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Manhattan Community Board Five

November 2021

NOVEMBER FULL BOARD MINUTES

Minutes of the regular Community Board Five meeting held on Thursday, November 10, 2021 via teleconferencing, at 6:00pm. Vikki Barbero, Chair, presided.   

Members Present

David Achelis

Nicholas Athanail

Vikki Barbero

Fortunato Castro

Julie Chou

Natalie Diggins

Sarah Dowson

Aaron Ford

Laura Garcia

Nancy Goshow

Matthew Hartman

Marc Hershberg

Robert Isaacs

Michael Kaback

E.J. Kalafarski

Renee Kinsella

Samir Lavingia

Layla Law-Gisiko

Sam Levy

Maki Thomas Livesay

Joseph Maffia

Kimberly McCall

Tod Shapiro

David Sigman

Craig Slutzkin

Barbara Spandorf

Noah Stern

Sarah BJ Sung

Pete Webb

Present Part

Zach Bahor

Excused

None

Absent

James Beitchman

Mary Brosnahan

Joseph Frewer

Tristan Haas

John Harris Jr.

William Heyer

Samuel Johnson

Kathy Kahng

Megan Lione

Blaga Lucic

Charles Miller

Clayton Smith

Daniel Spence

Ryan Whalen

July Yang

Public Members

Miriam Berman

Chris Jackson

Elected Officials

Gale Brewer

Borough President

April Adams

Borough President

Laurie Harjowaroga

Speaker Johnson

Franklin Richards

Councilmember Powers

Justin Flagg

Senator Krueger

Justin Shea

Senator Hoylman

Matt Tighe

Assemblymember Gottfried

Betsy Schmidt

Congressperson Maloney

Staff

Marisa Maack

District Manager 

Public Attendees 

Alexander Kluefers

Anne Riccitelli

Caroline Harris

Derek Gilchrist

Evan Mann

Giovanni Gioia

John Mejia

Keith Tubbs

Lingjun Chen

Maddalena Nappi Reidy

Mike Klein

Roberto Robaina

Ryan Bieber

Sebastian Solomon

Zoe Mavrides

 

At 6:00 p.m., the Manhattan Community Board Five November 10, 2021 Full Board meeting was called to order. 

Betsy Schmidt, Congresswoman Maloney’s Office: provided an update on Congress’ actions regarding infrastructure and the Build Back Better Act. She announced that the Committee on House Oversight and Reform allocated $12 billion to electrify the USPS and federal vehicle fleets, $4 million to implement President Biden's Justice40 Initiative which ensures that federal agencies work with state and local communities to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities. She stated that the package also provides $50 million in funding for the Inspector General and Government Accountability Office to ensure funds are spent appropriately. She stated that the bill will also enable New York to provide access to childcare for over a million young children per year, increase Pell Grants by $550 million, expand access to free school meals to an additional 222,000 students during the school year and 2 million students over the summer, close the Medicaid coverage gap and continue the earned income tax credit and child tax credit. 

Justin Shea, Senator Hoylman’s Office: announced that Governor Hochul signed Senator Hoylman's Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act to help ban the sale and possession of ghost guns in New York. He also reported on the introduction of legislation by Senator Hoylman and Assembly Member Gottfried to help prevent some of the helicopter noise being experienced in Midtown Manhattan. He announced that the Senator’s office is holding a children's Covid-19 vaccine survey.

Justin Flagg, Senator Krueger’s Office: announced that on Thursday, November 18 at 2 p.m., Senator Krueger will be holding a virtual town hall on Medicare. He also announced that their updated Senior Resource Guide is now available. He stated that Senator Krueger and Assembly Member Gottfried sent a letter to the State Liquor Authority in support of the CB5 Executive Committee's position in opposition to The Glass Ceiling’s liquor license. 

Laurie Harjowaroga, Speaker Johnson’s Office: announced that the Speaker’s district office is hosting an annual Medicare enrollment event which will run through December 7th. She announced free Shred Day event on November 13, and the truck will be parked on 26th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenue. She also announced that Fresh Food for Seniors Program, which was launched with Manhattan Borough President Brewer, will continue this month, and November 15th and 16th are the final sign-up days.

Matt Tighe, Assembly Member Gottfried’s Office: reported on efforts to tackle the helicopter noise issue in addition to the legislation to introduce another bill with Senator Hoylman to tackle Hudson River Park specifically. He announced that the Assembly Member will be hosting a vaccine pop-up site on Thursday November 18th from 10:30 to 3 p.m over at Hartley House on West 46th Street which will have both Covid-19 vaccine and flu shots available, and you will be able to get your first, second or your booster shot for Covid. He stated that New York Independent Redistricting Commission is currently examining the new boundaries for the next decade that will change the district lines for the New York State Assembly, Senate and Congress and is currently taking public comments on where the line should be.

Franklin Richards, Councilmember Powers’ Office: thanked everyone for their support in the re-election for another two-year term. He stated that the Councilmember is happy that the

Grand Central Library is reopened after a period of closure due to maintenance. He spoke of the ULURP process for 343 Madison and 175 Park Avenue, which is also known as Project Commodore and stated that the Councilmember is supportive of the modifications, which addressed the concerns raised by neighbors, CB5 and CB4, and the Borough President. He spoke of quality of life continuing to be a focus for the Councilmember’s office, and they are working with DHS and NYPD to clean up overflowing receptacles, large amounts of garbage, and graffiti on public property. He also announced the hotel shelter closure at 6 West 32nd Street and that families will be assessed for priority permanent housing placement or appropriate transfers as needed. He also spoke of the reopening of the Park Savoy Hotel Shelter on West 58th Street.

Roberto Robaina, Fashion Institute of Technology, announced exhibition at the museum at FIT, which will explore the changing role and significance of accessories from 1800 to the early 21st century. He announced that Bob Fish, founder, former Chairman and CEO of Route 21, has launched the Bob Fish Graduate Student Award Program to include a three hundred thousand dollar gift that will provide awards for entrepreneurial excellence thesis project grants and graduate scholarships for students in the Fashion Design MFA program and the Global Fashion Management MPS program.

The October 2021 minutes passed with a vote of 29 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining, as follows: IN FAVOR: Achelis, Athanail, Bahor, Chou, Diggins, Dowson, Ford, Garcia, Goshow, Hartman, Hershberg, Isaacs, Kaback, Kalafarski, Kinsella, Lavingia, Law-Gisiko, Levy, Livesay, Maffia, McCall, Shapiro, Sigman, Slutzkin, Spandorf, Stern, Sung, Webb. ABSTAIN: Barbero.

Chair Barbero announced new member Fortunato Castro has joined CB5 and asked him to give a brief introduction on why he wanted to serve on Community Board Five. 

Chair Barbero also informed the Board that there will be an information session next on Thursday, December 2nd for all CB5 board members to bring them up to date on the ongoing and latest developments regarding Penn Station and the surrounding district. 

Chair Barbero proposed the ratification of the emergency action by the Executive Committee on the resolution regarding 1204 Broadway, The Glass Ceiling, and asked the Chair of the Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee to give a brief report. A roll call was made for ratification with a vote of 29 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining, as follows: IN FAVOR: Achelis, Athanail, Bahor, Chou, Diggins, Dowson, Ford, Garcia, Goshow, Hartman, Hershberg, Isaacs, Kaback, Kalafarski, Kinsella, Lavingia, Law-Gisiko, Levy, Livesay, Maffia, McCall, Shapiro, Sigman, Slutzkin, Spandorf, Stern, Sung, Webb. ABSTAIN: Barbero.

LAND USE, HOUSING AND ZONING –  Layla Law-Gisiko

Ms. Law-Gisiko gave a brief presentation on the following resolution:

Application for Zoning Authorization pursuant to ZR 66-51 by a private applicant, BOB 57 LLC, for additional floor area for Mass Transit Station Improvements (Subway Improvement Bonus) to permit the use of 53,0429 square feet of additional floor area and facilitate the development of a 63-story, 1,100-foot development with approximately 318,172 square feet of total floor area at 41-47 West 57th Street/50 West 58th Street (Block 1273, Lots 7, 9, 10, and 65) in Midtown, Manhattan, Community District 5.

WHEREAS, BOB 57 LL, (“Applicant”) seeks to build a new mixed-use building (the “Building”) at 41-47 West 57th Street/50 West 58th Street (the “Development Site”), Manhattan; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant seeks additional floor area in exchange for mass transit station improvements under section 66-51 of the New York City Zoning Resolution for the Subject Property; and

WHEREAS, ZR 66-51 (ZR) is included in a series of proposed amendments to the Zoning Resolution under Zoning for Accessibility (“ZFA”); and 

WHEREAS,  Zoning  for Accessibility encourages private funding of major improvements in mass transit stations in high density districts in exchange for a floor area bonus; and

WHEREAS,  Under Zoning for Accessibility, qualifying transit improvement sites may receive up to a 20% floor area bonus pursuant to an authorization for construction of major improvements to a transit  station identified and prioritized by the MTA; and   

WHEREAS, The Development Site is a qualifying transit improvement site under the Zoning for Accessibility amendment; and

WHEREAS, ZR66-51 allows for a maximum bonus of up to 20 percent for FAR above the underlying district regulations maximum FAR permitted for commercial or mixed-use buildings in the Development site; and

WHEREAS, In exchange for proposed major improvements to the 57th Street Station on the 6th Avenue INDF line, the Applicant is seeking the maximum bonus permitted under the ZR; and 

WHEREAS, The bonus would allow for a total of 143,871 zsf of commercial floor area for the hotel and retail space (7.48 FAR) and 174,301 residential floor area (9.06 FAR) for a total proposed Building of approximately 318,172 zsf (16.53 FAR), and

WHEREAS, The Building will be 63 stories and 1,100 feet tall including 58 floors for the tower and 5 stories for the podium including all mechanical levels (which are below the 25 feet height  limit): and

WHEREAS, There will be four mechanical/structural outrigger floors not including a five story mechanical bulkhead; and 

WHEREAS, The Building will have a podium of 85 feet along the frontage of 57th street; and  

WHEREAS, The Building is intended to be mixed use; with ground floor retail, hotel and approximately 33 residential units (this number subject to change); and

WHEREAS, This is the first application under ZR66-51 to be heard by the City Planning Commission; and  

WHEREAS, The extra square footage from the FAR bonus will be added around the “middle” of the structure in the recessed areas so that the additional bonus space will be used to make the building thicker rather than taller; and 

WHEREAS, The Building is the same height that it would be as of right (without the FAR bonus); and

WHEREAS, Mandatory inclusionary housing is not required under zoning for this project;  and 

WHEREAS,  No affordable housing will be offered; all residential will be luxury market rate units; and 

WHEREAS, The subway bonus area is not permitted to be used in the residential portion; and

WHEREAS, The environmental review examined the difference between what could be built as of right versus what could be built with the bonus; and 

WHEREAS, If the Applicant had not applied for the ZR bonus, the Community Board would have no opportunity to review the as-of-right build; and 

WHEREAS, The NYC Planning commission determined that the proposed action would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment; and 

WHEREAS, The shadows cast by this building will be virtually the same whether or not a FAR bonus is supplied; and 

WHEREAS, The rear yard courtyard will be used by hotel/retail and side yard on the east side will not be used; and 

WHEREAS, The terrace on the south side of the building, rooftop and set back entrance will be utilized most likely by hotel guests; and 

WHEREAS, The proposed subway improvements have been designed to make the station accessible to people with disabilities; and 

WHEREAS, The improvements include the installation of a single  elevator at the southwest corner of 56th Street and Sixth Avenue which will take passengers to the mezzanine level of the station and a second  elevator located at mezzanine level which will transport passengers to the platform with direct access to an ADA boarding area (already created by MTA); and

WHEREAS, The planned subway elevator provides no redundancy; and 

WHEREAS, Redundancy was not considered in this instance although the infrastructure might support it;   and

WHEREAS, Additional improvements by the Applicant include the construction of a elevator machine room to service both elevators and reconfiguration of the fare control line and new Automated fare card access gates to accommodate the mezzanine to platform elevator; and 

WHEREAS, The subway improvement also includes eight ADA crosswalk ramps that are Dept. of Transportation (DOT) standard requirement configurations used throughout the city; five foot wide at the top and 9 foot 10 inches when splayed at the curb; and

WHEREAS, Accessible (ADA-compliant) crosswalk ramps will be placed on the four corners closest to the elevator; and  

WHEREAS, The location of the subway improvement is separate and apart from the Building and will be operated within the envelope of MTA property; and

WHEREAS, Instead of undertaking maintenance and repair, the Applicant will make a lump sum payment to the MTA to fund the ongoing maintenance for two life cycles of each elevator and one replacement obligation for a term of 36 years and and a one-time replacement of the elevator discounted to present value; and 

WHEREAS, This sum will be deposited in the MTA’s general operating fund; and 

WHEREAS, The total cost of improvements including lump sum payment is approximately $30 - $35 million dollars based on current design today (NB: all has not been costed out yet); and 

WHEREAS, Site conditions at subway stations differ so that any direct  comparison with other elevator installations would not be clear cut; and 

WHEREAS, The MTA stated that getting a developer to build subway improvements is more cost efficient for many reasons; and 

WHEREAS, The Building will not be able to get a temporary certificate of occupancy until the work in the station is completed and the fund is completely financed; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant and MTA worked closely on design and location of the subway improvements; and 

WHEREAS, The MTA and the Department of City Planning have indicated their approval of the plan and deemed the plan sufficient for qualification under Section 665-11; and 

WHEREAS, CB5 is confronting the use of ZR for the very first time; and 

WHEREAS, CB5 must also look to its precedent and history when assessing and balancing whether the bonus provided to the Applicant is commensurate with the benefit the Applicant is providing to the general public; and 

WHEREAS, CB5 recognizes public transportation accessibility is essential; and 

WHEREAS, 40% of midtown subways are not ADA-compliant; and 

WHEREAS, CB5 recognizes the incredible import of ADA accessibility; and 

WHEREAS, The additional square footage provided under ZR allows for buildings that are more likely to cast shadows than buildings without additional FAR; and 

WHEREAS,  CB5 has been a relentless  advocate for tools to address the shape of buildings in order to address shadow impact; 

WHEREAS, CB5 believes there should be a tool that provides automatic review of super tall buildings so as not to allow casting shadow as of right; and

WHEREAS, CB5 believes that the MTA should prioritize accessibility and should not rely upon giveaways that lead to supertall canyons in order to effectuate accessibility; and 

WHEREAS, CB5 believes the MTA should develop better tools to create transportation accessibility; and 

WHEREAS, This particular Building is a luxury tower with no affordable housing that will be built  in a neighborhood of luxury towers with a 42% vacancy rate as per the census; and 

WHEREAS, CB5 is on record noting the tremendous need for affordable housing in the District; and 

WHEREAS, CB5 believes that the Department of City Planning and the MTA can both do better when negotiating for the people of the City when awarding special permits; and  

WHEREAS, CB5 believes that while a single building itself is unlikely to impact the environment/community, the impact of many buildings collectively does impact the environment; and

WHEREAS, CB5 is on record that environmental impacts of buildings should be assessed in totality rather than in isolation; and 

WHEREAS, CB5 is on record with its belief that zoning regulations should require mandatory inclusionary housing when any special permits are provided; and

WHEREAS, In this first application, the Applicant’s building is no taller with the bonus as could build as-of -right; and

WHEREAS, CB5 have been assured the Building will have exactly the same shadow impact, and no more,  as if the building was as-of-right;  and

WHEREAS, The Applicant is to provide ADA accessibility to a subway station which is currently non-accessible; and 

WHEREAS, The improvement itself is deemed substantial and meritorious; and

WHEREAS, while CB5 strongly endorses the goal of ADA accessibility, it objects specifically to a number of the elements in this application; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends denial for the proposed zoning authorization unless certain conditions are met. Those conditions are:

After much discussion the above resolution by the Land Use, Housing and Zoning Committee passed with a vote of 28 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining: IN FAVOR: Achelis, Athanail, Chou, Diggins, Dowson, Ford, Garcia, Goshow, Hartman, Hershberg, Isaacs, Kaback, Kalafarski, Kinsella, Lavingia, Law-Gisiko, Levy, Livesay, Maffia, McCall, Shapiro, Sigman, Slutzkin, Spandorf, Stern, Sung, Webb. ABSTAIN: Barbero.

At this point in the meeting Chair Barbero introduced Manhattan Borough President Brewer

Borough President Brewer thanked the Board for working on Penn Station. She discussed the Park Savoy and the call from the Department of Homeless Services on moving men in. She discussed the meeting with Congressman Nadler’s staff to talk about the vaccine situation and federal stimulus money. She reported that the Community Leadership training series is continuing. She stated that the issues related to excessive helicopter noise are ongoing. She announced the distribution of the Owl devices to the Boards for meetings.

JOINT LANDMARKS AND PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES – layla law-gisiko and clayton smith 

Mr. Slutzkin gave a brief presentation on the following resolution on behalf of the joint committee.

 

Application from the Central Park Conservancy for the Restoration of the Kinderberg and Renovation of the Chess & Checkers House.

WHEREAS, The Central Park Conservancy (Applicant) has submitted an application for the Restoration of the Kinderberg and Renovation of the Chess & Checkers House; and

WHEREAS, These facilities are in the “Children’s District” located near the southeast corner of Central Park, north of the 59th Street Pond and south of the 65th Street Transverse, between the Center Drive and the East Drive Park; and

WHEREAS, The original Kinderberg, located on a large rock outcropping overlooking the pond, was a rustic structure built in 1868 to provide shade over seating and tables, and was demolished in 1940; and

WHEREAS, The octagonal shaped brick Chess & Checkers House was built in 1952 on the site of the Kinderberg as an open-air structure and then was enclosed in the 1980s; and

WHEREAS, In 1985 a dimensional lumber trellis was built along the outer footprint of the original Kinderberg and surrounds the Chess & Checkers House; and

WHEREAS, The trellis is at the end of its useful life and will be replaced with a rustic shelter similar to the original Kinderberg; and

WHEREAS, The plaza pavement surrounding the Chess & Checkers House and under the trellis is deteriorated and will be replaced with new asphalt pavers reminiscent of the original brick paving pattern; and

WHEREAS, The Chess & Checkers House will have its circa-1952 roof replaced with a new slate roof and the existing cupola will be rebuilt; and

WHEREAS, The Chess & Checkers House will receive new windows and new doors that will be ADA Accessible and the existing brick work will be restored and repointed; and

WHEREAS, The interior of the Chess & Checkers House will be renovated to add new ADA public toilet facilities, consisting of Men’s, Women’s, and All Gender restrooms, which are lacking in this area of Central Park; and

WHEREAS, New ADA access will be provided up to the Kinderberg plaza from the east via a ramp with railings that negotiates a 14’ change in grade and is integrated in the landscape; and

WHEREAS, The existing stair adjacent to the ramp, which has deteriorated, will be rebuilt; and

WHEREAS, The restored plaza will have an increased number of benches and the same number of tables as presently when it is completed; and

WHEREAS, The $7M construction cost has been raised with private funds and the lead donor is not asking for naming rights, a point that Community Board Five appreciates and applauds on the part of this generous donor; and

WHEREAS, Only way-finding signage and building signage will be installed; and

WHEREAS, Construction is planned to start in spring 2022 and be completed by the end of the year; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the Application from the Central Park Conservancy for the the Restoration of the Kinderberg and Renovation of the Chess & Checkers House.

 

After some discussion, the above bundled resolutions passed with a vote of 29 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining: IN FAVOR: Achelis, Athanail, Bahor, Chou, Diggins, Dowson, Ford, Garcia, Goshow, Hartman, Hershberg, Isaacs, Kaback, Kalafarski, Kinsella, Lavingia, Law-Gisiko, Levy, Livesay, Maffia, McCall, Shapiro, Sigman, Slutzkin, Spandorf, Stern, Sung, Webb. ABSTAIN: Barbero.

LANDMARKS – layla law-gisiko 

Ms. Law-Gisiko gave a brief presentation on the following bundled resolutions:

 

860 Broadway, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a Rooftop Terrace and Bulkhead Addition at 17th Street

WHEREAS, 860 Broadway is a six-story, late nineteenth-century commercial building located in the Ladies Mile Historic District; and

WHEREAS, The building occupies a prominent location at the corner of Broadway and East 17th Street, directly across from the North Plaza of Union Square Park; and

WHEREAS, The building's location across from the open North Plaza makes it prominently visible from many surrounding view corridors in the park, along East 17th Street, and Union Square West; and

WHEREAS, The building is the southern gateway to the Ladies Mile Historic District, and

WHEREAS, The applicant proposed to build a pergola style rooftop addition as well as an elevator and a stair bulkhead to provide access to the roof for tenants of the building; and

WHEREAS, The rooftop would be equipped with a kitchen and a lighting system would be installed to facilitate use at night; and

WHEREAS, The bulkhead and rooftop additions would be very visible from numerous vantage points, including full visibility impacting the primary facade, as well as visibility impacting the secondary and tertiary facades; and

WHEREAS, The proposed Rooftop Terrace and Bulkhead Addition negatively impact the historic character of the building as viewed from ground level; and

WHEREAS, The proposed design for the rooftop terrace and bulkhead addition has been reviewed by the Landmarks Committee of Community Board Five; and

WHEREAS, The proposed rooftop terrace and bulkhead addition design, scale and materials are not harmonious with the historic district and building; therefore, be it

RESOLVED that Community Board Five recommends denial of the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed rooftop additions and changes to 860 Broadway, Borough of Manhattan.

 

18 East 41st Street, proposing alterations to the tenant entrance

WHEREAS, 18 East 41st Street is an individual landmark 21-story office building located between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue; and

WHEREAS, The building erected in 1914 by George & Edward Blum represents the first phase of commercial development in East Midtown, and was designated as a New York City Landmark on November 22, 2016; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant is proposing the following alterations:

WHEREAS, The proposed width of the Stucco pilasters on the first-story of the tenant entrance would be less than with the width of the pilasters on the upper stories of the façade; and

WHEREAS, The proposed alterations lack respect for and are not harmonious with the proportions of the building; and

WHEREAS, The proposed alterations constitute more of an intervention to the façade amputating the pilasters than a restoration of building; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends denial of the application for alterations at 18 East 41st Street.

 

 

After some discussion, the above two bundled resolutions passed with a vote of 29 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining: IN FAVOR: Achelis, Athanail, Bahor, Chou, Diggins, Dowson, Ford, Garcia, Goshow, Hartman, Hershberg, Isaacs, Kaback, Kalafarski, Kinsella, Lavingia, Law-Gisiko, Levy, Livesay, Maffia, McCall, Shapiro, Sigman, Slutzkin, Spandorf, Stern, Sung, Webb. ABSTAIN: Barbero.

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENT – e.j. kalafarski

Mr. Kalafarski gave a brief presentation on the following bundled resolutions:

 

Application by bus operator Academy Express, LLC, for an intercity bus stop for pick-ups and drop-offs as part of an NYU shuttle service on the northwest corner of Lexington Avenue and East 27th Street

WHEREAS, Academy Express LLC (“Applicant”) seeks approval from the Department of Transportation (“DOT”) of an Application to add pick-ups and drop-offs to its New York University (“NYU”) Shuttle bus service; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant proposes this bus stop for pick-ups and drop-offs in place of and replacing its current bus stop at Lexington Avenue and East 31st Street, for service Monday through Friday from 7:29 a.m. to 11:44 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:10 a.m. t 11:47 p.m.; and

WHEREAS, The current parking regulation is No Standing; and

WHEREAS, This is an existing Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) bus stop for SIM6 and SIM11 Staten Island Express buses as well as M101, M102 and M103 Local and Limited Service buses and will be shared; and

WHEREAS, The SIM6 bus (Eltingville – Midtown Manhattan Express) departs from the Eltingville/Transit Center ending at Lexington Avenue/East 53th Street, and the SIM6 bus schedule overview is that it operates from 4:50 a.m. and ends at 9:06 p.m. on weekdays; and

WHEREAS, The SIM11 bus (New Dorp – Midtown Manhattan Express) departs from Mill Road/Ebbitts Street ending at East 57th Street/Lexington Avenue, and the SIM11 bus schedule overview is that it operates from 4:50 a.m. and ends at 7:53 p.m. on weekdays; and

WHEREAS, The M101 bus (East Village – Fort George) departs from Saint Nicholas Avenue/West 192nd Street ending at Astor Place/3rd Avenue, and the M101 bus operates daily; and

WHEREAS, The M102 bus (Harlem – East Village) departs from West 146th Street/Malcolm X Boulevard ending at Astor Place/3rd Avenue, and the M102 bus operates daily; and

WHEREAS, The M103 bus (East Harlem – City Hall) departs from East 126th Street/2nd Avenue ending at Park Row/Beekman Street, and the M103 bus operates daily; and

WHEREAS, Without regulation, a high concentration of intercity bus services developed in certain areas of midtown Manhattan, quickly resulting in increased sidewalk congestion, traffic gridlock, and increased on-street bus parking and double parking, all of which combined to create safety concerns for drivers, pedestrians, local business owners, and residents; and

WHEREAS, The State Legislature adopted Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1642-a in 2014 to address these concerns, empowering DOT to create a permitting system; and

WHEREAS, This law authorizes the City to:

WHEREAS, MTA buses SIM6, SIM11, M101, M102, and M103 stop on Lexington Avenue near East 27th Street, a location which is currently allotted to them; and

WHEREAS, The SIM6 currently has 33 pick-ups and drop-offs near Lexington Avenue and East 27th Street on weekdays; and

WHEREAS, The SIM11 currently has 39 pick-ups and drop-offs near Lexington Avenue and East 27th Street on weekdays; and

WHEREAS, The M101 currently has 174 pick-ups and drop-offs near Lexington Avenue and East 27th Street on weekdays, 111 pick-ups and drop-offs on Saturdays, and 95 pick-ups and drop-offs on Sundays; and

WHEREAS, The M102 currently has 91 pick-ups and drop-offs near Lexington Avenue and East 27th Street on weekdays, 83 pick-ups and drop-offs on Saturdays, and 77 pick-ups and drop-offs on Sundays; and

WHEREAS, The M103 currently has 88 pick-ups and drop-offs near Lexington Avenue near East 27th Street on weekdays, 79 pick-ups and drop-offs on Saturdays, and 74 pick-ups and drop-offs on Sundays; and

WHEREAS, MTA Service is subject to change due to traffic conditions; and

WHEREAS, The NYU Shuttle currently has 30 pick-ups and drop-offs Monday – Thursday, 29 pick-ups and drop-offs on Fridays and 16 pick-ups and drop-offs on Saturdays and Sundays; and

WHEREAS, The NYU Shuttle is provided to NYU students, staff, faculty, and alumni with identification for direct service to and from university facilities, including residence halls; and

WHEREAS, NYU Shuttle pick-ups and drop-offs will be made expeditiously; and

WHEREAS, DOT inspected this location and considers it appropriate; and

WHEREAS, The Transportation and Environment Committee assessed this application and viewed the location of Lexington Avenue and East 27th Street; and

WHEREAS, Neighbors and community organizations including Community Board Five generally had no objection to additional use at this location; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of Academy Express, LLC’s application for a bus stop on the northwest corner of Lexington Avenue and East 27th Street so long as the stops do not interfere with other buses and there is no conflict in any way with MTA buses.

 

 

Application by inter-city bus operator Taxi Tours, Inc. dba Big Bus Tours New York LX for a bus stop with pick-ups and drop-offs on 7th Avenue at West 57th Street, in front of 900 7th Avenue

WHEREAS, Taxi Tours, Inc, dba Big Bus Tours New York (“Applicant”) seeks approval from the Department of Transportation (“DOT”) of an application to operate an inter-city bus stop on of 7th Avenue at West 57th Street, in front of 900 7th Avenue; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant proposes one pick-up and drop-off, every 20 to 30 minutes, Monday through Sunday from 8:15 am to 5:15 pm; and

WHEREAS, Without regulation, a high concentration of intercity bus services developed in certain areas of midtown Manhattan, quickly resulting in increased sidewalk congestion, traffic gridlock, and increased on-street bus parking and double parking, all of which combined to create safety concerns for drivers, pedestrians, local business owners, and residents; and

WHEREAS, The State Legislature adopted Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1642-a in 2014 to address these concerns, empowering DOT to create a permitting system; and

WHEREAS, This law authorizes the City to:

WHEREAS, The proposed location shares the bus stop with Topview Sightseeing; and

WHEREAS, According to DOT, the current bus stop length can accommodate another bus company; and

WHEREAS, The proposed schedule times do not overlap with the existing bus company; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant is a known operator and the proposed stop will serve as an extension of existing tour bus operations; and

WHEREAS, DOT inspected this location and considers it appropriate; and

WHEREAS, the Transportation and Environment Committee assessed this application; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant has agreed to have staff on site to monitor traffic and crowd control during operating hours, to avoid any crowding or additional burden on businesses operating on the block; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the application by inter-city bus operator Taxi Tours, Inc. dba Big Bus Tours New York for pick-ups and drop-offs on 7th Avenue at West 57th Street, in front of 900 7th Avenue.

 

 

After some discussion, the above two bundled resolutions passed with a vote of 29 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining: IN FAVOR: Achelis, Athanail, Bahor, Chou, Diggins, Dowson, Ford, Garcia, Goshow, Hartman, Hershberg, Isaacs, Kaback, Kalafarski, Kinsella, Lavingia, Law-Gisiko, Levy, Livesay, Maffia, McCall, Shapiro, Sigman, Slutzkin, Spandorf, Stern, Sung, Webb. ABSTAIN: Barbero.

BUDGET, EDUCATION AND CITY SERVICES – renee kinsella 

Ms. Kinsella gave a brief presentation on the following report.

 

District Overview 

Manhattan Community Board Five (CB5) is located in the heart of Manhattan. We are New York City’s Midtown Central Business District as well as the first and last impression of New York City for millions of commuters and tourists who pass through Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal, or who visit Times Square, Herald Square, Union Square, and the Empire State Building every day. The Broadway Theatre District, the Garment District, Koreatown, Nomad, Flatiron, the Diamond District and parts of Chelsea all fall within the CB5 borders. All but three subway lines traverse CB5, and with the Port Authority just outside our western border the District is at the core of the City’s substantial pedestrian and vehicular traffic. We are the destination for millions of people who come here to experience New York City’s greatest business, tourist, entertainment and industrial landmarks. The Museum of Modern Art, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building are all here, along with world class shopping destinations such as Macy’s, Saks, Tiffany’s, Cartier and Nordstrom (to name but a few). 

Although CB5 is primarily a commercial district, our residential population has increased by 23% which is an increase of 11,000 people in the last ten years. Our District is also seeing greater diversity in its population over the ten-year period with an 11% percentage increase of BiPOC residents (as reported by the 2020 census) in the total number of residents. Along with our increase in the residential population, we have increased housing stock by over 15% which accounts for about 5,773 additional units. However, a little over 21% of our housing units remain vacant according to the 2020 census which is an increase of more than 2% vacancy from 2010. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the many Community Board Five restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues. Having been shuttered for most of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, theatres and entertainment venues have only just begun to reopen their doors to the public. In the recent past, our District experienced a boom in hotel construction, particularly in the Flower District and the Broadway corridor. However, (according to the Restaurant Association) since the pandemic, 200 of the 700 hotels in New York, many of them in CB5, have closed their doors. And while hotels are starting to recover, occupancy rates at open NYC hotels this June saw only a 63% occupancy rate down from 90% during the summers of 2018 and 2019. Restaurants within the District have embraced outdoor dining as a result of the pandemic and almost every street within the district has an outdoor dining structure or two.  Many sit either in sidewalk or curb lane although some have been granted permission to sit within the road bed. Community Board Five is different from most other Boards in the city in that we are primarily a business and commercial district. As a result of stay-at-home orders and subsequent work at home schemes, the District has seen less workers and therefore is less populated and vibrant.  Although many companies initially pledged to return to their offices this fall, the Delta variant and concern over the long-term efficacy of covid inoculations changed that plan and businesses continue to allow employees to work from home.  In Midtown, according to a recent REBNY report, only about 25% to 30% of the normal number of workers are coming into the office — meaning only about 60,000 people on the streets for lunches, haircuts, shopping or shoeshines. That compares to 180,000 office workers in the area before the pandemic lockdowns. (copied from NY Post report on latest numbers) 

This dearth of workers has resulted in Midtown having the largest inventory of office space in New York City.  (Historically, the Midtown East and Grand Central corridors have maintained a retail vacancy rate somewhere between 10% and 15%, according to the real estate trade association, CNBC report) According to REBNY, nearly 30% of the retail storefronts in Midtown East and around Grand Central are vacant, Work-from-home has also impacted commuter transportation and while subway ridership levels are increasing from the lowest levels seen at the height of the pandemic, ridership is down generally 50% according to the MTA (https://newwest.mta.info/coronavirus/ridership).  There is also about a 40% decrease in bus ridership overall.  Concurrently, we have seen an uptick in 311 calls within the District regarding illegal parking, vehicular noise and idling.  

With fewer pedestrians on the street, the District saw an uptick in complaints regarding quality of life issues.  311 calls about homelessness -- encampments, issues with specific individuals and groups -- were the highest that they have ever been in the District.  Vendor complaints and high-profile crime within the Times Square area led to the creation of a special Manhattan (Midtown Business Recovery Detail). This unit has had some success in calming the 7th and 8th avenue corridors. 

Weather disruptions throughout the summer made clear our infrastructure is unprepared for the sheer volume of rainwater that storms now bring. Pictures and videos of riders braving waist high waters in the district subway system at 28th Street were seen all over the internet while other residents and visitors were caught in large areas of pooling water throughout many areas of the district.

Overall, the three most pressing issues currently within the district are homelessness, commercial revitalization and quality of life.

MOST PRESSING ISSUE BY POLICY AREAS:

Health Care, Hospitals & Human Services

Services to reduce or prevent homelessness is the number one priority within the District this year, although mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention programs came a close second as the issues are so closely intertwined.  There was an influx of homeless people into the district last year as the City moved individuals out of congregate shelters and into hotels that are located primarily throughout midtown.  This situation has largely, but not completely, been reversed as people have been transferred back to shelter settings. Nevertheless, the District is still seeing a large number of homeless individuals on the streets, many of them suffering from mental illness.  According to Coalition for the Homeless, New York City’s unsheltered homeless population is concentrated in the central business district – that is, midtown Manhattan. 

Fundamentally, our city needs more affordable housing – in our District and elsewhere. However, we also need high-quality temporary shelters and housing programs now to serve the homeless. That includes comprehensive programming with wrap-around services such as mental health and substance abuse treatment as well as facility improvements to provide for those services and enrichment programming on site. CB5 encourages the City and shelter providers to craft solutions that meet the homeless where they are and to address their concerns regarding safety, possessions, pets, significant others and recreation and social space as a means of creating a more comfortable, welcoming and productive environment for those experiencing homelessness.  

In addition to addressing the housing concern, CB5 also requires public toilets so that individuals experiencing homelessness are spared the indignity of relieving themselves in public. In New York City, there is one public bathroom for every 7,700 people for a city with a population of over 8.5 million. And this figure does not include the millions of annual tourists that visit the city. There are only 2 public bathrooms in NYC that are open 24/7. There have been 378,655 311-complaints about public urination from 2010-2018, which underscores the vast need for these services.

A disproportionate number of our adult homeless neighbors suffer from severe and persistent mental illness. These New Yorkers must receive consistent and appropriate care, even if unsheltered. Outreach, integrated case management, safe havens, treatment, income support and benefits, vocational training, supported employment, and safe and affordable housing must all be woven together to end the cycle of mental illness and homelessness. Studies show that with access to comprehensive and integrated health and social services there is the capacity of the seriously mentally ill to become productive members of the community. 

Youth Education and Child Welfare

While difficult to pinpoint just one issue affecting children in the District given the mental health and education constraints of the last year and a half, Educational Attainment is our prime area of concern.  Children have been out of school for almost a full year and need-assessments will be critical to understand exactly how children have fared during this time. Tools and supports must then be developed, funded and provided for students so that they may get back to learning at grade level.  

Special education services have always been seriously lacking throughout the City, and our District, but the pandemic has highlighted that there is no emergency plan for these students and their families.  Additionally, mental health access for students in and from our District has consistently been a concern for CB5. The pandemic has only exacerbated the need for mental wellness support including a nurse and mental health professional in every school. Additionally, year-round workforce development is needed in addition to the expansion of the Summer Youth Program.  Meaningful employment programs are proven violence interrupters. These programs provide mentoring, work experience and income to students who may need to support their families. 

Public Safety and Emergency Services 

Public Nuisance including noise and other disturbances is of primary concern to CB5 and quality of life issues are one of our top concerns. The symptoms are as clear as the causes are myriad. Street and sidewalk noise, increasing graffiti, unauthorized street vendors, petty crime, panhandling, loitering and street encampments all detract from the quality of life in the District and feed the perception that the City is not safe. 

While CB5 believes addressing the underlying issues of education, economic opportunity and homelessness will strike at the roots of these societal issues, consistent enforcement of existing regulations will also help. The goal of enforcement is not to criminalize any social condition but to create an environment where the rights of all are respected and the public space remains dedicated to the public. 

Visitors and residents alike should expect that existing regulations --for example, prohibiting cars and delivery trucks from double parking or “blocking the box”, prohibiting cyclists from riding on the sidewalk or in the opposite direction of traffic, discouraging pedestrians who walk in the bike lane, cracking down on illegal food carts and un-permitted street vendors – will be enforced to help protect the quality of life of  everyone who lives, works or visits the district.  It is incumbent on the City to develop and direct resources to teams within Agencies that are specifically responsible for enforcement of quality of life infractions. Whether it is the inspection of outdoor dining or the removal of an encampment, enforcement should be visible and build confidence that there are procedures in place to address public concerns.  And while CB5 has supported the transition of some routine public safety enforcement roles -- such as traffic and parking enforcement priorities -- from NYPD control, the current patrol indicates that there is a place for NYPD officers on the beat whose visibility can help rebuild public confidence in the force while maintaining public order.  CB5 encourages that this program be replicated in other areas within the district that experience high levels of quality-of-life issues. 

Core Infrastructure, City Services and Resiliency

Overflowing garbage cans and debris on the streets around them has always been an issue in CB5. While sanitation pickups have improved over the last year, street cleanliness is still a concern. The increasing number of homeless individuals has also triggered the need for corresponding additional public sanitation services including a significant increase in the frequency of corner trash pick-up. 

The City composting program, while currently funded, is a voluntary program that is triggered only when a certain number of households or buildings sign on to participate. Consequently, access to the program has been restricted due to a lack of committed households and buildings. In order to activate this program successfully more outreach and education need to be done.

Finally, resilience planning for subway stations and street drainage is imperative.  This year, we experienced storms that downed our transportation systems and put people at risk. This was particularly notable at the 28th street subway station during Hurricane Ida and the subsequent ponding seen around the district. Now is the time to invest in resiliency strategies as our subways and sewer systems are not built for the weather due to our climate change crisis which is likely to become more critical in the coming years. 

Housing Economic and Land Use

Commercial district revitalization is the most pressing issue within this policy area but we also understand this to encompass small business services and support.  CB5 is a district heavily dependent upon commuters, business, and tourists. It is estimated that New York City lost over 631,000 jobs in 2020, many of them located in CB5. Reports suggest that employers expect more than half of their workforce will continue to work remotely at least part of the time. If that happens, the ripple effect will make the recovery a long-term proposition. Businesses in the District will require commercial tenant programs, better business programs as well grants and loans in order to remain resilient in the face of a longer recovery period. In particular, CB5 recognizes the important economic role that small businesses add to the vibrancy and character of our district  as well as their role in employment, particularly among immigrants.  Therefore, CB5 encourages public / private collaboration to address the challenges faced by businesses small and large. Investment in marketing and other programs to attract visitors should be undertaken as a means of spurring commerce within the District.

The Empire Station Complex GPP introduced by ESD in 2020 would divert real estate tax revenue from 10 development sites located around Penn Station. This revenue diversion would hurt New York City's ability to raise tax revenue and should not be pursued. 

Transportation and Mobility

The most pressing issue in this policy area is subway service and quality.  CB5, is home to nine of the ten busiest subway stations (MTA Annual Ridership by Station Report). Although the number of people riding the train is slowly increasing, subway ridership is still down significantly which results in less populated stations and less populated trains. This pushes the per rider crime rate higher than it has been in recent years and has created a sense of greater danger despite police figures to the contrary. A number of random attacks throughout CB5 have underscored the perception of the subway as a dangerous place.  Alternative routes and services changes and disruptions have added to riders' distrust of the train. In order to encourage people to return to the District, the City must develop and implement a plan to provide safe, clean trains that run on time.  It is only when riders feel comfortable and confident in their route and their safety that they will return to work, shop and play in the District. MTA funding disputes between state and city officials need to be resolved in order to provide this comprehensive service to riders. If the perception that using the subway is risky continues, it will imperil any effort to restart the economy, which includes reopening offices in Manhattan where a majority of workers rely on transit.

In addition to subway quality, CB5 is very concerned with the management of the Open Restaurants Program. While outdoor restaurants have been a boon to customers and restaurateurs alike, continuation of the program gives rise to concern regarding the competing interests that vie for public space on the sidewalks, curbs and roadways.  CB5 encourages DOT to actively enforce existing rules to address any non-compliant operations.

Parks, Cultural and Other Community Facilities

While CB5 has Central Park on its periphery, along with Madison Square Park, Union Square and Bryant Park within its borders, the district still lacks the open spaces that are common in other Community Districts. The lack of public open space has become even more apparent during the pandemic. Accordingly, insufficient park or open space is our greatest concern within this policy area. While CB5 does not believe that public funding should be given to POPS (privately owned public spaces) there is an opportunity that additional public space be built into upcoming land use/development projects. 

Additionally, CB5 believes our air and light are public assets that should not be privatized or monopolized by private developers. Light and air must be approached as any other budget assets and they must be treated and protected as such.  

Parks, Cultural and Other Community Facilities:  CB5 has seen the expansion of residential and commercial buildings which has heightened the awareness and need for public spaces and how these are managed. Unfortunately, there is no one Agency that has a handle on the overall planning of the City when taking into account issues such as shadows, access to green space, public toilets and other factors affecting public spaces.  

The Director of the Public Realm role is one which is desperately needed to take on this complexity to holistically manage the streets, sidewalks, open space and plazas in a data driven way.  CB5 believes that this office will rectify the current lack of cohesion in city planning and allow stakeholders to have a direct way to voice their views. CB5 appreciates that this role will highlight the importance of light and air as a public commodity that should be considered as any other commodity when making decisions concerning the public realm.

CB5 FY2023 Capital Requests

#

Fiscal Year

Budget Request

Agency

Organization

Budget submission request

1

FY23

capital

HPD

CB5 Members

Requesting the additional $8 million necessary to fully fund the conversion of the Paramount Hotel by Breaking Ground to supportive housing (235 west 46th street)

2

FY23

Capital

DHS

HSU, Humans.NYC

Add new Safe Haven beds in the CB5 area from the DHS purpose built shelter program with quality ample indoor amenities, private outdoor terraces and common space so that clients are not hanging out on the streets. To the extent possible, select a site in conjunction with the community board so that these facilities are spaced out as much as possible. By supporting nonprofit ownership of consciously designed shelters, the City can save substantial monies all while having better control over the portfolio and benefiting from nonprofits’ ability to provide quality services in settings tailored to their use and purpose

3

FY23

Capital

DOT

Garment District Alliance

Broadway plaza seating upgrade – With the recent expansion of the Broadway plazas, the Garment District Alliance is seeking to upgrade our plaza seating to the Landscape Forms Parc Centre Chair with end arms. Many of our existing chairs have been in use for nearly ten years. We recently purchased 30 of the new chairs, but still need roughly 370 more to completely upgrade all 5 of the plazas. The unit cost per chair is $340, putting the cost to upgrade all of the chairs at $125,800. Any funding toward this replacement project would be a huge help.

4

FY23

Capital

HPD

HSU, Humans.NYC

Continued funding for the ELLA program as well as term sheet programs that are middle to moderate income 

5

FY23

Capital

DOT

Flatiron BID

Flatiron Plaza and Worth Square Permanent Redesign & Reconstruction (Total Project will be over $40M when design completed – only ~$10M currently allocated in City capital budget)

6

FY23

Capital

DOMHM

Coalition for the Homeless

Develop medical respite beds for patients that are not sick enough to provide hospital level care but are discharged by hospitals with mental health service needs. The city could consider using underutilized hotel space to save on capital cost. 

7

FY23

Capital

DOT

Flatiron BID

.Complete City Lights Phase II Installs for entire district

8

FY23

capital

SCA

CB5 Members

Fund the 100,000 square foot public school on the Bleecker School site in Greenwich Village on land owned by New York University; and utilize this opportunity before it passes back to NYU (from previous budget request) - capital

9

FY23

Capital

HPD

CB5 Member

Increase capital allocation to HPD Supportive Housing Loan Program, and raise the budget for maintenance and operations (M&O) of those buildings so that supportive housing is well maintained, lasts the extent of its viable life, and provides a decent home for thousands of singles and families that have been chronically homeless. The Supportive Housing Network of New York consistently reports shortfalls in M&O budgets of buildng security, janitorial staff, insurance, and buildng maintenance, among other areas.

10

FY23

Capital

NYPL

NYPL

HEISKELL LIBRARY : HVAC replacement $675,000 capital request

11

FY23

Capital

DDC

DEP/DDC

All current and new DEP\DDC infrastructure projects in the community district 5 must have funding expanded or included to support small business impacted by the construction.

12

FY23

Capital

DEP

CB5 Member

Add drainage in the 14th Street Corridor to mitigate flooding at the Union Square subway station. 

13

FY23

Capital

DEP

CB5 Member

Add drainage in the28th Street Corridor to mitigate flooding in the 28th Street subway station. 

14

FY23

Capital

DOT

Garment District Alliance

Broadway lighting – A capital buildout of the Broadway plazas has been promised for a decade. In the most recent city budget, two blocks (38th to 40th Streets) were finally budgeted for the capital process, but an actual capital buildout is still at minimum several years away, and likely longer. As a temporary safety measure, we would request that the city fund lighting, either via new poles or attachments to existing poles, to illuminate the pedestrian areas between 36th and 41st Streets. Of particular importance is the new fully pedestrianized block between 39th and 40th Streets. The plazas have very poor lighting because the existing lighting was designed with vehicular traffic in mind. The full plaza block between 39th and 40th does not even have lighting at all on the east side of the street. Now that portions of the roadway have been converted to plazas a level of illumination similar to a sidewalk is needed.

15

FY23

Capital

DOT

CB5 Members

Repair ponding condition at 12 W 31 st

16

FY23

Capital

DOT

CB5 Members

Repair ponding condition at SE corner of 37th and Bdway

17

FY23

Capital

DOT

Flatiron BID

Additional Broadway Vision Streetscape Improvement Projects (SIP) from 27thst to 31st – this enhancement would fallunder the Flatiron BID expansion jurisdiction. 

18

FY23

Capital

DOT

CB5 Member

Additional funding to support green infrastructure initiatives at Penn Station. These green infrastructure initiatives should include rain gardens, stormwater management, greenstreets, etc. to create a variety of sustainable green infrastructure practices in public and private streetscapes in the district. The City should use existing development proposals in the District as a platform to insert these City priorities into proposals.

19

FY23

Capital

DOT

CB5 Member

Additional funding to support green infrastructure initiatives at Herald Square. These green infrastructure initiatives should include rain gardens, stormwater management, greenstreets, etc. to create a variety of sustainable green infrastructure practices in public and private streetscapes in the district. The City should use existing development proposals in the District as a platform to insert these City priorities into proposals.

20

FY23

Capital

DOT

CB5 Member

Additional funding to support green infrastructure initiatives at Greeley Square. These green infrastructure initiatives should include rain gardens, stormwater management, greenstreets, etc. to create a variety of sustainable green infrastructure practices in public and private streetscapes in the district. The City should use existing development proposals in the District as a platform to insert these City priorities into proposals.

21

FY23

Capital

DOT

CB5 Member

Additional funding to support green infrastructure initiatives at Times Square. These green infrastructure initiatives should include rain gardens, stormwater management, greenstreets, etc. to create a variety of sustainable green infrastructure practices in public and private streetscapes in the district. The City should use existing development proposals in the District as a platform to insert these City priorities into proposals.

22

FY23

Capital

DOT

Flatiron BID

5.5 blocks of Park Avenue South Median Restorations ($5,200 for planter repair at 31st Street + multiple new tree plantings: 3 btw 28-29 Streets / 3 btw 29-30 Streets / 5 btw 30-31 Streets / 4 btw 31-32 Streets) The Partnership will be putting up at least $30K to clear, weed, and seasonally landscape this sections of PAS medians in our expansion area

23

FY23

capital

ACS

CB5 Members

To fund renovations to increase programmatic space at the ACS Children’s Center which is a 24/7 temporary care center for children entering foster care, located in Manhattan CD 6 but utilized by CB5 youth as well.

24

FY23

capital

DOE

CB5 Members

To close the digital divide and provide all

schools in our district with technology upgrades like in-school infrastructure and take-home equipment to cover

every student in school and for take home purposes.

25

FY23

capital

SCA

CB5 Members

To complete installation of A/C units in every school instructional room within our district as per the City's five year plan to ensure our students have a comfortable and safe environment in which to learn and thrive in.

26

FY23

capital

SCA

CB5 Members

To bring every school up to full accessibility status. Accessible schools are located in a fully or partially accessible building where an individual with mobility impairment may enter and access all relevant programs and services, including the science laboratory, library, cafeteria, and the gymnasium; in some cases school programs may need to be re-located to accommodate access. At least one restroom must be accessible as well.

27

FY23

Capital

DOT

CB5 Member

Request for ADA Access on the following street corners (request funding for ramps): NE corner of E45th and Vanderbilt Ave (near UrbanSpace at 230 Park Ave) - SE corner of E47th and Vanderbilt Ave (near HSBC at 250 Park Ave) - NE corner of E48th and 5th Ave (near Ted Baker London at 595 Fifth Ave)

28

FY23

Capital

DOE

CB5 Member

Funding for technology upgrades for PS 340, the Sixth Avenue Elementary School, including purchase of 10 Promethean Smart Boards and upgrades of dated computers and printers

29

FY23

capital

SCA

CB5 Members

To install green roofs, farms, and recycling operations in all schools in district to increase sustainability.

30

FY23

Capital

DOE

CB5 Member

Provide computers (800) for School of the Future (DOE)

31

FY23

Capital

DEP 

Midtown South Community Council

Arrange for the identification and disposition or long-term lease of city-owned rooftop space or vacant lot in CD 5, with a minimum usable space of 1,000 square feet that receives good light, for Midtown South Community Council to add a second location to their urban farm initiative. This has been successfully piloted through a farm provided in partnership with Midtown Community Court. Community benefits include: provides affordable, healthy, and organic food; offers jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities; multiple environmental and inftrastructure benefits (full proposal available upon request). 

 

Expense Requests FY2023

#

Fiscal Year

Budget Request

Agency

Organization

Budget submission request

1

FY22

Expense

Mayor's office

CB5 Members

Budget for a director of the public realm. Funding - Office of the Public Realm 

2

FY23

Expense

SBS

CB5 Members

Funding to support small businesses/ revitalize empty storefronts 

3

FY23

Expense

HRA

Legal Aid

Add staff lines to re-create casework team to focus on connecting individuals and families to permanent housing. Homeless and at-risk families and individuals are still having trouble accessing landlords to secure permanent housing. In the past, there was a first-rate team of workers assembled by the City to move homeless veterans out of shelters and off the streets using Section-8 vouchers specifically earmarked by the Feds. It was a remarkable success. Legal Aid and other advocates would like to push for $500k for a five-member team to replicate that model.

4

FY23

Expense

DCP

CB5 Members

Budget to fund 197-a planning

5

FY23

Expense

DOT

CB5

Study to identify locations to install APTs in CB5

6

FY22

Expense

DOMHM, HRA

HSU

Increase funding to add staff lines for ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) teams. 

7

FY23

Expense

DHMH, NYFD

CB5 Members

Request: Additional funding for expansion of the Mental Health Teams Pilot Program (B-HEARD) operated jointly with DHMH to provide citywide emergency mental health responses.

8

FY23

Expense

HRA

CB5 Member

Increase funding for Legal Services for low- and moderate-income tenants in anticipation of the expiration of the eviction moratorium. At present, it is set to expire in January 2022, and vulnerable tenants will flood social services organizations when that happens. Legal Services must be prepared and staffed up to handle this influx. Tenants need rapid access to an attorney to educate them about their rights, guide them in housing court cases, and even assist them in their applications for available funding targeted at eviction prevention, such as the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) .

9

FY23

Expense

DOT

CB5 Members

Increase funding to add staff lines for more DOT after hours inspectors

10

FY23

Expense

Office of Special Enforcement in the NYC Mayor's Office

CB5 Member

Increase the enforcement budget of the Office of Special Enforcement in the NYC Mayor's Office to enforce existing and future short-term rental laws. As NYC recovers from COVID, we anticipate a significant increase in efforts by some landlords and building owners to circumvent the law to profit off of platforms like AirBNB, moving housing units off of the market from NYC residents and contributing to the broader housing affordability crisis.

11

FY23

Expense

NYPD

CB5 Members

Make permanent the midtown business recovery detail. Funding to commit more “beat cops” to the district - officers whose diversity matches their beat, who can know the area, its people, and can address their public safety concerns from a community perspective rather than an external NYPD “enforcement” perspective.

12

FY23

expense

DYCD

CB5 Members

To add funding to the Youth Employment program to meet need. SYEP is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. Participants have the opportunity to explore their interests and career pathways, develop workplace skills and engage in learning experiences that help in developing their social, civic and leadership skills. By participating in structured project and work-based opportunities, NYC youth are better prepared for careers of the future. This program is a win-win for employers and NYC youth. 

13

FY23

Expense

Department for the Aging

CB5 Member

Provide for senior center programming in CB5. CB5 has "black holes" in certain areas, notably Times Square/Bryant Park and the Lexington Avenue corridor, with significant populations of seniors aging in place--many of whom are in rent-stabilized buildings--that do not live close to services sites that provide them with housing assistance and counseling. Aging should commission a study to identify other such "housing services deserts" in areas with significant populations aging in place, and should lease highly visible storefronts in those areas to connect local seniors to services to help them stay in their homes.)

14

FY23

expense

ACS

CB5 Members

Baseline an additional $8M to Fair Futures to maintain year over year funding levels through which thousands of young people in foster care ages 11-21 are receiving coaching, tutoring and/or educational advocacy and support. The City invested $20 million to continue this model in FY2022, however only $12 million is baselined in FY2023 and beyond.

15

FY23

Expense

DHS

Humans.NYC

Increase funding for Home-Stat. Fully fund the street outreach program that follows client from street to permanent housing. (Additional Case Managers for DHS: Additional funding to provide case managers to homeless individuals and especially families. These individuals face a myriad of problems, programs and outreach from an array of sources, both public and private. Establishing trust and confidence is difficult and the presence of a licensed professional who can work on a continuing basis to connect them with existing resources could be life-changing for these individuals. This presence also will help leverage the success of existing programs and interventions.)

16

FY23

expense

DSNY

CB5 Members

Increase funding for more DSNY inspectors 

17

FY23

expense

DEP  

CB5 Members

Increase funding for more DEP after hours inspectors 

18

FY23

expense

DOHMH

CB5 Members

Increase funding for more DOHMH inspectors

19

FY23

Expense

DSNY

CB5 Members

Increase Funding for a comprehensive education and outreach campaign for NYC composting.  People are not signing up to the program but it is not clear that people know about the program or how the program works. It is also not clear how much outreach has been done to communities.

20

FY23

expense

DYCD

CB5 Members

To increase the number of Summer Rising seats available in our district in order to support social, emotional, and academic learning in kids left behind by the pandemic, and to support working households.

21

FY23

expense

DOE

CB5 Members

To increase funding for special needs programs, and services to student and their families to address significant impact of pandemic loss of services. 

22

FY23

Expense

DCWP

CB5 Members

Increase funding for the Office of Street Vendor Enforcement to properly to oversee and implement Local Law 18 of 2021, which allows for the issuance of 4,000 new street vendor permits over the next 10 years, creates an Office of Street Vendor Enforcement, and establishes a street vendor advisory board.

23

FY23

Expense

NYPL

NYPL

Support increased expense funding for library to reengage with patrons following pandemic and implementation of new strategies such as outdoor programming

24

FY23

Expense

DOT

NYPH

Study assessing cost, benefits, and feasibility of transitioning NYC's concrete procurement for infrastructure projects, sidewalks, and ongoing maintainence to solely/mostly carbon concrete (i.e., concrete containing recycled CO₂) sources

25

FY23

Expense

DEP

Additional Street level air quality monitoring in high traffic corridors and child recreational areas within CB5

 

 

 

After some discussion, the above report passed with a vote of 29 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining: IN FAVOR: Achelis, Athanail, Bahor, Chou, Diggins, Dowson, Ford, Garcia, Goshow, Hartman, Hershberg, Isaacs, Kaback, Kalafarski, Kinsella, Lavingia, Law-Gisiko, Levy, Livesay, Maffia, McCall, Shapiro, Sigman, Slutzkin, Spandorf, Stern, Sung, Webb. ABSTAIN: Barbero.

 

There being no further business, the regularly scheduled meeting of Community Board Five adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by, 

Craig Slutzkin

Secretary

Julie Chou

Assistant Secretary

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