:02:00.000-04:00

With so many new condos going up, it's easy to forget that the Upper East Side has a long history as a residential neighborhood in Manhattan. For this reason community groups have fought hard to preserve important remnants of the Upper East Side's past. One such location is the City & Suburban Homes York Avenue Estate, which was declared a historic landmark. Recently the area surrounding the building complex, which stretches between 79th to 77th Street between York and the River, was also declared a historic district.

On Sunday, June 24 there will be a free walking tour of the City & Subarban Homes York Avenue Estate, as well as the Shively Sanitary Tenements, P.S. 158, Webster Library, John Jay Park and a former East Side House Settlement.

The Tour will begin at 1:00 PM at the City & Suburban Homes Archive Room at 515 East 78th Street.

For more information contact Marie Beirne at 212-388-0883.

Virgin Mobile Ad

2007-06-11T00:35:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this ad from Virgin Mobil on bus stops in the area entitled "Upper East Side You Rule"?

"Our deepest apologies for indruding without a formal invitation. We know this message might be keeping you from a therapy session or a benefit for one of you many worthy causes. But we wanted you to know that it is you, Upper East Side, Who still promotes culture and refinement in this city. Why, if it weren't for your patronage of the Arts, those scruffy downtown types would have no idea that their crude expressions are actually attempts to render our collective neo political angst. Speaking of lording power over others, cell phone companies that lock you in to long-term contracts? Unacceptable. Plans without contracts? Classsy, like you."

I wonder who wrote this? It's really bad, but it's interesting how Virgin Mobil would take the time to specifically target Upper East Siders in an advertisement.

The thing that I don't get is the tone is totally sarcastic and mocking, almost obnoxious. And what does any of this have to do with a cell phone plan?

I guess it's good advertising, whether I liked it or not, if it got me to think about it this much.

Why Won't Gregory Camp Return My Call?

2007-06-04T00:18:00.000-04:00

For the last week I have been trying to contact Gregory Camp, the Republican candidate running to replace Assemblyman Pete Grannis.

From what I understand Mr. Camp is running his campaign out of the Metropolitan Republican Club. I have called there and left messages at least 10 times and still no response from Mr. Camp.

All I want is to ask Mr. Camp 3 simple questions: Why do you feel you are qualified to represent this district? - What are your main goals and objectives? and - How can you serve the people better than your opponent?

This is the same set of questions I asked Micah Kellner, the Democratic candidate, when we met on Memorial Day. You can see his responses at http://uppereast.com/kellner.html

I found Mr. Kellner easily enough campaining on East 79th Street. He quickly agreed to do the interview, which we conducted in a pizzeria down the block. I have yet to ever see Mr. Camp in the street campaigning.

I do find it interesting though that according to a blog on urbanelephant.com (http://www.urbanelephants.com/nyc/node/6992) Mr. Kellner refused to participate in a debate with Mr. Camp, to be held by Our Town newspaper. Mr. Camp was apparently not only enthusiastic about the chance to debate, but vocal in his dissapointment with his opponents decision to refrain. Mr. Camp issued this open letter to Mr. Kellner:

"As you know, this was the one chance that voters would have had before Tuesday’s election to watch us exchange views in an open forum about important community and state issues.

It would have been the perfect opportunity for us to inform voters, in person, about our differing visions for this office. For example, I would have explained why I would be a strong advocate for continued mayoral control of the New York City school system (accountability is important to me) while you could have explained why you want mayoral control abolished in favor of City Council oversight of the schools (Can you really be suggesting that the 51-member City Council be in charge of city schools?)

As someone who believes in accountability, transparent government, and a free and open exchange of ideas, I agreed to this debate without a moment’s hesitation. I was hoping that you would do the same."

All I have to say to Mr. Camp is if you feel this way then why won't you return my call and answer the three simple questions that your opponent has already answered?

Elections are this tuesday, June 5th.

2nd Avenue Subway Update

2007-05-29T02:04:00.000-04:00

The following are responses to questions submitted to the MTA at the March 27, 2007 Community Board 8 2nd Avenue Subway Task Force meeting.

1. Will all sites be protected 24 hours – 7 days a week during the construction of the Second Avenue Subway? Specifically will sites be guarded after 10:00pm and before 7:00am.
The Contractor will be required to maintain 24- hour security at the site to prevent unauthorized access to the work site and specifically the tunnel.

2. If MTA’s Rapid Bus Pilot Program on Second Avenue takes a dedicated bus lane, what is left for Second Avenue traffic flow?
At locations where Second Avenue is limited to 4 moving lanes to allow for Second Avenue Subway construction, there would not be a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane.

3. Why is the ventilation equipment now being located at 93rd Street and Second Avenue?
Investigation of the properties in the vicinity of the original site, revealed that the site was not desirable for the ventilation plant due to concerns regarding construction impacts on the adjacent structures. The E93rd Street location was selected as the alternate site, because it would not require displacement of existing commercial or residential uses and allows many of the larger fans to be located within the street bed of 93rd Street, which will reduce the size of the new building.

4. Will 305 East 72nd Street feel vibrations in the building during construction?
There will be some detectable vibration within the building at 305 E.72nd Street while rock removal is being done for the station entrance. Once the rock removal is completed, vibration will be limited to that associated with small construction equipment that would be used to bring concrete and other materials into the work area.

5. Please describe how rodent extermination will be handled so not to endanger the lives of our pets?
The Contractor is required to hire a licensed pesticide applicator who will survey the area and identify existing rodent habitat or suspected habitat. Baiting of the areas will be done using normal rodenticide containers, which are not accessible to pets. It is not anticipated that the Contractor will be baiting private residential locations but will control the rodents within adjoining public areas.

Race to replace Grannis

2007-05-23T23:07:00.000-04:00

There will be a special election held on June 5th to replace Assemblyman Pete Granis, who has accepted an appointment from Governor Spitzer to become Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The district, which includes the Yorkville section of the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island, has 74,307 registered voters.

Republican Gregory Camp is running against Democrat Micah Kellner.

Mr. Camp, 45, formerly an investment banker, prosecutor, and deputy director of criminal justice for New York State has lived in the area for 17 years.

Mr. Kellner, 28, is a former aide to Comptroller William Thompson Jr., Rep. Carolyn Maloney, and City Council Member Inez Dickens. While working with Comptroller Thompson, Mr. Kellner served as a community laison on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side.

According to 2007 voter registration figures from the New York State Board of Elections Democrats outnumber Republicans in the district by nearly three to one.

Both candidates are against the plans for the Marine Transfer Station at East 91st Street.

If you are intrested in reading more about the race and the candidates go to http://www.nysun.com/article/55073?page_no=2

Free Tutoring on the Upper East Side

2007-05-13T20:45:00.000-04:00

The Church of the Advent Hope at 111 East 87th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues is offering free tutoring for all children grades K-12 every Wednesday from 5-7 PM.

Students can receive individual tutoring in Math, Science, English, History and in Foreign Languages. As well, there are group classes offered in various subjects including writing (essay and creative), Foreign Languages, Arts (visual and performing) and computer skills.

If you are interested in registering your child or in learning more about the program go to http://adventhope.org/children.html

Biking the City

2007-05-06T20:32:00.001-04:00

Sunday May 6 was the 30th anniversary of the Bike New York's Five Bourough Bike Tour. 40,000 plus bikers made their way through the City, touching all Five Bouroughs along the 42 mile tour.

Upper East Siders may have noticed entrances to the FDR were closed during the morning and instead of the usual traffic the southbound side was flooded with a sea of bikers. They started in Lower Manhattan from where they biked to Central Park and continued on to Harlem and the Bronx, returning south along the East River and then into Queens and Brooklyn, taking over the BQE and Belt, and eventually heading over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Staten Island.

Bikers of all ages, shapes and sizes came out on all different types of bikes ranging from your more traditional, to tandems, low riders, and even bikes with hand peddles.

When asked why he was riding, Shawn Slon, 24, who was actually doing the tour for the second time said, "There are alot of reasons why I do it, mostly I like doing something outdoors with so many other people thats good exercise as well."

If for only for a day, the Five Bourough Bike Tour transforms the City. A community of bikers, all out for fun and exercise, get the rare chance to take over, push out the cars and really bike the City.

If you are interested in reading more about this years Five Borough Bike Tour or learning about other rides offered by Bike New York check out their website at www.bikenewyork.org.

Rash of muggings in the East 90s

2007-04-29T13:16:00.000-04:00

According to the New York Post, in the last two months 2 residents of East 93rd Street have been mugged and assaulted.

Last Thursday, Baruch College Professor Cheryl Smith, 38, was robbed at knifepoint near her home in the Carnegie Hill section of the Upper East Side. Her boyfriend, Andre Morales, 38, who saw the scene unfold as he pulled up on his motorcycle, attempted to intervene and in the ensuing scuffle was stabbed several times. As of Thursday night he was in stable condition at New York Presbyterian Hospital, but not before he had identified his attacker, Timothy Murray, a 41-year-old violent criminal with a long arrest record. Murray had been found by police a few hours after the attack on a bench in Central Park.

A Neighbor of Smith's, Vincent Giffuni, 62, was also attacked and robbed on the night of March 1st. The attack caused him to have 54 screws inserted in his face.

It is not certain whether the 2 crimes were related. Residents are upset and surprised that there has been such violent crime in their neighborhood.

To read the whole article click on the title of this posting.

Outrage Over 91st Street Garbage Dump

2007-04-19T23:08:00.000-04:00

The City has decided to refurbish and reopen the Marine Transfer Station (MTS) at East 91st Street, located within feet of Asphalt Green, to receive over 1400 tons of garbage a day from 70 plus trucks. Neigborhood groups have been trying desperately to stop the City's plan.

Thursday, April 19th the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) held a public meeting to discuss the issue with local residents. Over 250 residents were in attendance and the obvious consensus among them was that the City's plan was unjust and illogical.

The first five minutes of the meeting were spent on a power point presentation from the DSNY explaining how the new MTS would affect the neighborhood and how there would be "no adverse environmental impact."

It was easy to see by their poor presentation that the DSNY had no real interest in calming residents concerns over the MTS. Their power point was vague and left many unanswered questions. It was as if convincing residents that 70 garbage trucks a day and a waste transfer station would not hurt their standard of living was not of any real importance, since this was as some residents in attendance called it, "A done Deal."

Local politicians and then residents took their turn at the mic expressing their discontent. Over and over clear reasons why this was a bad decision on the City's part were presented. Why do this in a densely populated area? Why do this right next to a park used by thousands of children? Again and again clear reasons why this would hurt the environment and the health of local residents were addressed such as the traffic of garbage trucks, the large amount of garbage passing through the streets and into the station, the rats that so much garbage would no doubt bring into the neighborhood, and then the affects of the rodenticide used to control the rat problem. These were no doubt serious and valid concerns to which the DSNY had limited and uninterested responses.

One sentiment held by most residents was that the decision to use this spot, instead of building a new, more sensible MTS on the underpopulated Westside of Midtown Manhattan, was made because there were too many deals in the works and too much money to be made on that undeveloped piece of Manhattan.

This seemed reminscent of the City's past when Robert Moses was god, and residents fought desperately to save their homes in the Bronx, presenting the City with obvious alternatives that would never be seriously considered. Has Mayor Bloomberg become the next Robert Moses?

79th Street Block Association Rips on New Zips

2007-04-15T16:03:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, April 12th the 79th Street Block Association met with Postal Officials to discuss the break up of the 10021 zip code.

Postal Officials explained that effective July 1, 2007, addresses to remain in the 10021 zip would be those between East 69th and East 76th Street, while addresses between East 61st and East 68th Street would be in the 10065 zip, and addresses between East 77th and East 80th Street would be in the 10075 zip. This is a change the Post Office considers necessary to expedite mail service, due to a growth in the number of addresses within the original 10021 zip, which now includes over 61,000 adresses.

Block Association President Betty Wallerstein summed up the sentiment of neighborhood residents present at the meeting, "This is not a happy change for us."

Wallerstein though, did try her best to keep the crowd of unhappy residents in check, saying at one point, in referrence to the treatment of their guests from the Post Office, "I did not invite people here to get insulted."

Residents were able to relay their general disatisfaction with the post office for not attempting any type of dialogue with the community before making their decision, and for the fact that residents learned of the change, like everyone else in the city, through the news.

Postal Officials tried to alleviate residents concerns over the change by explaining that stationary would not have to be changed, that simply crosing out the last two numbers and writing in the new numbers would be sufficient, and that at worst case mail that still had the old zip would only be delayed a day. Also, they explained that all major companies like credit card companies and utility providers like Con Ed would be informed of the change. Again and again the Postal Officials emphasized that the change would improve mail service in the area, making it more efficient by increasing the number of mail carrier routes from 78 to 136.

One concern of residents was that the loss of the prestigious 10021 zip code could mean a decline in real estate value, to which a postal official responded, "The people and the surroundings make the neighborhood, not two numbers. I think the new zips will become just as prestigious."

Pete Grannis' 33 years on the Upper East Side

2007-04-08T11:47:00.000-04:00

Pete Grannis has been the Assemblyman for the Upper East Side's 65th district since 1974, and has been re-elected 15 times over the past 30 years. Grannis has been selected to become the next Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation by Governor Elliot Spitzer, and is leaving his post as Assemblyman this spring.
Last month Grannis sent out his final report thanking his constituents and staff. If you live in the area you have probably noticed his office at 1672 1st Avenue, which seems somewhat out of place among the storefronts on the avenue. Grannis has served as Chairman of the Insurance Committee in the Assembly, and was responsible for authoring New York State's Community Rating/Open Enrollment law, the 1996 Managed Care Consumer Protection Act, the New York State's Clean Indoor Air Act, restrictring tobacco/cigarette use within public buildings, and the Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act. He has also served as Chairman of the Assembly Housing Committee, Chairman of an Assembly Subcommittee on toxic waste issues, and on the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee.
Grannis is pleased to be returning to the Department of Environmental Conservation where he started his career. Grannis has proven himself to be a champion of the environment, and is a three-time winner of the Legislator of the Year award from the Environmental Planning Lobby, as well as having been accorded similar honors by the Audubon Society, the Environmental Action Coalition, and Environmental Advocates.
Though he was approved this March by a Senate Committee, Grannis had to face some upstate critics who felt his positions on gun-control and animal cruelty would hurt the hunting community. Grannis insisted he was not against hunting, that he himself had hunted when growing up in the Midwest, and that he was an avid fisherman. In response to fears that an anti-animal cruelty bill he had backed could be used against hunters, Grannis explained that the law was completely unrelated to hunting and that, "No hunter in New York would tolerate that kind of activity."
There is no doubt that Grannis will serve New York State well in his new position, as he did the people of the Upper East Side for so many years.

Lidle's wife and son to throw out first pitch

2007-04-02T01:17:00.000-04:00

Late Yankee Pitcher Cory Lidle's wife and son are to throw out the first pitch of the Yankees season opener this Monday. Lidle died last fall when his single engine plane crashed into a building on East 72nd Street. I was one of the few people to actually witness the plane crash. At the time, I wasn't sure what I had seen, but I remember being 4 blocks away in John Jay Park, and hearing a loud whistling noise. I looked up just as the plane hit the building and exploded. I ran home to turn on the news as reports were coming in about the crash. Hours later it came out that Lidle and his flight instructor Tyler Stanger had been killed in the tragic accident.
Though Lidle was not a Yankee for long, I am glad that the Yankees are honoring his family and paying their respect with a fitting tribute to a pitcher.

Rat Dogs

2007-03-26T12:18:00.000-04:00

I can't believe the Papaya King on 86th Street was shut down last week. I have been going there since I was a small child. The Health Department sited 88 violations including conditions conducive to rodents and vermin, and food storred improperly. A TV crew filmed rats inside the small, standing space only, restaurant, and the next day it was shut down by the Health Department. I don't really know what to think. It had seemed that the people running the place weren't quite as sharp as those in previous years, but their hot dogs were still damn good, not to mention their papayas and cheese fries. I have friends in the restaurant business, and I know the truth is that rats and vermin are a problem for every restaurant, even the most high class joints. It's the city that's infested, and anywhere there is a large concentration of food, there are going to be rats and roaches. All I can say is I hope the Papaya King does whatever it takes to pass inspection and open again as soon as possible. To me, they are like an Upper East Side institution, and I would hate to see them go.

Thumbs Down for Papaya King

2007-03-23T04:46:00.000-04:00

The presence of rats and 88 other violations has apparently shut down Papaya King at 179 E 86th Street.

Papaya King's President, Daniel Horan, told INSIDE EDITION that mice are a citywide problem that restaurants grapple with everyday. He adds, "During seventy-five years in business, we have continuously maintained and exceeded all city health requirements," and says "food is kept in secure storage facilities that is safe and sealed from all contamination. To this end, we stand by the quality and safety of our restaurants."

You can't be serious, sir.

Click here for full article.

New Upper East Side Zip Codes Coming Soon

2007-03-21T04:40:00.000-04:00

The Postal Service, which mapped out social class four decades ago by separating people into ZIP codes, is about to give a new dimension to the adage “there goes the neighborhood.” This summer (as of July 1st), ZIP code 10021 on the Upper East Side will become even more exclusive. About 50,000 Manhattanites, including Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, David Rockefeller, Rupert Murdoch, Ronald Perelman, Spike Lee, Tom Wolfe and Gay Talese, will be cast from the ranks of 10021 residents. They will be relegated instead to one of two new ZIP codes, either 10065 (60th to 69th Streets, from Fifth Avenue to the East River) or 10075 (East 76th Street to East 80th). The redefined 10021 will shrink to about 40 percent of its original size and run from the north side of East 69th Street to the south side of East 76th. Click here for the full article from the NY Times.

New Building on E 74th Street

2007-03-20T06:42:00.000-04:00

The World-Wide Group, a privately-held New York City-based investment firm, has begun construction on a 30-story high-rise tower on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The 87-unit building, 255 East 74th Street, will offer high-end apartments featuring between two and five bedrooms. The building will feature a 42,000-square-foot Equinox Fitness Center on part of the ground and second floors, as well as more than 2,400 square feet of facilities specifically designed for children and teens. Many of the units will feature in-residence playrooms. At least 70 percent of the units will feature three or four bedrooms, with some five bedroom units as large as 3,200 square feet. According to the developer, the new project is an attempt to fill a void in the market of available 4 and 5 bedroom units for families with the desire and means to remain in Manhattan as they grow. Click here for more information.

Love Triangle Murder On 80th Street

2007-03-19T16:25:00.000-04:00

Pasqual Esposito, a 30 year old Doorman at 345 E. 80th Street, was murdered on March 10th, near the building he worked in. Esposito was confronted that evening by Steven Figueroa, a 22 year old senior at SUNY Albany. Figueroa was upset over alleged phone calls Esposito had made to his girlfriend. According to witnesses, the girlfriend, present at the time, told Esposito to go, while trying to hold back Figueroa. A scuffle between the two men ensued ending in Esposito being stabbed. He died that evening at New York Hospital. Figueroa later turned himself in, and was charged with second degree murder. Esposito was known as an honest hard working young man, who had never been in any trouble. He raised hundreds of pigeons with his father on the roof of a building his family owned in the Carrol Gardens section of Brooklyn.

The Eastern Block

2007-03-09T13:02:00.000-05:00

Thursday's New York Post article "The Eastern Block--Upper East Siders, brace yourselves--it's about to get crowded" by Katherine Dykstra gives a complete rundown of all the big changes that are happening in the neighborhood. A lot us have been asking why are there giant craters up and down 86th Street? Well the answer is the condos are coming, and they are not messing around. There are some serious construction projects in the works on both 3rd and Lex on 86th Street. One is the half a city block, 18 stories tall, LEED certified green construction, Lucida, which will contain 110 condos, an H&M, a Barnes & Noble (as if there weren't already enough in the neighborhood), a Sephora and a Bank of America. The Second is the Brompton on 3rd, which will be a 206 unit, 20 stories tall condo. In addition there are numerous construction projects further east, all part of a trend that started 5 years ago with the Seville and Impala on 1st and 2nd, and also 170 East End. To read the full article click on the title of this posting.

Moderate Income Apartments for Rent

2007-03-02T02:01:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for affordable housing in the neighborhood this might be an option to consider. Applications are now being accepted for 17 low income apartments on 95th Street between 3rd and 2nd. Applicants must meet income requirements which range from $35,000-$57,000 a year, depending on the size of the apartment and the number of tenants. They are only reviewing the first 100 applicants so if you are interested act fast. For more information on income requirements and how to apply click on the the title of this posting.

Sunshine

2007-02-22T11:37:00.000-05:00

This week seems like the first time in a few months when the weather hasn't been too frigid to want to do anything outside. I almost get the feeling that spring is on the way, but I know not to get ahead of myself when dealing with New York winters. Never the less, the temperature is in the 40s and when you are out in the sun it feels great!
For those of us that are geographically challenged when it comes to Central Park, we should not neglect the opportunity for relaxing at Carl Schurz. Sure Central Park is bigger, has many more people and things to see, but there is one thing it doesn't have that Carl Schurz does and that's the river. Of course I'm not suggesting jumping in, but I do enjoy sitting by the river and soaking in the sun on a nice day. I'm often reminded of the story of Siddhartha, and how he watched a river go by for ten years straight as it unlocked the mysteries of life. Staring at the current and watching the ships go by brings me peace and clarity, not to mention, that during the right hours, the promenade is one of the sunniest places in the city.
So while the weather is still nice, take advantage of the opportunity to get out of your apartment, bring a good book, and enjoy some peace in the sun by the river.

THE BOOK CELLAR at WEBSTER LIBRARY

2007-02-16T18:07:00.000-05:00

There is a great used book store in the basement of Webster Library on the corner of York and 78th Street. Open during the afternoons and early evenings from Tuesday to Saturday, The Cellar, as it is called, is a treasure trove of used books. All proceeds go to support New York Public Libraries. Created and run by volunteers who call themselves the Friends of Webster Library, the store is a pleasure to browse through. With a wide range of genres and titles including some rare first editions, The Cellar houses an impressive collection. But the best part is everything is affordable, with most books under $5.
The Cellar also accepts donations, not only of books, but cds, dvds, videos, tapes, and records as well. See their website, linked above, for more info on donations.

Land Use/Full Board Meeting

2007-02-14T15:17:00.000-05:00

Date:
February 21, 2007
Begins:
06:30 PM
Ends:
09:00 PM

Type:
Full Board Meeting
Location:
NY Blood Center, 310 East 67th Street, (First-Second), Auditorium
Contact:
Community Board 8 Officeinfo@cb8m.com212-758-4340
1. Public Session·There will be an update on the construction site at 86th Street & 3rd Avenue·There will be an update on the construction site at 74th Street & 2nd Avenue2. Public Hearing – 45 East 78th Street, ULURP No. 070125ZSM – this is a application for a special permit pursuant to the Zoning Resolution, Section 74-711 to modify the use regulations of ZR Section 22-10 to permit Use Group 6 commercial use below the floor level of the fourth story to legalize the existing commercial art gallery at 45 East 78th Street.3. Manhattan Borough President’s Report – Amy Martinez-Miller4. Elected Officials’ Report5. Chair’s Report – David G. Liston6. District Manager’s Report – Elizabeth McKee7. Committee Reports and Action Items8. Old Business9. New BusinessDavid G. Liston, Chair

P.S. 158 Fund Raiser

2007-02-08T15:08:00.000-05:00

The Parents Association at local elemetary school P.S. 158 located at York Avenue between 77th and 78th Street is accepting donations of used Cell Phones and empty Laser and Ink Jet printer cartridges. Donations will be accepted from now through June, and can be dropped off at the Parents Association office on the first floor during school hours and in the early evening. Last year they were able to raise over $200 through donations of used Cell Phones and empty Laser and Ink Jet printer cartridges, this year they hope to raise over $1000.

Make Way for the "T"

2007-02-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

In April 2006, The Federal Transit Administration authorized the MTA to begin the final design of Phase One of the Second Avenue Subway construction project, which will include new stations along Second Avenue at 96th Street, 86th Street, and 72nd Street. Phase One will be an extension of the existing Q service in Manhattan, and connect to the F line at 63rd Street and Lexington, with new entrances on Third Avenue. As of today a winning bid for Phase One construction has been accepted and work could begin as early as this spring. Phase One is the first of Four Phases of construction that will culminate in a new "T" line on Second Avenue from 125th Street to the Financial District in Lower Manhattan, with a total of sixteen new stations. ... Click here for the full article

They're Starving Our Children!

2007-01-28T19:43:00.000-05:00

The thought just occurred to me. I was in a Columbia University cafeteria today and ordered a soup and Snapple. The total was $4.66. I made my purchase, sat down, and all was well.

But then, looking around at all the lunch menu signs with the food prices listed, I began to think about it...

$6.25 for a tuna melt

$6.50 for a chicken sandwich

$3.00 for a bagel with cream cheese

I don't know about you, but to me, these prices seem fairly expensive for a college cafeteria. After all, isn't it a widely known fact that college students don't have much cash to begin with? You can find delis on the UES that wouldn't charge $6.25 for a tuna melt.

...

Food is a good thing, too. I can see if school authorities would want bars in the neighborhood to advertise pricier drinks in order to discourage underage drinking, but food is a necessary part of life. We need food to live.

So shouldn't it be the other way around? Wouldn't it make more sense for Columbia to charge cheaper food prices so that broke students can eat well? Maybe that would even leave a few extra dollars in their pockets to catch a movie or see a show.

And it's not like Columbia can't afford to drop a dollar off the tuna melt, or at least include a bag of chips and a drink with the meal. That would be nice.

My college is no different. And now that I think about it, most colleges I've visited have had high cafeteria prices.

It's just not right to do in my mind. College students are our doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists, presidents. We need our college students to be as healthy as possible, as experienced as possible, as knowledgeable as possible - because they are the future leaders of this world. So we should be feeding them well and cheap - not stingy and expensive.

Sometime soon, I'll check out our very own Hunter College cafeteria on 68th and Lexington. Maybe they're not starving our children. Then again, maybe they are...

P.S. Only 16 more months until the release of Indiana Jones 4!

Possible Landmark Status for Manhattan House

2007-01-27T08:43:00.000-05:00

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION TO CALENDAR MANHATTAN HOUSE

The Landmarks Preservation Commission has just announced that Manhattan House, New York City’s first white brick apartment building located at 200 East 66th Street, will be calendared at a Public Hearing next Tuesday January 30th. Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, with the support of elected leaders and other city preservation groups, has long been advocating the LPC to hold a hearing to designate Manhattan House as a New York City landmark.

In 2001/2002, Manhattan House was highlighted in our exhibition “Landmarks of the Future: Modern Architecture on the Upper East Side” and has been the focus of a FRIENDS advocacy campaign since 2000. For more information on our exhibit, visit http://www.friends-ues.org/Moderns.htm.

Manhattan House was completed in 1950 by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Mayer & Whittlesey. Erected as part of an urban renewal project by the New York Life Insurance Company, Manhattan House is New York’s first "white brick" apartment building, though the brick is in fact a self-cleansing light gray. In this neighborhood formerly defined by tenements, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill provided a precedent-setting, light-filled building. Its innovative H-plan—as opposed to the standard inner courtyard—allows for greater light and cross-ventilation to 95 percent of its apartments. The Bauhaus-style balconies and International Style glass lobby further provide access to light. In 1952, Manhattan House was awarded the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects award for outstanding apartment house.

For more information, contact Seri Worden, Executive Director, 212-535-2526

East End Avenue Living

2007-01-25T21:05:00.000-05:00

A nice perspective on what it's like over on East End Avenue was put together by Mathew Warren ... check it out here.

Career Talk on the Upper East Side

2007-01-22T13:42:00.000-05:00

Are you presently looking for employment? Are you unhappy at your current job? Perhaps you are simply seeking some good career advice? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then tonight, you are invited to attend "CAREER TALK - Seven Great Networking Ideas for 2007 to Move Your Career Forward" sponsored by the Career Counselors Consortium (CCC).

Whether you’re a senior vice president, manager, self-employed professional, recent college grad, or someone reentering the workforce, CAREER TALK is a monthly program presented by CCC that aims at solving your career problems and providing networking opportunities for you to reach your professional goals.

WHAT: Career Workshop - Learn about creative new networking ideas

WHEN: Tonight 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

WHERE: St. Jean Baptiste Church - Lexington Ave at E. 76 St.
Community Center – Downstairs

COST: $5

RSVP: Daniel Beverly 212-980-2526 Beverly.Daniel@careercc.org

"Ixnay" on the Doctor/Patient Sexual "Relationshipay"

2007-01-11T20:08:00.000-05:00

Normally, a visit to the doctor's office is a trip that no one really wants to take. However, in some cases, a doctor's appointment can be helpful, informative, and sometimes - even pleasurable.

Dr. Vivian Mihailescu, a psychiatrist with an Upper East Side office on E. 85th and 1st, will have her medical license stripped for one year (effective January 15, 2007) after she admitted to having sexual conduct with a patient, according to the New York State Health Department. Mihailescu, 47, who has been in the profession for 23 years, will also have to meet a number of conditions for five years after the suspension is complete to ensure that she does not engage in any more "boundary violations" with her patients.

Food for Thought: Ever wonder why shrinks have couches in their offices? Hmmm......

Holy Christmas Tree!

2007-01-08T18:17:00.000-05:00

If you were somehow able to tear yourself away from the TV set and miss some of the NFL playoffs yesterday, you may have noticed an abundance of Christmas trees lying on nearly every block on the Upper East Side. That’s because yesterday marked the last day of the 11th annual "MulchFest", a citywide event where New Yorkers can recycle and convert their Christmas trees into wood chips used to create the organic matter that’s good for the garden.

If you haven’t gotten rid of your yuletide bush yet, you’ll be happy to note that it’s NOT too late to help out Mother Earth. The Department of Sanitation will be making curbside tree collections and transporting them to recycling sites from now until Tuesday, January 16.

Fact of the Day: Wood chip mulch moderates soil temperatures, helps retain soil moisture, and deters weed growth while slowly adding nutrients to the soil. Wood chips may be used to line street tree pits and flowerbeds in parks. Wood chips may also be used in homes and gardens to enrich soil and control weeds.

Police Search for Rape Suspect

2006-12-26T19:39:00.000-05:00

New York City police are searching for a man who they said raped a woman on the Upper East Side on 92nd Street between Park and Lexington avenues. The NYPD released a sketch of the suspect, who sexually assaulted the woman after entering her building through the front door on Dec. 20, police said. The NYPD arrived on the scene at 2 p.m., police said. ... click here for the full article.

In my humble opinion, it would be nice to get some better looking sketches on these suspects. Is it my imagination, or does every one of these sketches look exactly alike?

Upper East Side Dodgeball

2006-12-24T10:46:00.000-05:00

The New York City Social Sports Club ("NYCSSC") is giving New Yorkers the opportunity to start the New Year right with two Winter II Dodgeball leagues and one Broomball league. The NYCSSC community is a group of young New Yorkers who get to know new people and keep active over friendly social sports games and post game drinks at hot New York watering holes. Sports options for the Winter II 2007 season include two nights of Dodgeball, one on the Upper East Side and one on the Lower East Side, and one night of ice Broomball in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Also included are post-game bar specials and invitations to various social events throughout the season such as the upcoming Flip Cup Tournament on January 13. NYCSSC provides countless opportunities for New Yorkers to keep warm this winter, meet countless new friends, and expand social horizons. Participants can either join a team or register a team of their own.

Winter Dodgeball II will take place on Thursday evenings on the Upper East Side from February 15, 2007 through March 28, 2007 ... Registration deadline is Friday, January 26. The fee per person for the entire season for Dodgeball is $75 and for Broomball is $100. NYCSSC provides all fields, equipment, American Apparel team t-shirts, and post-game bar specials. For questions, please e-mail nycssc@nycssc.com or call 646-383-8508.

This season's bar sponsors include the Bleecker Street Bar and American Trash.

A chance to be Santa Claus each year

2006-12-11T13:46:00.000-05:00

For the last 80 plus years, the United States Postal Service (U.S.P.S) has held Operation Santa, which is run at our city's central post office: the James Farley location at West 33rd Street and 8th Avenue. The theme of several recent posts of mine have been charitable, and I thought I'd continue by going to the Post Office to participate this year. Every year, children and adults from across the country write to Santa, asking for gifts both big and small. The Post Office makes these letters available to the general public so each of us can be Santa Claus, if for a fleeting moment, and answer some wishes. In 2005 alone, the U.S.P.S received over 400,000 letters.

This year, the program kicked off on December 4th, complete with a visit from Santa Claus himself and students from P.S. 51, who hand-delivered their letters to Santa. I arrived at the Post Office on Tuesday evening, only to discover the program ends at 4PM most days. I returned last Friday and witnessed a rather formulaic procedure to obtaining such letters. You first fill out a government-issued form with your name and address, and show photo identification to verify you are who you say you are. The employee who took my paperwork assured me this part of the process is to ensure everyone's privacy. Then, you're off to the sorting bins, where letters are divided into: Queens, Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn (I wondered where Staten Island was), Spanish, and the rest of the United States had its own bin. You have a form with 6 spaces, as individuals are only allowed to accept up to 6 letters, and an employee hands you 6 at a time.

They asked me where I wanted my letters from and I was puzzled: if these families were needy, did it matter? The employee explained to me that there's no way to really know who is needy and who is not, since anyone can write a letter. It was up to me and the other volunteers to read them and determine which were the neediest cases. I had no preference for letters and asked for whichever bin was still the fullest -- that was the Bronx.

In my first stack of letters, I found one written by a 9 year old boy asking for World Wrestling toys. It seemed easy enough and he said he loved Santa, so it was a keeper. The rest didn't touch me in any particular way, and there were over 20 other people there with me, sorting through letters simultaneously, so I figured there would be better ones to come. I kept going back and forth with the postal worker, trying to guess which letters were written by people who needed my help the most. Another letter I kept was from a 15 year old who only wanted one pair of black sneakers to share with her sisters, and she said her Mom couldn't buy them for her because they didn't have money. The most touching letter I came across in the 1/2 hour I spent sifting through the pile was from a single mother. She explained how tough her life was and each month, if she paid the rent she couldn't afford groceries and if she bought groceries she owed more to her landlord. She has 4 children and didn't ask for anything specific, merely saying "Anything you can give Santa would really help." It was two pages long, listing her children's names and ages, and toward the end she mentioned her birthday in December but said "Just please don't forget my kids." I walked out of the post office with my 6 letters, disappointed that I couldn't take out a bag as big as Santa's full of wishes.

These letters sit on my desk today as I anxiously await the arrival of the presents for these families. I wanted to stretch my dollar as far as I could and discovered lots of places online with free shipping and bargain prices for clothes, shoes and toys. I even went to Duane Reade at 61st and Lexington Avenue to buy wrapping paper and cards for each child and parent. I've never had more fun looking for gifts for names I only know from letters and faces I've never seen. I can only imagine the reaction of the parents when, upon opening their door, see a box addressed to them and their children from Santa. The gift I send them might be the only one they receive this year, and I feel so lucky that I chose them to make a tiny difference in their lives. Being that I'm Jewish, I've never believed in Santa but hopefully have renewed 6 families' beliefs in Christmas and better yet, belief that the best gift is any act of love, even if you can't see it or touch it or if it's anonymous. I wonder if they'll be puzzled when they see Santa's return address is no longer the North Pole, but rather comes from the Upper East Side.

Operation Santa Claus
Now through December 23rd
M, Tu, Wed, Fri 9:30AM-4PM
Thur 9:30AM-7PM