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DOWNTOWN
POST NYC

News and Events
in Lower Manhattan

Volume 2, No. 56 July 28, 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Quote of the day:

"Tessa represents the kind of leadership we should be fighting to keep, not force out."
- Kathy Gupta, Battery Park City resident and Community Board 1 member on the report that Dennis Mehiel, chairman of the Battery Park City Authority, is firing Tessa Huxley, executive director of the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy

* BPC Chairman Dennis Mehiel reportedly booting Tessa Huxley from BPC Parks Conservancy

* Bits & Bytes: Giant water slide; Dos Toros coming to Maiden Lane

* Downtown Bulletin Board: Dock Rocks benefits South Street Seaport Museum
* Heat advisory and advice on how to cope
* Letter to the editor: In praise of Battery Park City's arcades
* Community Board 1 meeting: Week of July 26

* Calendar: Week of July 26

WEATHER INFORMATION: For current weather information, click here.

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MASTHEAD PHOTO: Produce for sale at the Tribeca Greenmarket. July 25, 2015
(Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)

BPCA CHAIR DENNIS MEHIEL REPORTEDLY BOOTING TESSA HUXLEY, LONGTIME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BPC PARKS CONSERVANCY

Tessa Huxley, executive director of the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, at a Battery Park City Authority board of directors meeting on Jan. 29, 2013, where she announced that Vince McGowan, the conservancy's assistant director, had retired.
(Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)

"The 'Heart' of Battery Park is being punctured," said a New York Post headline on July 27. The New York Post reported that, "The highly respected longtime chairman of the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy is being pushed out, according to sources - a step with potentially huge implications for the successful 92-acre landfill complex on the Hudson River. We're told that Battery Park City Authority chairman and CEO Dennis Mehiel wants to boot Tessa Huxley, who's chaired the conservancy since 1988, and negotiations over terms are under way." (For the complete article, click here.)

The New York Post was not able to get any further information from the Battery Park City Authority or from Huxley on July 27. The following day, neither were Downtown Post's emails and phone calls seeking information returned.

But other sources confirmed that the article is correct. Mehiel wants Huxley out.

A number of Battery Park City residents called this development "appalling" and "devastating."

"Tessa has provided leadership and expertise for over two decades with an admirable list of achievements and without any blemish on her or her team," said Anthony Notaro, chair of Community Board 1's Battery Park City Committee and a long-time resident of Battery Park City. "As a planned community, our parkland and infrastructure are the very foundation of what makes BPC so wonderful."

"Losing her would be horrible," said Lee Gruzen, another long-time resident. "There are other horticulturists I'm sure they could find but they're not going to put in somebody who commands the kind of respect [that Tessa does]. Tessa's team is passionate about what they do. Tessa is a master choreographer. She brought in so many creative practices. She had all these people working for her, working their hearts out."

"Tessa Huxley has been an outstanding chairperson of the Battery Park City Parks conservancy for many years," said Dennis Gault. "I have lived in BPC since 1996 and I have always admired and respected her for her dedication to this community. Her service after 9/11 was particularly phenomenal. My apartment has a view of Teardrop Park so I see firsthand how Tessa Huxley and her crew care for and protect our public spaces."

"I've lived in BPC since Day 1 and I have watched the parks evolve as a parent and as a community gardener," said Kathy Gupta. "Tessa has always managed with an ear to the ground around community concerns while providing leadership to the development and maintenance of a world-class park system and programming that are a unique, defining characteristic of our community. She has a deep institutional memory of the intricacies of the park system and the people who live as part of it. She can draw on a network of horticultural colleagues citywide as she did in guiding the parks back after Superstorm Sandy. Tessa represents the kind of leadership we should be fighting to keep, not force out."

Several people said that Huxley's dismissal is just the most recent instance of BPCA actions that show disregard for the needs and desires of Battery Park City residents.

"If this story is correct, this would appear to be another example of the BPCA's board members treating our community like their own personal fiefdom," said John Dellaportas.

"I'm particularly concerned about this as part of a larger shift in direction on the part of the Authority - first the attempted closure of the Community Center at Stuyvesant, the change in community-based management at the North Cove Marina and the recent opening of the permit process on the ball fields to entities that aren't community based," said Gupta.

"This administration has shown a real disregard for the community through the limiting of established community group permits on the ball fields, dragging out the RFP process on repair of community amenities and the Police Memorial and refusal to replace members with community representation on the board," said Tammy Meltzer, a Community Board member.

"Most longtime BPC residents and observers I've spoken to have championed the BPC Conservancy's work under Huxley, while questioning the work of the Battery Park City Authority under Mehiel," said Tom Goodkind. He went on to say, "In the past few years, many have called for a dismantling of the Authority while keeping the Conservancy."

"If Ms. Huxley is willing to continue to serve our community we, the community, should organize and demand that she remain at the helm of the conservancy," said Gault.

Gruzen observed that Huxley had said for many years that Battery Park City needed a powerful residents' group. "We were lulled into the beneficent paternalism of Pataki's people - they communicated with residents. We thought our interests well represented. We need our own power base and I hope it's possible," she said.

Rosalie Joseph, who has organized so many committees and events in Battery Park City, sent out an e-mail after she heard the news about Huxley. "If you are interested in having your voice heard, there is a CB1 meeting tonight at DC 37, 125 Barclay St.," she said in her e-mail. "The public may speak on issues that concern them between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. If you wish to speak on behalf of Tessa, get there no later than 6 so you can sign up. Community members will be there by 5:30 if anyone would like to discuss before the meeting begins.

"Plus, there is a public Battery Park City Authority Meeting on Wednesday, July 29 beginning at 12 p.m., at the offices of the Battery Park City Authority 200 Liberty Street, 24th Floor.
We are not permitted to speak at these but your presence can be a show of support for Tessa."

- Terese Loeb Kreuzer

Bits & Bytes

GIANT WATER SLIDE COMING TO FOLEY SQUARE; DOS TOROS OPENING NEW STORE ON MAIDEN LANE; STEVE COLGATE GETS SAILING HONORS

Steve Colgate in North Cove Marina. He is to be inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)

"Giant water slide added to this year's Summer Streets lineup," New York Post, 7/23/15. "The city will add a massive water slide to its roster of activities during its annual car-free Summer Streets days this August," says the New York Post. "Summer Streets is when the city bans cars from seven miles of Manhattan streets and gives pedestrians, cyclists and skaters the run of them without having to compete with car traffic. The Summer Streets program will run on Aug. 1, 8, and 15 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The route will go along Park Avenue from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park. This will mark the program's eighth year." The Post says that, "The city will drop the 270-foot-long slide in Foley Square, which is along the route." For the complete article, click here.

"Dos Toros Finds Ninth NYC location, Bringing Tacos to 101 Maiden Lane," Commercial Observer, 7/21/15. "Dos Toros has signed a lease for its ninth location in New York City," says Commercial Observer. "The burrito, quesadilla and taco joint will be in TF Cornerstone's 101 Maiden Lane in the Financial District, joining popular juice bar Juice Generation and Fields Good Chicken on the ground floor. The San Francisco-style burrito chain's space is 1,670 square feet and was formerly home to Tres Carnes. It is slated to open in the 51-story, 839-unit rental building between Gold and Pearl Streets this fall." For the complete article, click here.

Steve Colgate to be inducted into National Sailing Hall of Fame: Offshore Sailing School founder, Steve Colgate, was one of six people that the National Sailing Hall of Fame has selected to induct this year. When the National Sailing Hall of Fame was formed in 2005, a central part of its mission was to focus attention on Americans who had made outstanding contributions to the sport of sailing. The Offshore Sailing School, which has eight locations, one of them at North Cove Marina in Battery Park City, has taught more than 130,000 people to sail since 1964.

Steve Colgate has not only had an impact on recreational boaters, he has steered his own yacht, Sleuth, to impressive wins and sailed thousands of miles of blue water racing and round-the-buoy competitions as helmsman, tactician and crew on sailboats he helped bring to the winners' circle.

Inductees are American citizens, 45 years old or older, who have had a significant impact on the growth and development of the sport in the United States in the categories of Sailing, Technical/Design, and Contributor (coach, administrator, sailing media). "I am awed to be among the names of those already inducted," said Colgate when called by a member of the induction committee. "This is an incredible honor."

The 2015 class of inductees will be formally celebrated on Oct. 4, 2015 at a ceremony at the Bayhead Yacht Club in Bay Head, New Jersey.

Downtown bulletin board

COMMUNITY DAY ON GOVERNORS ISLAND; DOCK ROCKS BENEFITS SOUTH STREET SEAPORT MUSEUM; 'GET LOW TUESDAYS' CONTINUES

The Tribeca Greenmarket on Greenwich Street north of Chambers Street is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)

Community Day on Governors Island: Join City Councilmember Margaret Chin on Aug. 1 for a trip to Governors Island. She will be on the 10 a.m. ferry leaving from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St. (Board the ferry at 9:45 a.m.) Bring a picnic lunch as you spend time with District 1's councilmember and your downtown neighbors. On Governors Island you can also relax in a hammock, climb the Figment treehouse, play miniature golf, ride a bicycle and more. For more information, call (212) 587-3159 or email chin@nyc.gov.

Dock Rocks to benefit South Street Seaport Museum: Dock Rocks, a "Party on the Piers," is

Duran Duran will perform at Dock Rocks on Aug. 4 to benefit the South Street Seaport Museum.

the first major downtown benefit concert and VIP Boat Party to be held in celebration and support of the South Street Seaport Museum. On Tuesday, Aug. 4, join multiple Grammy award- winning artists Duran Duran, Wyclef Jean, and special guests on Piers 15 and 16 for music, food and drinks. Tickets at various prices, starting at $55 for concert admission. South Street Seaport Museum members can buy tickets for $200 (discounted from $495) that include VIP admission to the concert, access to the historic ships on Pier 16, a premium open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and a buffet dinner. For more information about Dock Rocks, click here.

Get Low Tuesdays: The Downtown Alliance has launched "#GETLOW Tuesdays," a new summer promotional campaign that will provide a 20 percent discount at nearly three dozen Lower Manhattan restaurants. In addition, participants who share the program using social media will be entered to win a four-day, three night trip to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Created by the Downtown Alliance, the program will be driven by social media. Participants can utilize 11 social media platforms to spread the word about the campaign, using the hashtag #GETLOW. Available platforms include: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google+, Vine, Snapchat, Foursquare, Flickr, Pinterest and Tumblr.

Participating restaurants are: 121 Fulton Street; Atrio Wine Bar | Restaurant; Barbalu Restaurant; Bavaria Bierhaus; Beckett's; Blackhound Bar; Church & Dey; Cowgirl SeaHorse; Da Claudio Ristorante & Salumeria; Dina Rata; The Dubliner; Felice 15 Gold Street; Financier Patisserie; Fresh Salt; GRK; Harry's Caf� and Steak; Industry Kitchen; Lonestar Empire; Lumpia Shack; Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina; Merchants River House; Nelson Blue; Pound & Pence; Ramen Burger; Red Hook Lobster Pound; St. George Tavern; Schnitz; Seaport Smorgasburg; Smorgas Chef; SouthwestNY Restaurant; Stone Street Tavern; and Watermark Bar & Lounge. The campaign is also receiving support from the Millennium Hilton and Hilton Amsterdam.

To learn more, click here.

Downtown Post Portfolio: Downtown Post Portfolio is a regular feature in Downtown Post NYC, showcasing artists and photographers who live and/or work south of Canal Street or who create images (paintings, drawings, photographs) of Lower Manhattan.

To have your work considered for publication in Downtown Post Portfolio, send up to seven high-resolution jpeg files attached to an email to editor@downtownpostnyc.com. (One of the photos should be a picture of you.) Several of these photos will be published in Downtown Post NYC, along with a short artist bio and a statement about the work submitted, including whether or not it is for sale and how to purchase it.

Not all entries can be published. Copyright remains with the artist. Before publication, each contributor will be asked to sign a release stating that Downtown Post NYC has the right to publish the work in the emailed newsletter and in the Downtown Post archives, and that there is no payment.

Independence Day in Lower Manhattan photo gallery: The Independence Day celebration in

Lower Manhattan started on July 1 with the arrival of the Hermione at Pier 15 in the South Street Seaport. Hermione is a replica of the 18th-century frigate that brought the Marquis de Lafayette to the U.S. colonies in March/April of 1780. Also at Pier 15, El Gale�n, hosted parties and tours. It is a replica of a 16th-century Spanish ship such as Ponce de L�on would have sailed when he landed on the east coast of Florida 500 years ago. On July 4, there were fireworks over the East River. For photos of some of the Independence Day celebrations, click here.

Downtown Little League opening day photo gallery: The Downtown Little League kicked off its 2015 season on April 18. This year, there are just under 1,100 players on 81 teams. For photos of the opening day, click here.

Whitney Museum of American Art photo gallery: The Whitney Museum of American Art at 99 Gansevoort St. opened to the public on May 1. For photographs of the Whitney Museum's new building and of its opening exhibition, click here.

South Street Seaport Museum Opening Day: The South Street Seaport Museum opened its 2015 season on April 25 with events on Pier 16 and activities for kids and their families in the lobby of the museum's 12 Fulton St. building. For photographs of the museum's opening day, click here.

Downtown Post Portfolio: Jay Fine: Jay Fine is a New York City fine-art photographer and photojournalist, based in Lower Manhattan whose work was featured in Downtown Post Portfolio (DPNYC, 5/6/15). To see some more of Fine's work on the Downtown Post NYC website, click here.

HEAT ADVISORY AND ADVICE ON HOW TO COPE

Evening heat in Battery Park City. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)

The New York City Mayor's Office has issued information on how to deal with the high heat and humidity expected through Wednesday, and on who is most vulnerable.

With heat indices expected to rise into the mid to high 90s, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from noon on July 28 until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. Mayor Bill de Blasio urged New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat, including vulnerable individuals such as seniors and those with chronic health problems. Additionally, an Air Quality Alert is in effect on July 28 until 11 p.m. New Yorkers should use air conditioning to stay cool, go to a place that has air conditioning if it is not available at home, drink water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

"The severe heat our city will experience in the coming days is extremely dangerous," said Mayor de Blasio.

To help New Yorkers beat the heat, New York City is opening cooling centers on Tuesday and Wednesday, including at senior centers, NYCHA facilities, and parks. Call 311 or go to nyc.gov/oem to find the nearest center, including those with accessible facilities.

New York City is also extending hours at City pools on Tuesday and Wednesday to 8 p.m. Go to nyc.gov/parks to find the nearest pool.

The Mayor's Office says that heat illness is serious. Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. The added stress caused by heat can also aggravate heart or lung disease even without symptoms of heat illness. The risk for getting sick during a heat wave is increased for people who:

�         Do not have or do not use air conditioning
�         Are age 65 or older
�         Have chronic medical or mental health conditions
�         Take certain medications, which can disrupt the regulation of body temperature
�         Are confined to their beds, have trouble with being mobile, or are unable to leave their homes
�         Are overweight
�         Consume alcohol or illegal drugs

Feeling weak or faint are among the warning signs of heat stress. If they occur, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

Call 911 immediately if you have, or someone you know has:

�         Hot dry skin OR cold clammy skin
�         Trouble breathing
�         Rapid heartbeat
�         Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
�         Nausea and vomiting

For more information on coping with the heat, go to www.nyc.gov/beattheheat.

Letter to the editor

IN PRAISE OF BATTERY PARK CITY'S ARCADES

Gwen Dawson, vice president of real property for the Battery Park City Authority, showing the board of directors where arcades are located in the southern part of Battery Park City. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)

To the editor:
At a recent Battery Park City Authority board of directors meeting, the BPCA said that it is going to study removing the arcades that now extend on the southwest side of South End Avenue from Albany Street to the South Cove and on West Thames Street between South End Avenue and Battery Place - or some portion of those arcades. This is not a good idea. The arcades are a valued amenity for Battery Park City residents. They offer protection from the elements and sun for shoppers, caregivers with baby strollers, those frequenting the many small businesses on that side of the street, and those walkers with mobility issues. Any narrowing of the sidewalk - and also possibly South End Avenue and the parking - would not be good for residents or our many friendly small business owners.

Trading the arcade space for additions to the interior commercial spaces along the street would be a problem:
1) An increased space of a few square feet would probably not be useful to many of the current businesses. (Maybe the BPCA is looking for more well-heeled clients?)
2) During the construction phase, patronage would be greatly reduced maybe even eliminated. Many businesses would likely have to close for the duration of the work.
3) The commercial rents - maybe also ground rents for the buildings - would certainly go up.

Does this sound like Brookfield Place all over again?

I don't understand why the BPCA wants our marvelous community to look more like the rest of New York City. The residents of Battery Park City and the buildings on that side of the street should resist this strongly.

Dr. Vernon Hendrix
Battery Park City resident

From the editor:
When Gwen Dawson, the BPCA's vice president for real property, said that Stantec, an urban design consulting firm, had been hired to examine the arcades and traffic issues on South End Avenue, Don Capoccia and several other members of the BPCA board of directors, made comments that indicated that they were unfamiliar with the arcades. This shows yet again why it is so important to have Battery Park City residents on the BPCA board of directors. At the present time, only one member of the board - Martha Gallo - actually lives in Battery Park City.

We welcome letters to the editor. Email them to editor@downtownpostnyc.com. We reserve the right to edit them for clarity and length.

COMMUNITY BOARD 1 MEETING: Week of July 26

A report on"City-wide ferry service" is on Community Board 1's agenda for its full board meeting on July 28. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)

As of Monday, Aug. 3, Manhattan Community Board 1 will be located at 1 Centre St., Room 2202 North. The phone number is (212) 669-7970. The fax number is (212) 669-7899. The website is http://www.nyc.gov/html/mancb1/html/home/home.shtml
Email: Man01@cb.nyc.gov

The CB1 office will be open on Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31 but with limited services due to the move.

July 28: CB 1 Monthly Meeting - 6 p.m.
Location: DC37 - Auditorium, 125 Barclay St. (Bring photo ID to enter the building)

I. Public Session
Comments by members of the public (6 p.m.-7 p.m.) (1-2 minutes per speaker)

II. Business Session
A) Adoption of June 2015 minutes
B) Chairperson's Report - C. McVay Hughes
C) District Manager's Report - N. Pfefferblit
D) Treasurer's Report - J. Kopel

III. Committee Reports
A) Executive Committee C. McVay Hughes
* Demolition of Rector Street Bridge and restoration of park to larger footprint, Public Design Commission application - Resolution
* South Street Seaport Pier 17 - Resolution
* SeaGlass Carousel - Report
* Riverkeeper Report and City of Water Day on Saturday, July 18, 2015 - Report
* Community Needs Assessment Study by Pace University Students - Report
* Fiscal Year 2017 District Needs Statement - Report

B) Special Landmarks Committee Meeting R. Byrom
* South Street Seaport - Howard Hughes Corporation, alterations to: (1) Pier 17 western edge/removal of head-house (2) Pier 17 canopy and mechanical screen (3) Access drive hardscape (4) Demolition of Link Building - Resolution

C) Landmarks Committee R. Byrom
* 17 Leonard St., application for restoration of existing three-story masonry facade and addition of two-story rooftop addition - Resolution
* 456 Greenwich St., application to replace a non-contributing garage building with a new six-story hotel building with rooftop features - Resolution
* 366 Broadway, application to install ramp and stairs - Resolution
* 80 White St., application for entry stair and handicapped lift, window replacement, storefront infill, and rooftop bulkhead - Resolution
* 130 Duane St., application for facade alterations, new steel canopies and light fixtures - Resolution
* 38 Park Row, application for restoration of storefronts - Resolution
* Follow-up committee discussion on future South Street Seaport plans - Report

D) Seaport/Civic Center Committee M. Pasanella
* 15 Cliff St., public plaza certification - Resolution
* Taste of the Seaport street activity permit application for Front Street between Beekman Street and Peck Slip, Friday, Oct. 17, 2015, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. - Resolution
* 5 Beekman St., application for restaurant liquor license for Slip Anchor LLC - Resolution
* 18 Fulton St., application for alteration of a restaurant liquor license for Superspace LLC - Resolution
* Peck Slip Park, Collect Pond Park and Imagination Playground - Report
* New Market and Tin Buildings - Report
* South Street South Reconstruction Project - Report
* 5 Beekman St. Development - Report

E) Planning Committee M. Connolly
* Make Way for Lower Manhattan Plan - Resolution
* Lower Manhattan Resiliency - Report
* World Trade Center - Report
* Silverstein Properties - Report
*City-wide Ferry Service - Report

F) Tribeca Committee E. Lewinsohn
* Proposed public bike corral at 181 Duane St. - Resolution
* 221 West Broadway, application for sidewalk cafe for North of Houston LLC d/b/a White Street - Resolution
* 75 Worth St., application for tavern liquor license for RBC Bar Inc. - Resolution
* 41 Murray St., application for restaurant liquor license for Rosa Mexicano Murray LLC - Resolution
* 385 Greenwich St. aka North Moore Street, application for restaurant liquor license for Aemal LLC d/b/a Belzer - Resolution
* Pier 25, application for alteration of liquor license for Manhattan Yacht Club Inc. to change location for pick-up of passengers from North Cove to Pier 25 - Report
* Temporary Public Plaza on West Broadway between Franklin and Leonard Streets - Report
* Borough of Manhattan Community College - Report
* JCP sidewalk Sukkah street activity permit application for Duane Street between Church Street and West Broadway, Sept. 27, 2015 8 a.m. - Oct. 4, 2015, 6 p.m. - Report
* Draft Tribeca Committee Liquor License Application Guideline revisions - Report
* Tribeca Committee meeting procedures - Report

G) Financial District Committee E. Sheffe
* 180 Maiden Lane, modification of previously approved certification M 920427(A) ZCM - Resolution
* 90-94 Fulton St., 130-136 William St., Board of Standards and Appeals application to allow a proposed development to be partially located within the bed of a mapped but unbuilt portion of Fulton Street - Resolution
* 77 Pearl St., application for a wine and beer license for Four Star . Inc. d/b/a Justinos - Resolution
* 133 Greenwich St. project - Report
* 20 Pine St. ramp - Report

H) Youth & Education Committee T. Joyce
* New York City Department of Education Proposed Five-Year Capital Plan Amendment Fiscal Years 2015 - 2019 - Report
* West Thames Park safety issues following preschool incident - Report
* Kids Sail Scholarship Application - Report
* Brookfield letter and response to Senator Squadron - Report

I) Battery Park City Committee A. Notaro
* Conversion of West Thames lawn surface - Resolution
* Route 9A - Report
* BPC Parks Enforcement Patrol - Report
* Helicopter take-off from North Cove Marina - Report
* Street permit activity guidelines process - Report
* Missing Child Incident - Discussion
* Neighborhood Updates - Discussion

J) Quality of Life Committee P. Moore
* NYC Department of Transportation Construction Update - Report
* MJHS Metropolitan Jewish Health System, Hospice and Palliative Care - Report
* Gouverneur Health - Presentation by Kenneth J. Feldman, PhD, FACHE, Associate Executive Director of Ambulatory Care - Report

IV. Old Business
V. New Business
VI. Adjournment

CALENDAR: Week of July 26

A pre-classic period Maya human-monkey figure, AD 200-300, from Villa de Zaragoza, Chimaltenango Department, Guatemala, is part of an exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian called "Cer�mica de los Ancestros: Central America's Past Revealed." (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)

July 29: The National Museum of the American Indian presents storytelling and interactive Native dance sessions as Ty Defoe (Giizhig) integrates singing, storytelling and hoop dancing. Also, July 30. Times: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Place: 1 Bowling Green. Free. For more information about the National Museum of the American Indian, click here.

July 30: For the fourth concert in the annual River & Blues festival in Battery Park City's Wagner Park, Brooklyn native Alexis P. Suter and The Ministers of Sound sing the blues. They have performed all over the East Coast and were regular performers at Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble Sessions in Woodstock, N.Y. Their repertoire ranges from soul to blues to classic rock. Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Free. For more information, click here.

July 30: See short, animated films on the plaza at Brookfield Place. The films include Almost There (Julia Glassman); Meanwhile (Stephen McNally); Beach Flags (Sarah Saidan); Aubade (Mauro Carraro); Little Doorman (Matt Marblo); Stella Nova (Ted Wiggin); Positronic (Ryan Mauskopf); Itch (Su-An Ng); Harvey Beaks (C.H. Greenblatt); and sneak peaks from Dreamworks TV. Time: 6:30 p.m. (doors open); 7:30 p.m. (live music); 8:45 p.m. (films begin). Free. For more information, click here.

July 31: Rooftop Films and Arts Brookfield continue the Animation Film Festival with "Racing Extinction" (Louie Psihoyos), an environmental expos�. A team of artists and activists employ their skills and talents to expose the hidden world of extinction with never-before-seen images that will change the way we see the planet. Photographers, divers, and undercover agents reveal the two worlds that drive extinction across the globe, potentially resulting in the loss of half of all species; the international wildlife trade, and the world that the oil and gas companies don't want the rest of us to see. Presented in partnership with Discovery Channel and Arts Brookfield. Racing Extinction will be seen in its entirety as a worldwide broadcast on Discovery Channel in 220 countries and territories on the same day at the end of the year. For more information about the film, click here. Place: the plaza at Brookfield Place. Time: 6:30 p.m. (doors open); 7:30 p.m. (live music); 8:45 p.m. (films begin). Free. For more information, click here.

Aug. 1: "Stop Making Sense," Academy Award� winning filmmaker Jonathan Demme's first feature-length documentary follows the Talking Heads during a three-day concert gig at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. What emerges on screen says as much about director Demme's taste and sensitivity as it does about the group and its visionary leader Byrne. Place: the plaza at Brookfield Place. Time: 6:30 p.m. (doors open); 7:30 p.m. (live music); 8:45 p.m. (films begin). Free. For more information, click here.

Ongoing through Aug. 9: In its 16th season, New York Classical Theatre is performing Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" in The Battery. All performances meet in front of Castle Clinton. Time: Tuesday to Sunday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free. No tickets required. For more information, click here.

Ongoing through Aug. 8: The annual Poets House showcase of all the poetry books and poetry-related texts published in the United States in the previous year is on display through Aug. 8, 2015. The publications come from over 650 commercial, university and independent presses. During the course of the exhibit, some poets will read from their work. Next reading: July 16. Ellen Hagan (Hemisphere, Northwestern University Press/TriQuarterly), Parneshia Jones (Vessel, Milkweed Editions), Anne Marie Macari (Red Deer, Persea Books), and Jean Valentine (Shirt in Heaven, Copper Canyon Press). Place: 10 River Terrace. Readings begin at 7 p.m. Showcase is open during regular Poets House hours, Tuesdays to Saturdays. Free. For more information, click here.

Ongoing: Celebrate summer with a sail aboard the South Street Seaport Museum's historic schooner, Pioneer, and get a new perspective on New York City. Bring a picnic lunch or dinner, snack, beverage or dessert. Pioneer was built in 1885 as an iron-hulled sloop to carry cargo along the Delaware River and is the oldest ship regularly sailing in New York Harbor. For more information or to buy tickets, stop by the museum's Visitor Service Center at 12 Fulton St. or ask the Museum's Associates on Pier 16. Afternoon Sails: Tuesday-Friday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets: $38; $28 (museum members); $32 (students and seniors); $20 (children 2 to 11 years old); $5 (children uner 2 years old). Sunset Sails:

Tuesday-Sunday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets: $45; $35 (museum members); $25 (children 2 to 11 years old); $10 (children under 2 years old). For more information or to buy tickets, click here.

Ongoing: Governors Island is open daily through Labor Day. For a calendar of events, click here.

Ongoing: The historic lighthouse tender, Lilac, berthed at Pier 25 near North Moore Street in Hudson River Park, is hosting a three-month exhibition of artwork through Aug. 15. It focuses on three themes inspired by the ship's story - "Steam," "Work + Labor" and "Restoration/Reinvention." The exhibition features the work of more than 25 artists, with several site-specific installations. Performances, artist talks, film screenings, readings, community activities and educational events accompany the exhibition. For more information about the Lilac, click here. For a video about the Lilac, click here. For more about the art series, click here.

Ongoing: "America in Circulation: A History of US Currency Featuring the Collection of Mark R. Shenkman," an exhibition at the Museum of American Finance, showcases around 250 rare examples of American paper money accompanied by large, interactive touch screen displays. From Colonial times, American money has told a fascinating story of the country's struggles and successes. Often local and national currencies competed and coexisted with each other, while economic depression, war and counterfeiting drove constant advances in design. The exhibition spans the period from the Colonial era to the present day. Highlights include rare examples of currency bearing the signatures of signers of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence; a complete set of notes from the Educational Series of 1896, renowned for being the most beautiful paper money in American history; and rare examples of high denomination notes including $5,000 and $10,000 bills. Through March 2018. To see an online version of the exhibition, click here. Place: 48 Wall St. Museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $8; $5 (students and seniors); free (museum members and kids 6 and under). For more information, click here.

Ongoing: "Cer�mica de los Ancestros: Central America's Past Revealed" displays 155 ancient objects from the National Museum of the American Indian's rarely seen collections of Central American ceramics. The exhibition examines seven regions representing distinct Central American cultural areas that are today part of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, where Central America's first inhabitants lived. Dating back to 1000 B.C., the ceramics help tell the story of the innumerable achievements of these ancient civilizations, each with unique, sophisticated ways of life, value systems and arts. Through January 2017. Place: 1 Bowling Green. The National Museum of the American Indian is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Thursdays, until 8 p.m. Free. For more information, click here.

Ongoing: The Museum of Jewish Heritage presents "Designing Home: Jews and Midcentury Modernism," an exhibition that explores the cultural context in which many Jewish �migr� architects and designers created a distinctly modern American design that still has wide appeal today. Walk-up tours will be offered on Sundays in May (except May 24) at 12 p.m. with no reservations necessary. Through January 2016. Place: 36 Battery Place. For more information, click here.

Ongoing: The Skyscraper Museum's new exhibition, "Ten Tops," surveys all buildings in the world today, completed or under construction, that are 100 stories and taller. Of these 24 towers, the exhibition focuses on 10 (plus a few more), zooming in on their uppermost floors to see how they were designed and constructed. Through September 2015. Place: 39 Battery Place. Hours: Noon to 6 p.m., Wednesdays to Sundays. Admission: $5; $2.50 (students and seniors). For more information, click here.

Ongoing: The Woolworth Building was designed by Cass Gilbert to house the offices of the F. W. Woolworth Company and was the tallest building in the world from 1913 until 1930. With its ornamental gothic-style exterior, it dominated the New York City skyline and served as an icon of American ingenuity with state of the art steel construction, fireproofing and high-speed elevators and it was dubbed "the Cathedral of Commerce." The building is still privately owned and operated, and has long been closed to the public. Tours of its magnificent landmarked lobby featuring marble, mosaics, and murals have only recently been made available and can be taken for 30-minutes, 60-minutes or 90-minutes. Custom and Private tours for groups of 10 - 35 can also be arranged. Place: 233 Broadway. Various times. Tickets: $20, $30 and $45, depending on the length of the tour. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

Ongoing: "Glittering World: Navajo Jewelry of the Yazzie Family" opened on Nov. 14 and continues through Jan. 10, 2016. The exhibit includes more than 300 examples of beautifully crafted jewelery, most of it made by the Yazzie family, with some from the National Museum of the American Indian's collection. Through a video, photographs and a handsome catalog, the exhibit shows how the jewelry expresses Navajo cultural values and way of life inspired by a majestic landscape of buttes, mesas and desert. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and on Thursdays until 8 p.m.; closed December 25. Admission is free.

Ongoing: "A Town Known as Auschwitz" is an exhibit of photographs at the Museum of Jewish Heritage tracing the history of a town called "Oswiecim" in what is now Poland, where Jews and non-Jews lived side by side for centuries. When German forces occupied the town in September 1939, they renamed it "Auschwitz" and established a concentration and death camp there. More than 1 million people died at Auschwitz, including 90 percent of the town's Jews. The museum is at 36 Battery Place. For information the exhibit, click here. For information on the museum's hours and admission fees, click here.

Ongoing: "Defining Lines: Maps from the 1700s and early 1800s" at the Fraunces Tavern
Museum. Twenty-seven maps provide a perspective on the evolving nation's place in history. A map from 1804, never before exhibited, shows the U.S. postal routes. Place: 54 Pearl St. Time: Noon to 5 p.m., daily. Admission fees: $7; $4 (seniors, students with ID, children, 6 to 8 years old. Children, 5 and under, free. Active military with ID, free. For more information, click here.

Ongoing: The National Museum of the American Indian is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission. It offers free films, docent-led tours of its exhibitions and tours of its premises, the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, designed by Cass Gilbert. The building, which was completed in 1907, is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One Bowling Green. Phone: (212) 514-3700. For the museum's calendar, click here.

Ongoing: The lobby of the South Street Seaport Museum at 12 Fulton St. on Schermerhorn Row is open three days a week with interpretive displays and activities. Access to the museum's upstairs galleries is by appointment or for education programs only. For private tours of Schermerhorn Row and its old hotels, email info@seany.org. Lobby access: Fridays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Editor: Terese Loeb Kreuzer

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