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DOWNTOWN
POST NYC
News and Events
in Lower Manhattan
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Volume 3, No. 11 March 3, 2016
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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"I'm incredibly proud that the Alliance is making the decision to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour for all of our uniformed service employees."
- Jessica Lappin, president of the Alliance for Downtown New York, announcing a wage increase that will be phased in over the next two-and-a-half years.
WEATHER INFORMATION: For current weather information, click here.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS IN BATTERY PARK CITY: To reach AlliedBarton "safety ambassadors," call (212) 945-SAFE (7233). The Battery Park City Command Center is now located at the Verdesian at 211 North End Ave. In case of emergencies, call 911.
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All ads in Downtown Post NYC have clickable links. Click on an ad for more information. MASTHEAD PHOTO: Allison Reed, a 2010 Olympian, skating at the 15th Anniversary on Ice Show at the Brookfield Place ice rink. Feb. 28, 2016 (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
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 BY END OF 2018, DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE WILL HAVE RAISED MINIMUM WAGE FOR ALL UNIFORMED SERVICE EMPLOYEES TO $15 AN HOUR
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| Jessica Lappin, president of the Downtown Alliance, with 11 public safety officers who were recently honored for service above and beyond the call of duty.
(Photo: Courtesy of the Downtown Alliance)
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The uniformed employees of the Alliance for Downtown New York are highly visible in Lower Manhattan. They're the men and women in bright red uniforms who enhance public safety by patrolling the streets, directing lost tourists and sweeping up.
On March 3, the Downtown Alliance announced that all of these employees will be getting a pay raise. By the end of 2018, their base wage will be at least $15 an hour.
The increase will be phased in. By the end of this year, all hourly wages will be raised to $12. At the end of 2017, they will increase to $13.50 and by the end of 2018, to $15.
This policy change will affect a total of approximately 80 workers, both unionized and non-unionized. In its first year, 50 percent of the Alliance's sanitation workforce will get a wage increase. In years two and three of the phase in, 75 percent of the Alliance's sanitation workers and 25 percent of its public safety workforce will benefit.
George Miranda, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16; Michael Smith, President of Teamsters Local 810; and Denis Johnston, 32 BJ SEIU Vice President and Director of Security Division, joined Jessica Lappin, president of the Downtown Alliance in making the announcement at the organization's Lower Manhattan central operations facility.
The schedule for phasing in the changes is in line with Governor Andrew Cuomo's commitment to increase wages for fast food and State workers and with Mayor Bill de Blasio's commitment to increase wages for municipal workers.
Lappin said that she was "incredibly proud" that the Downtown Alliance was making this move. She praised the dedication of the staff, and said that the wage increase was "the right thing to do."
Both Cuomo and de Blasio said that they hoped that other organizations would follow the Downtown Alliance's lead and that State and federal legislation would recognize the need for all workers to receive a wage sufficient to support themselves and their families.
De Blasio noted that the City is already guaranteeing a $15 wage for all its employees.
City Councilmember Margaret Chin, who represents Lower Manhattan in City Council, lauded the Downtown Alliance's announcement and called on other organizations in Lower Manhattan and beyond to follow the Alliance's lead.
- Terese Loeb Kreuzer
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OLYMPIC AND NATIONAL SKATING CHAMPIONS AT BROOKFIELD PLACE CELEBRATE AN ANNIVERSARY AND A PROPITIOUS BEGINNING
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| | Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, U.S. Olympians and six-time U.S. National Medalists, skating at the 15th Anniversary on Ice Show at the Brookfield Place ice rink. (Photos: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
Hundreds of spectators turned out on Feb. 28 to watch some world-class skaters show their moves on the ice rink at Brookfield Place. One after another, the performers dazzled the audience with their athleticism and artistry. "It was a perfect night," said Melissa Gregory who, with her husband and skating partner, Denis Petukhov, orchestrated the show. Gregory and Petukhov are U.S. Olympians and six-time U.S. National champions. This year they ran the Brookfield Place ice rink. Gregory said that she and Petukhov had known the other performers for many years, and had traveled with them to numerous competitions. "They were thrilled as soon as I called them and mentioned we were doing a show at the rink at Brookfield Place," she said. "They immediately said yes." Mirai Nagasu, a U.S. National Champion and U.S. Olympian, came to Battery Park City from Colorado to participate in the show. Jeremy Abbott, an Olympic bronze medalist and four-time U.S. National Champion, came from Detroit. Nagasu is still competing at the international level, but many of those who put on the impressive show at Brookfield Place now confine themselves to non-competition performances. "All of the performers who were there have a passion for the sport," Gregory said. "They love performing. They're good at it and they'll have a long performing career." Gregory and Petukhov called the show "15th Anniversary on Ice Show." The 15th anniversary was their own as a couple. In fact, this was their first year at Brookfield Place. They live in Connecticut where they run a non-profit organization called Proud Nation, Inc. that fuses academics with sports. "We run programs all over the state of Connecticut," Gregory said. "This is the first rink for us in New York City." She said that she and Petukhov "would love to be involved in this rink for many years. We definitely plan to continue and do these shows every year." The show was presented in partnership with the Battery Park City Authority, with additional sponsorship from the Millenium Hilton, the Rink at Brookfield Place and U.S. Figure Skating. For a variety of reasons, the Battery Park City Authority has not been popular recently with many Battery Park City residents, some of whom are petitioning Gov. Andrew Cuomo to place more BPC residents on the board of directors. Some, in fact, have said the BPCA should be dismantled. The wonderful ice show was not without a public relations agenda. In a statement, Shari Hyman, president and chief operating officer of the Battery Park City Authority said, "The 15th Anniversary on Ice Show is a great example of the unique, free programming the Battery Park City Authority brings to our community. We are thrilled to have been able to partner with Proud Nation Inc. for this exciting event." - Terese Loeb Kreuzer|
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Kristen Fraser and Igor Lukanin, 2002 and 2006 Olympians
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| | The Tribeca Film Festival always includes a free outdoor "Drive In" on the Brookfield Place plaza in Battery Park City. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
For the last 15 years, spring in Lower Manhattan has meant the return of the Tribeca Film Festival. This year it will offer up 101 films between April 13 and April 24. Getting a spot in that roster is a big deal. There were 6,626 submissions from 32 countries. Although more than 80 percent of the world premieres at last year's film festival were eventually sold, some were not, and that means that the film festival provides a chance to see some gems that aren't likely to resurface any time soon. Even for those films that eventually make it into theatrical distribution, there is the satisfaction of having seen them first. This year, the Tribeca Film Festival will open with a documentary that promises to be spectacular. Called "The First Monday in May," it chronicles the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual fund-raising gala for the Met's Costume Institute, a collection of more than 35,000 costumes and accessories from five continents. The gala attracts a parade of celebrities decked in over-the-top finery. It takes its theme from a major exhibition in the Costume Institute, whose opening coincides with the party. Last year's show was called "China: Through the Looking Glass," an exploration of China's substantial influence on Western fashion that was the Met's most-attended Costume Institute exhibition in history. "The First Monday in May," a world premiere from Magnolia Pictures, provides a look at both that show and the gala, including the frenetic behind-the-scenes preparations. (To see the trailer, click here.) Though "The First Monday in May" promises to be a blockbuster, many of the documentaries shown at the Tribeca Film Festival are smaller in scope and quieter. Nevertheless, they linger in the memory. Last year, for instance, "Autism in Love" directed by Matt Fuller, told the tender story of two autistic people who wanted what most people seem to want - to love and be loved. As Lindsay and David feel their way toward an abiding relationship, Stephen, also autistic, grapples with the end of his marriage. The film was poignant and illuminating. Another of last year's documentaries, "Song of Lahore," came from Pakistan. It was stunning and beautifully shot and edited. It started with a man playing a traditional instrument on a rooftop in Lahore, where music had been prohibited and punished by strict Islamists. A flight of birds takes flight, like notes. A boy standing on a neighboring rooftop, listens. The musicians who carry on traditions that have been taught father to son for generations must do so in soundproof rooms and covertly. Nevertheless, they persist. Eventually the group gets to New York City and plays with Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center, a moving denouement to an anxious and difficult journey. One of the great pleasures of the Tribeca Film Festival's documentaries is to see scenes shot in New York City, and to learn more about this city that encompasses people from all over the world. In this year's lineup will be "Contemporary Color," directed by Bill Ross and Turner Ross, about an event that took place in the summer of 2015 when legendary musician David Byrne staged an unprecedented event at Brooklyn's Barclays Center to celebrate the art of the color guard - synchronized dance involving flags, rifles and sabers. This will be a world premiere, as will "All This Panic," directed by Jenny Gage, who explores what it's like to come of age in New York City. Another world premiere that's very likely to interest people in Lower Manhattan is called "Betting on Zero," directed and written by Ted Braun. It's described as a "financial docu-thriller" about hedge fund titan Bill Ackman and his crusade against Herbalife, the manufacturer of nutritional supplements. Ackman is familiar in Lower Manhattan because he is the chairman of The Howard Hughes Corporation, a developer that has aroused much controversy because of its activities in the South Street Seaport. Passes and tickets for the Tribeca Film Festival are now on sale starting at $225 for a package of eight tickets. For more information and to buy tickets, click here. - Terese Loeb Kreuzer
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Bits & Bytes
SEAPORT'S BRIDGE CAFE MAY OPEN SOON; CALATRAVA'S TRANSIT HUB OPENS; 80 SOUTH ST. UPDATE; 70 VESTRY ST. OFFERING PLAN
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| The modest building at 80 South St. (far left) could be replaced by an apartment tower of 100 stories or more. The Howard Hughes Corporation sold the development lot to China Oceanwide Holdings more than seven months ago, but so far, no sale has been officially recorded on the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS).
(Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
"Bridge Cafe's Owner Says the Bar Is Another Two Months Away From Reopening," Eater.com, 3/2/16. "Bridge Cafe, New York's oldest bar, may finally actually be two months away from opening," says Eater.com. "At least that's what owner Adam Weprin is hoping for. For years now, he has been saying that the historic bar and restaurant - which has been closed since Sandy due to damages - will be opening in two months, but he says this may be the last time he'll have to say it. The cafe is '90 percent there,' only waiting on getting a phone line set up and a certificate from the fire department for the kitchen. 'Eventually, I'll be right,' he says of a two month timeline. 'I'm tired of this joke, [but] that's kind of where we are. We don't know what else could be lurking around the corner to torture us.' The more than 220-year-old building at 279 Water St. required extensive repairs, including replacing wood that had been flooded from the storm. Weprin's family has owned it since the 1970s, when former mayor Ed Koch was a regular." For the complete article, click here. "Santiago Calatrava's Transit Hub Is a Soaring Symbol of a Boondoggle," New York Times, 3/2/16. "For a dozen years, the World Trade Center Transportation Hub was a train wreck," says Michael Kimmelman of The New York Times. "Santiago Calatrava's winged dove, beefed up to meet security demands, devolved into a dino carcass. The project's cost soared toward a head-slapping, unconscionable $4 billion in public money for what, in effect, is the 18th-busiest subway stop in New York City, tucked inside a shopping mall, down the block from another shopping center. And it's not really a hub. A maze of underground passages connects the site to far-flung subway lines, but there are not free transfers. The place is a glorified PATH station for some 50,000 weekday riders commuting to and from New Jersey. Predictions by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which built the hub, that this number will somehow double when the site opens seem as reliable as the authority's initial promises that the project would take five years and cost $2.2 billion. But wait. The hub opens on Thursday, or at least a part of it is opening, including most of the main hall, or Oculus, as it's called. And at first blush, Mr. Calatrava's architecture can almost - almost - make you forget what an epic boondoggle the whole thing has been. That virgin view, standing inside the Oculus and gazing up, is a jaw-dropper." For the complete article, click here. 80 South St. Update: As Downtown Post NYC previously reported, on Aug. 7, 2015, China Oceanwide Holdings, based in Beijing, announced that it had purchased the development site at 80 South St. from The Howard Hughes Corporation, paving the way to erect a tower of 100 stories, or more just outside the South Street Seaport Historic District. In order to build to the desired height, China Oceanwide Holdings needed additional air rights. HHC had acquired these from its insider status in the South Street Seaport, but needed approval from the City Planning Commission to transfer them to the Chinese. On Feb. 1, 2016, City Planning granted this request. A total of 426,940 square feet of Seaport Development Rights were eligible for transfer. But so far, as of March 3, the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) has not registered a change of ownership for 80 South St. Usually, according to Michael Kramer, a real estate broker and urban strategist who is a public member of Community Board 1, it takes around two weeks after a City Planning approval for ACRIS to record a sale. Has there been a snafu? "If negotiations are in progress," said Kramer, "they would not be publicly discussed." "Related targeting nearly $700M sellout at Tribeca condo," The Real Deal, 3/1/16. "The Related Cos.' planned condominium building at 70 Vestry Street in Tribeca is seeking a total sellout of nearly $700 million, according to a condo offering plan approved by the New York state Attorney General's office last week," says The Real Deal. "Related is now able to launch sales for the Robert A.M. Stern-designed development after the state approved its condo plan filing on Feb. 24. The 47-unit building is slated for a total sellout of just under $698 million, with the average unit price coming in at more than $14 million. The project is also expected to feature 29 'storage' units and nine parking spaces, according to the filing." For the complete article, click here.
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Downtown bulletin board
SAILORS BALL TICKETS GO ON SALE; MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE; ADVICE FOR AGING BRAINS; TRIBECA MEET & GREET ANNIVERSARY
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| | Bob Townley, executive director of the Downtown Community Center at 120 Warren St., will host an open house on March 24 for the parents of 5th graders who want to learn about free after-school programs that are now available at most District 2 middle schools. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
Sailors Ball tickets on sale: The annual Sailors Ball is a black-tie party that celebrates the start of a new sailing season and raises funds for the Manhattan Yacht Club's junior sailing programs. This year, the ball will take place at the Down Town Association, 60 Pine St., on April 29. Regular ball tickets (with an open bar, finger food, dancing and casino games) cost $95 before April 26 and $120 afterward. VIP ball tickets cost $250 and include the 12 Meter Dinner from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and admission to the Ball. In addition there are raffle tickets whose proceeds support junior sailing. The raffle prizes include a place on board the historic America II during the America's Cup World Series in New York Harbor, Saturday May 7. (America II competed in the 1987 America's Cup, so this is a rare circumstance where a historic America's Cup boat will be in the same waters as the modern ones. Prize value $800) and two VIP tickets aboard the Arabella during the America's Cup World Series, Saturday May 7. The Arabella is the flagship of Manhattan Yacht Club and will be hosting its Club and special guests to watch this unique event with the most spectacular backdrop! Prize value $800.) Raffle tickets cost $20 (one ticket); $50 (three tickets); $100 (seven tickets). To buy tickets for the ball and the raffle, click here.
Tribeca Meet & Greet celebrates its 10th anniversary: For the last 10 years, Tribeca Meet & Greet has been meeting in a different Tribeca restaurant or business about once a month. In celebration of this anniversary, Tribeca Meet & Greet will gather at the office of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer at 1 Centre St., 19th floor, on Wednesday, March 9, anytime between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Since this is a city building (which closes at 5:30 p.m.) anyone who wants to attend must RSVP and bring photo ID for admittance. Everybody's welcome. Come with ideas or just to shake hands and let us know how we can work together as businesses, families or individuals. Ann Benedetto (owner of A Uno) will be there promoting the Tribeca Alliance, a new organization of local businesses. She is eager to speak with any and all potential supporters. Bring business cards, menus, flyers and other information about yourself and your business. Tribeca Meet & Greet was organized by the Borough of Manhattan Community College Tribeca Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact David Cleaver at dcleaver@tribecapac.org or call (212) 220-1459.
Free admission to the Museum of American Finance: In celebration of Women's History Month, the Financial Women's Association (FWA) is underwriting admission to the Museum of American Finance on March 5 and March 12. On these days, all visitors will be admitted free. Place: 48 Wall St. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, click here.
Middle School open house: Most schools in District 2 now have a free Manhattan Youth after-school program. On March 24, come to the Downtown Community Center, 120 Warren St., to find out how they work and what activities are available. Executive director Bob Townley and Director of Programs, Theseus Roche, will make a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer period and an opportunity to meet the program directors from each of the participating schools. For 5th grade parents only. Time: 7 p.m. RSVP by clicking here. Space is limited.
Adult learning at the library: The programming at the Battery Park City Library leans heavily toward events for babies, toddlers and young children but around once a week, there are programs for adults. On March 8 at 2 p.m., Krishna Dholakia, a registered dietitian, will talk about nutrition labels and how to use them to make healthy food choices. The talks are free. No reservations are required. The Battery Park City Library is at 175 North End Ave. It's open from Monday to Saturday. For more information, click here or call (212) 790-3499.
Free tax preparation: If you earned $62,000 or less in 2015, you may qualify for free tax preparation services, either via online filing or in person with a certified preparer. There are two ways to file your taxes safely and without charge: In person at your local free tax preparation site: For most sites, this service is offered to people with an annual income of $54,000 or less (with children) or $30,000 or less (no children). IRS certified preparers will help you claim credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and NYC Child Care Tax Credit (NYC CCTC) to get the full refund you deserve. Some sites let you drop off your tax documents and pick up the completed return later. There are more than 200 NYC Free Tax Prep sites in the city. In Lower Manhattan, this service is available through Beta Alpha Psi at Pace University, One Pace Plaza, 4th floor (call 212-618-6598 for more information) and at the New Amsterdam Library, 9 Murray St. (call 212-732-8186 for more information). For other free tax preparation sites, click here or call 311. Online filing is for people with an annual income of $62,000 or less. The online service is quick, easy and secure. Step-by-step instructions make it easy to claim credits like the EITC and NYC CCTC. Experts are available by phone to help with questions. For more information, go to nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311 and ask for tax preparation assistance. Advice for aging brains: Did you know that there's a "Brain Awareness Week?" Yes, there is. It's from March 14 to March 20. It ends on March 20 with "Aging brain health event for older adults," which will include a panel discussing "Successful Aging and Your Brain" followed by activities to stimulate mind and body, including Zumba, yoga, technology lessons, and memory exercises. The event is being co-sponsored by the Office of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer along with the Dana Foundation and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives. Brewer is hosting the 90-minute panel, with some of the world's leading scientists to discuss advances in the science and what individuals can specifically do to maintain brain health. Place: CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Ave. (at 34th Street). Time: Doors open at 12:30 p.m.; the panel begins at 1:30 p.m.; the exhibits will be open at 3 p.m. Free, but RSVP by March 15 by clicking here or calling (212) 669-4564. Young Leaders of Manhattan: Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer has established a new council designed to give young people the tools, knowledge, and a megaphone to speak to their government on the issues that matter most in their lives. The YLM will be comprised entirely of young people ages 14-18 who live, work, go to school in, or belong to an organization in Manhattan. They will work closely with local elected officials and city agencies to address policy and budget concerns affecting Manhattan's young people. Members will have the opportunity to draft and pass resolutions, serve on committees, prepare and give presentations, learn how local government works, and help make real change. For an application, click here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 4, 2016 at midnight. Winter 'specials' at Malaysian Kitchen: From Monday to Friday, Malaysian Kitchen at 21 South End Ave. in Battery Park City is offering discounts on food and beverages. Every day except Wednesday, there's a 20 percent discount on special menu items such as Peking duck with dumplings (on Mondays), sushi (on Fridays) or Malaysian specialties such as beef rendang (Tuesdays) or Melaka Hainanese chicken rice (Thursdays). Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. are karaoke nights with Russell Targove. On Wednesdays, women, get their first drink of wine or beer on the house with any entr�e. Dine-in only. For more information, call (212) 786-1888 or click here.
5K Run/Walk and Community Day: Sign up now to participate in the National September 11 Memorial and Museum's 5K run/walk that will take place on Sunday, April 24, rain or shine. This is a "fun Run/Walk" for people connected with the memorial or who want to support it. The event will not be timed. It starts at Pier 26 in Hudson River Park, goes through Battery Park City along the Hudson River esplanade and ends at the 9/11 memorial with a free "Community Day." From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be activities for all ages, a kid zone, live music and opportunities to learn more about the memorial. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. People with a 9/11 Memorial Run/Walk bib will get a 25 percent discount at the Memorial Museum ticket window if they want to visit the museum that day. The early bird registration fees ( through April 1) are $40 (adults); $28 (students and youth); $20 (FDNY, NYPD, PAPD and for the U.S. Military); free (children). To register and for more information, click here.
Luminaries: Luminaries, the light show that David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group devised for Brookfield Place's Winter Garden in Battery Park City, went on display in December and was supposed to come down on Jan. 10. But it proved so popular that it remained up until Feb. 29. For photographs of Luminaries, click here.
New York City Audubon Winter EcoCruise: At this time of year, seals return to New York harbor and birds come down from the Arctic to winter in New York City. The New York City Audubon Society offers wildlife-watching cruises aboard New York Water Taxi every Sunday through March 13. They leave from Pier 16 in the South Street Seaport and cost $35 (adults) and $25 (children). Discounted family packs are available. For more information and to buy tickets, click here. For an article from Downtown Post about Audubon's winter EcoCruises, click here.
GrowNYC offers discounted farm-fresh produce: From now through May, residents and community members of all income levels can sign up for a bag of farm-fresh produce for $12 a bag. Cash, credit cards, debit cards, and SNAP (food stamps) can be used in payment. To participate, customers pre-order bags one week in advance of the designated distribution day. The next week, they can pick up their Fresh Food Box containing seven to nine seasonal fruits, vegetables, and grains, along with healthy recipes and tips on how to store and prepare the produce. All of the produce comes from family farms selling through GrowNYC's wholesale food hub and distribution arm, Greenmarket, Co. In Lower Manhattan, this service is available at 1 Centre St., 9th floor, South Building, Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. through May 2016. For more information, click here.
South Street Seaport Museum on Schermerhorn Row: To see photographs of some of the artifacts inside the South Street Seaport Museum's premises on Schermerhorn Row and photos of past exhibitions, 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. Gracie Mansion: Artifacts and Tours: Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City's mayors at 88th Street and East End Avenue, was built in 1799 as a country retreat for financier Archibald Gracie and his family. At the time, the gracious, Federal-style house was five miles outside the city limits - and at that time, the city limits would have meant what we now call "Lower Manhattan." A recently installed exhibit of paintings, sculptures and documents called "Windows on the City: Looking Out at Gracie's New York" sheds light on what our neighborhood was like at the turn of the 19th century. Slavery was still legal, and there was a slave market at the foot of Wall Street. Clipper ships plied the harbor, taking cargo in some cases to and from Asia - a recently opened market. The streets were noisy with the raucous calls of vendors selling oysters, ice, charcoal, milk and many other goods and services. Immigrants began to arrive in greater numbers, many of them living in crowded tenements and working at monotonous, low-paying jobs. The city, already diverse from the time of the Dutch settlers in the early 17th century, became even more so. For more about Gracie Mansion and to see photographs, click here. Free tours are available on March 8, 15, 22 and 29; April 5 and 12. To register for a tour, click here. SeaGlass Carousel: After 10 years of design and fundraising and a setback named "Sandy," the SeaGlass Carousel in The Battery opened on Aug. 19 to universal critical acclaim and rapturous crowds. Downtown Post NYC was there for the opening. Read about the carousel and see photos by clicking here. Due to popular demand, the Battery Conservancy has extended operating hours for SeaGlass Carousel. In February, SeaGlass will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., weather permitting. For updates on changes to operating hours, follow The Battery Conservancy on Twitter and Facebook. Admission to SeaGlass Carousel is $5 per ride. Access to The Battery is free and open to the public. Wavertree video: The South Street Seaport Museum's 1885 sailing ship, Wavertree, is currently at Caddell Drydock on Staten Island, where the ship is undergoing a $10.6 million refurbishment. The museum has created a video to show the progress of the overhaul. To see the video, click here. Downtown Post NYC photos for sale: If would like to buy prints of a photograph that has appeared in Downtown Post NYC, email editor@downtownpostnyc.com with your request for more information about sizes and prices.
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COMMUNITY BOARD MEETINGS: Week of March 7
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| | South Street Seaport resident Gary Fagin sitting in the middle of Peck Slip on June 2, 2014. On March 10, Jason Friedman, who also lives in the South Street Seaport and who is a member of Community Board 1, will present design concepts for Peck Slip to CB1's Landmarks Committee. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
All meetings of Community Board 1 take place in the conference room at 1 Centre St., Room 2202-A North, starting at 6 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. A photo ID is needed to enter the building.
March 8: Youth & Education Committee
* Gehry Building Garage - Discussion of school safety issues with garage manager
* Update on Breakfast in the Classroom issue at Peck Slip School - Discussion report by PTA Co-Presidents Gorke and Ferrone
* Update on crossing guard safety issues at Downtown schools
* Report on elected officials' meeting concerning BPCA security force
March 9: Tribeca Committee
* Temporary public art project in Finn Square - Presentation by Dave Stevenson, artist
* 399 Greenwich St., application for new sidewalk cafe for Greenwich Street Tavern - Resolution
* 52 Walker St., application for alteration of liquor license to address the matter of exterior security for KNH Enterprises LLC d/b/a M1-5 - Resolution
* 370 Canal St., application for hotel liquor license for Tribeca TRS LLC dba Sheraton Tribeca NY Hotel - Resolution
* 225 West St., Pier 25, application for vessel liquor license for J. Butera on behalf of an entity to be determined - Resolution
The following notices have been received for renewal, upgrade, or transfer of wine and beer or liquor licenses or sidewalk cafe permits:
* 325 Broadway, application for a liquor license for Pasta Shop LLC d/b/a Bar Primi 305 Church Street, application for renewal of sidewalk cafe license for Los Americanos
* 460 Greenwich St., renewal of sidewalk caf� license for Estancia 460
* 90 Thomas St., application for renewal of liquor license for Emporio 50, LLC
March 10: Landmarks Committee
* 11 Hubert St., application for additions to existing building - Resolution
* 22 Barclay St., application for ADA ramp and emergency generator - Resolution
* Peck Slip Design Concepts - Presentation by Jason Friedman
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CALENDAR: Week of Feb. 29
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| | Art on Paper returns to Pier 36 (on the East River near Montgomery Street) from March 3 to March 6 with paper-based art from 65 galleries. (Photo:Courtesy of Art on Paper) |
March 3: Art on Paper returns to Pier 36 on the East River with paper-based art from 65 galleries. Among the art on exhibit (at 101/EXHIBIT) will be 33 works by Larry Rivers exemplifying his interest in the intersection between poetry and art. London's Manifold Editions will present Turner Prize Winner Grayson Perry's black and white series, "Six Snapshots of Julie." G.W. Einstein Company will exhibit the 1950's Louise Nevelson etching, "Archaic Figures Walking in the Sky (King and Queen)." The fair's opening night preview will benefit the Brooklyn Museum, with live music and drinks by Bronx Brewery. Place: Pier 36 at 299 South St. Time: March 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. First look from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. is for holders of a preview pass. Ticket: $50. From 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the preview opens to holders of an Art on Paper VIP pass and Fair Pass. Ticket: $35. Also, March 4 and March 5, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 6, noon to 6 p.m. Tickets: $25. For more information and to buy tickets, click here. March 3: Hear J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244, performed by the Choir of Trinity Wall Street and Trinity Baroque Orchestra with Julian Wachner conducting. Place: Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall Street). Time: 7 p.m. Tickets: $95 (premium center front); $75 (center rear); $45 (standard sides). To buy tickets, click here or call (212) 866-0468. March 5: Celebrate the brilliance of Bernadette Mayer, the author of more than 20 collections of poetry including Poetry State Forest (2008) and Sonnets (1989), which was recently reprinted to mark its 25th anniversary. A reading at Poets House will feature introductions by Michael Ruby and Sam Truitt, co-editors of Eating the Colors of a Lineup of Words: The Collected Early Books of Bernadette Mayer (2015). Place: Poets House, 10 River Terrace, Battery Park City. Time: 3 p.m. Tickets: $10; $7 (students and seniors); free (Poets House members). For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Ongoing: In Atlanta, in 1915, Leo Frank became the only Jew ever lynched in the United States. He was accused of murdering a 13-year-old girl who worked at the pencil factory that he managed. His trial, murder and the aftermath are the subject of an exhibition, "Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited." Through Aug. 28, 2016. Place: Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place. Open Sunday to Friday (closed Saturdays). For more information, click here.
Ongoing: An exhibition entitled "Metamorphosis: The Collaboration of Poet Barbara Guest & Artist Fay Lansner" runs at Poets House through April 23, 2016. Beginning in the 1960s and continuing through the 1990s, this exhibition charts the creative collaboration and friendship between the New York School Poet Barbara Guest (1920- 2006) and painter Fay Lansner (1921-2010). Included in the exhibit are drawings, paintings, collages and portraits of Guest that depict the progressive transformation of the creative process. This is the first time that these works have been brought together in an exhibition. Place: 10 River Terrace. The exhibition is open during Poets House's regular hours. Free. 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 December 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. For a video related to the exhibition, click here.
Ongoing: The annual Battery Park City Parks art show displays artwork created by participants of all ages in the Battery Park City Parks art programs. Place: Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, 75 Battery Place. The exhibition will be on view weekdays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., through March 31. Free.
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: The Skyscraper Museum's 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 February 2016. 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: "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. Lobby access: Fridays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For private tours of Schermerhorn Row and its old hotels, email info@seany.org.
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March 12: Apollo's Fire performs St. John Passion at St. Paul's Chapel. From its roiling opening chorus to its compelling conclusion, J.S. Bach's St. John Passion, BWV 245, chronicles the final days of Jesus. Apollo's Fire under conductor Jeannette Sorrell present the dramatic events of Jesus' final days with compelling storytelling in this acclaimed interpretation. An international cast of singer-actors brings the characters to life. Place: St. Paul's Chapel (Broadway at Fulton Street). Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. To buy tickets, call (212) 866-0468 or click here. March 18: The Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra presents KCO Music Director Gary S. Fagin's new musical drama, "Supreme Justice: The Battle for Gay Rights." The work is the story of the landmark Supreme Court decision to expand the definition of equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, and a tribute to the friendship of Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. Also on the program, Grammy-nominated cellist Christine Kim will be the soloist in the "Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra" by Michael Bacon. Place: Pace University's Schimmel Center for the Arts, 3 Spruce St. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $55; $39; $29. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
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Editor: Terese Loeb Kreuzer
All articles and photographs in Downtown Post NYC are copyrighted and
may not be reprinted or republished without written permission.
� 2016
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