Information that may be of interest April 19, 2020 - Murray ...
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Information that may be of interest…
April 19, 2020
This information is provided by The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association. We are sharing it as a
service to our members. If this notice does not interest you, please disregard it.
You can also find these weekly newsletters online in PDF (printable) format at
www.murrayhillnyc.org in the News section, look for Weekly Eblasts 2021.
Please share this email with a friend, neighbor or colleague. You can sign up for these emails at
www.murrayhillnyc.org, scroll down the Also Happening column.
For those who are celebrating Ramadan,
Ramadan Mubarak
This year Ramadan began on April 12 and ends on May 11.
Photos
Sculpture exhibit in Pershing Square
1
Sculptor Jim Rennert, Presented by Cavalier Gallery, cavaliergalleries.com.
Artist in residence Vincent Ballentine on view at 5th Avenue storefront
5th Avenue, across from the New York Public Library
At Andaz 5th Avenue @andaz5th
2
Sign The Petition to NYC Mayoral Candidates: Our Next
Mayor Must Value Preserving Landmarks and
Neighborhoods
The campaign for Mayor of New York City is in full swing, with primary elections June 22. The next
Mayor needs to know that historic preservation makes for a better and more resilient NYC. It
encourages investment and economic development, it’s green, it helps preserve, protect, and uplift
diverse histories and communities, and makes it easier for longtime residents and small
businesses to stay in their homes.
Big real estate is pouring millions into the Mayoral race, and they’re gunning for longstanding
landmark and zoning protections that put people and communities first. Let the candidates know
you want a diverse, sustainable, equitable and beautiful NYC, and that historic preservation is a key
part of that. Sign the petition to Mayoral candidates sponsored by Village Preservation and a
coalition of NYC preservation and neighborhood organizations.
Sign the petition chng.it/cRRPvhWwD7.
The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association endorses this petition.
How you can help
Citizen Public Health Training (several dates available)
New York State’s free new online course to help people recover from the pandemic and prepare for
future health crises. In partnership with Cornell University, the 16-hour course will focus on health
communication and community engagement to empower New Yorkers as public health leaders.
Register at nypublichealth.cornell.edu/nyspublichealth and preview course materials at
youtube.com/watch?v=diOOpJZZvQM.
Blood Donations Are Urgently Needed
The NYC blood supply is at a very low level. If you want to donate, a nearby blood center is:
3
New York Blood Center - Grand Central (please make an appointment)
115 East 41st Street, 800-933-2566, nybloodcenter.org
NYC’s reopening
New York City is in Phase 4 of the coronavirus reopening, but some activities are
on temporary PAUSE or open with reduced capacity due to the high community rate of coronavirus
infections. New York Forward Phase 4 webpage.
New York State reopening pages: phases, micro-cluster strategy, travel advisory, testing, etc. at
forward.ny.gov.
New York City reopening guidance www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/reopening-guide.
New York State coronavirus page coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.
New
Starting April 19, bars and restaurants’ curfew will be extended from 11 pm to midnight.
International travelers to New York, even unvaccinated ones, no longer have to quarantine upon
arrival, according to the State, though they are advised to get tested for COVID 3-5 days after
landing. They are still required to show that they received a negative covid test prior to boarding an
airplane. CDC travel guidelines.
Effective May 1, indoor and outdoor graduation and commencement ceremonies will be allowed
with limited capacity, depending on event size and location. All event organizers and venues hosting
ceremonies must follow the State's strict health and safety protocols, including requiring face
masks, social distancing, health screenings and collection of contact tracing information. Detailed
guidance for graduation events is available at
coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/04/doh_covid19_updatedgraduationguid
ance_041221.pdf.
Large performing arts and sports venues are allowed to reopen. Outdoor venues with 2,500+
capacity are capped at 20%; indoor venues with 1,500+ capacity are capped at 10%. Proof of a
negative Covid-19 test or immunization is required for all attendees. Social distancing and face
coverings will be required for all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable NYS
Department of Health guidance. NYS Department of Health’s Interim Guidance for Large Scale
Performing Arts and Entertainment Venues during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is
available on the New York Forward Phase 4 webpage.
Small and medium performances and live entertainment events are allowed to reopen. Indoor
venues with a capacity of less than 1,500 attendees can reopen at 33% capacity up to 100 people or
150 people with proof of a negative Covid-19 test or immunization from all attendees. Outdoor
venues with a capacity of less than 2,500 attendees can reopen at 33% capacity, with up to 200
4
people or 500 people with proof of a negative Covid-19 test or immunization from all attendees.
Social distancing and face coverings will be required for all attendees, as well as strict adherence to
all applicable NYS Department of Health guidance. NYS Department of Health Interim Guidance for
Small and Medium Scale Performing Arts and Entertainment during the COVID-19 Public Health
Emergency is available on the New York Forward Phase 4 webpage.
The deadline for applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection
Program (PPP) has been extended to May 31. To connect New York City’s small business owners
to federal relief funds, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has launched Fair
Share NYC, offering free webinars, technical assistance and access to lenders to help businesses
interested in applying for PPP loans. Flyer
www1.nyc.gov/assets/sbs/downloads/pdf/businesses/covid19/fairsharenyc/PPP-flyer.pdf or call
888-SBS-4NYC.
The opening of the application portal for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (formerly Save Our
Stages) remains temporary suspended due to technical problems. The U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) confirmed that it has not accepted any applications or distributed any
funding. sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant
Three Things to Know about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
Get the program details such as eligibility, funding amount, allowable use of funds and more at
sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund. Sign up for
RRF email updates at
public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSBA/subscriber/new?topic_id=USSBA_354.
Prepare your application. Currently, SBA is not accepting applications for RRF. However, you can
prepare your application by reviewing the sample application, program guide and cross-program
eligibility chart. You will be able to apply through SBA-recognized Point of Sale Restaurant Partners
or directly via SBA in a forthcoming online application portal. Registration with SAM.gov is not
required. DUNS or CAGE identifiers are also not required.
When to apply. The official application launch date will be announced shortly. For the first 21 days
that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses
owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Following the
21-day period, all eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications.
See murrayhillnyc.org for additional COVID-19 information, including
Reopening
Testing
Vaccinations
Neighborhood houses of worship, museums, educational and cultural institutions
Neighborhood restaurants, food & spirits that are open for delivery & pickup
Neighborhood retail, health care (including pets) & services that are open
The positive Covid-19 test rate for Murray Hill (zip code 10016) has declined significantly in the past
weeks. NYC has neighborhoods that still have covid rates as high as 10.24%. Keep bending the
curve, Murray Hill!
5
The above data is from the NYC Department of Health website COVID-19 tracker
www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-data.page
The view is the 7-day Percent Positive and Test Rate by ZIP code (for Zip code 10016).
New York State COVID-19 tracker forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county-dashboard.
IMPORTANT: There is still no cure for COVID-19, and it will take months to
get herd immunity from the vaccines.
To stop the spread of COVID-19:
• wear face coverings when you are with people who are not in the same household
• maintain distance (6 feet between people who are not in the same household)
• practice good hand hygiene
• stay home if sick (seek care if you feel seriously ill)
When community rates of infection are high, limit non-essential activities, travel and indoor
gatherings with people who are not in your household.
NYS travel advisory coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are free. The NYC Vaccine Finder site has improved and it now tells you everywhere in
NYC that vaccinations are available and the type(s) of vaccination offered vaccinefinder.nyc.gov.
Or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).
Johnson & Johnson vaccinations are on pause, while the CDC and FDA investigate the cause of 6
instances of blood clots occurring in women who were vaccinated. 6.8 million people have received
the J&J vaccination in the U.S., and the blood clots are very rare occurrences. J&J vaccinations will
be replaced with Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations during the pause. As a result of this pause, the
homebound and mobile vaccinations are also suspended.
6
For members of the performing arts and entertainment community who are working, living or
attending school in New York City, The Actors Fund can help schedule COVID-19 vaccine
appointments at ATC's Broadway Vaccination Site (ATC Vaccination Times Square, located at 47th
Street & 7th Avenue). Call 917-281-5937 or email vaccines@actorsfund.org with your name and
phone number to speak with someone who can then help you schedule an appointment. Learn
more at actorsfund.org/BroadwayVaccination.
It can be difficult to get an appointment for a vaccination at a nearby site. Javits Center on the far
west side between 34th & 40th Street almost always has appointments and offers Pfizer and
Moderna vaccinations. The Ford Foundation at 320 East 43rd Street has walk-in vaccinations for
people 50+ years of age, Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Neighborhood Pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS,
RiteAid) are administering vaccinations, and your personal doctor may also have vaccines available.
See the MHNA website page Vaccinations for useful links and phone numbers on how to determine
your eligibility and schedule an appointment.
This data is from www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-data-vaccines.page on April 17, 2021, tap
Geography, enter your zip code and hover your cursor over the map for information about our
neighborhood.
FTC Issues Consumer Tips for Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
Be on the lookout for vaccination scams.
ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/12/ftc-issues-consumer-tips-avoiding-covid-19-vaccine-
scams
All New Yorkers can get tested for coronavirus.
Sites run by New York State are free coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you. You can also
check with your doctor, pharmacies and walk-in urgent care to find out if they do testing and if there
will be charges. NYC free testing locations: www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-
testing.page, call 212-COVID19, or text COVID TEST to 855-48.
7
Rapid testing is not given in places near Murray Hill (by appointment only)
www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-rapid-testing.page.
For Murray Hill/Kips Bay
Bellevue, First Avenue at 26th Street, (free) no appointment necessary, but wait times are
unpredictable (from no wait to one hour). Be sure that they set up your patient portal so that you
can get your results. Test results usually come back in 1-2 days.
Tool to check NYC Health + Hospitals waiting times to get tested testandtrace.nyc or
nychealthandhospitals.org/test-and-trace/testing
Tap Check Testing Wait Times on the Test & Trace Corps page
or check @NYCHealthSystem on Twitter for updates three times a day on wait times.
The NYC Citywide Information Portal
www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/resources/resources-for-new-yorkers.page and 311
portal.311.nyc.gov have created COVID-specific resource guides for New Yorkers. These resource
guides contain information related to emotional well-being, rent and housing, NYCHA residents, and
more. Get information and resources to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-main.page.
Kudos!
Councilmembers Keith Powers and Carlina Rivera spoke about the East Side Coastal Resiliency
Project during Mayor De Blasio’s press availability on April 15. This project is needed to protect low-
8lying areas of Manhattan’s east side from flood risk due to rising sea levels and storm surges, such
as we had during Hurricane Sandy. Those of us who were here during Hurricane Sandy remember
how most of Manhattan south of 40th Street had a blackout that lasted for several days. Strong
storms are expected with greater frequency in the coming years, due to climate change. Project
Area 2 encompasses work along the East River from the Lower East Side to 25th Street.
Grants & loans for businesses
EIDL Advances
Effective immediately, applicants can send a request for reevaluation of a Targeted Economic Injury
Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance application that was declined to the following email address:
TargetedAdvanceReevaluation@sba.gov.
Applicants should follow these instructions when requesting a reevaluation:
1. Send an email to TargetedAdvanceReevaluation@sba.gov
2. Use the subject line “Reevaluation Request for [insert your 10-digit application number]”
3. In the body of the email, include identifying information for the application such as
application number, business name, business address, business owner name(s) and phone
number
4. Important: Include an explanation and any documentation that addresses the reason for the
decline, if available.
SBA will contact applicants if additional documentation is required to complete the review.
Job opportunities, volunteering and
internships
April 23 (deadline for employee applications)
May 16 (deadline for employer applications)
Applications now open for the Summer Youth Employment Program
New York City's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the largest youth employment
program in the United States for people aged 14-24. Applications are now open for kids and young
adults who want to be in the program, as well as employers who want to be worksites for the
program. The deadline for kids and young adults to apply for the program is April 23; learn more
and apply at https://application.nycsyep.com. The deadline for employers to apply for being a work
site is May 16; learn more and apply at
worksitepreapp.nycsyep.com/Pages/SystemAccess/Default.aspx.
9The City’s Vaccine for All Corps is hiring!
The City and State are both hiring for vaccine-related positions. The City’s Vaccine for All Corps is
looking to hire people particularly from hard-hit communities and industries. No health care
experience is necessary for roles in vaccine site management, operations, and client services; the
corps is also hiring for clinical roles. Apply through the Dept. of Small Business Services at
www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/careers/careers.page.
City Cleanup Corps is Hiring:
The City Cleanup Corps (NYC CCC) will employ 10,000 New Yorkers for beautification across our
city. NYC CCC workers will wipe away graffiti, powerwash sidewalks, create community murals,
tend to community gardens, beautify public spaces, and work with community organizations to
clean their neighborhoods. Learn about specific job opportunities at working.nyc.gov/opportunities.
Upcoming events
April 20 5pm
(zoom) A Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Forum
Roosevelt House presents the eight candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for Manhattan
District Attorney. Manhattan’s top law office will be led by a new District Attorney for the first time
in twelve years. Audience members will also be invited to submit questions for a virtual Q&A
session. As the borough’s chief prosecutor, the Manhattan District Attorney oversees all local
criminal prosecutions—including authority to choose what and how to prosecute, whether to seek
bail, and in what manner plea bargains are made. He or she directs a staff of hundreds of assistant
district attorneys who conduct investigations and prosecutions in dozens of specialized units. In
addition, the District Attorney can seize property as part of prosecution. Rachel Holliday Smith,
moderator, is a journalist covering Manhattan for The City. Previously she worked at WNYC,
DNAinfo and NY1 News. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Curbed New York, and
Gotham Gazette. Participating Candidates:
Tahanie Aboushi is a civil rights attorney whose cases have included representing, in federal court,
individuals in immigration detention. Her campaign is informed by her experience growing up while
her father was incarcerated.
Alvin Bragg served most recently as chief deputy attorney general for New York State. He also led a
special state unit that investigated police-involved killings and served as a federal prosecutor.
Liz Crotty worked previously as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan, where she was born and
raised, and as a civil litigator before starting her own criminal law firm, where she’s represented
people accused of grand larceny and fraud among other charges.
10Tali Farhadian Weinstein, who came to New York from Iran as a child, is a professor of law and
most recently served as general counsel for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, where she
oversaw the post-conviction Justice Bureau. Previously, she worked as a federal prosecutor.
Diana Florence led the Construction Fraud Task Force at the Manhattan DA’s Office, her most
recent role in 25 years as a prosecutor there. She left to launch her campaign after charging the
office was a “hostile work environment”—following accusations she withheld evidence.
Lucy Lang most recently served as director of the Institute for Innovation in Prosecution at John
Jay College of Criminal Justice. Before that, she was a prosecutor at the Manhattan District
Attorney’s Office, where she handled domestic violence cases, murders, and gun crimes.
Eliza Orlins has been a public defender for more than 10 years, working as criminal defense
attorney for the Legal Aid Society. She also competed on the reality television shows “Survivor” and
“The Amazing Race.”
Dan Quart is a State Assemblymember who’s represented the Upper East Side of Manhattan for the
last decade, co-sponsoring the state’s bail reform law among others. He worked previously as a
court-appointed attorney and pro-bono criminal defense attorney while in private practice.
RSVP at community.hunter.cuny.edu/roosevelt-house-pages/a-manhattan-district-attorney-
candidate-forum-04-20-21.
April 20 - 22 11am - 4pm
The Shop at Scandinavia House ocially-Distanced Shopping
The Spring Fling sale at the Shop at Scandinavia House presents Nordic design products, apparel,
and kitchenware, discounted 10- to 50-percent off, with select items including Aalto vases,
Kobenstyle culinary ware, Riitva Fall apparel, Origo bowls, and much more. Socially distant shopping
in-store (masks required), curbside pickup, and product shipping are all available. For curbside
pickup and to learn about available products, contact the Shop at 212-847-9737 or by emailing
shop@amscan.org. Learn more at scandinaviahouse.org/shop.
April 21 8:30am
Do you compost?
To commemorate Earth Day and launch a food scrap drop-off site in East Midtown, please join your
Turtle Bay Association neighbors and NYC Council Member Keith Powers at Dag Hammarskjold
Plaza, 47th Street between 2nd & 1st Avenue. The site will be open every Wednesday from 8:30am -
3pm. Look for the orange signs and green bins near the entrance gate to the Katherine Hepburn
Garden at First Avenue and end of the plaza, behind the cafe. Acceptable waste includes: fruits,
vegetables and eggshells, coffee, tea and nuts, dried flowers and houseplants, rice, pasta, bread
and grains. Not accepted is meat, fish, dairy and BPI certified compostable plastic products.
Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
11April 22 10 – 11:15am
Senator Krueger's Roundtable for Boomers and Seniors: Session IV - Living
Well: What Do We Value Most?
Thinking about our own mortality can make many of us uncomfortable and afraid, particularly as we
age. Ironically, it is our mortality that makes life valuable. Join us in a life-affirming discussion that
will spur us to acknowledge that death is a part of life, and will help us to understand that life’s finite
nature is what ultimately gives our lives meaning and brings us joy. Speakers: Rabbi Angela Warnick
Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi, Central Synagogue, Jeannie Blaustein, PhD, D. Ministry, Founding Board
Chair, Reimagine End of Life, Adjunct Faculty, Pace University, Psychology. You will have the option
of joining the event online through Zoom, Facebook or you can listen in by telephone. Attendees
will be able to submit questions through Zoom and Facebook during the event but are strongly
encouraged to submit them in advance when you register at tinyurl.com/seniorroundtable4-22.
Once you register for the event, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom and Facebook
links, and the call-in information.
April 22 5-6pm
Learning to Run the Run: An Introduction to Running Online Webinar
Presented by SPEAR Physical & Occupational Therapy. This webinar, hosted by SPEAR Physical
Therapists Sebastian Altomarino, PT, DPT and Alberto Segura JR, PT, DPT, will review several
different components to running. The focus will be toward individuals new to running or those
seeking to increase their knowledge on training options. The team will discuss footwear options in
the running community, options on wearable devices and reliability of them, cross-training, and
terms to learn while programming a run plan. They will also review the anatomy of
footwear/equipment choices, how to track running data for free, cycling as a cross-training option,
define common running terms, review meditating techniques while running, and initial programming
conversations. Join from a laptop, phone, or desktop computer! Register at
eventbrite.com/e/learning-to-run-the-run-an-introduction-to-running-online-webinar-tickets-
137679139011.
April 22 8:30-9:15am
Citizens Union Foundation presents a Civic Conversation on Police Reform
and Public Safety
Featuring Adrienne E. Adams, NYC Council Member, Queens CD 28, Rev. Fred Davis, Chair Civilian
Complaint Review Board, John Miller, Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and counterterrorism,
NYPD, Moderated by Ben Max, Editor, Gotham Gazette. RSVP at citizensunion.org/portfolio-
item/civic-society.
April 22 6 - 7pm
(Zoom) The quarterly NYPD Build the Block meeting for the 17th Precinct
Sector A
Our Neighborhood Coordination Officers Raul Rodriguez and Marily Noa will discuss various topics
pertaining to our neighborhood as well as take questions that you may have. The meeting will last
12approximately 1 hour. Meeting ID: 160 502 6590 Password: 3298532911. For accommodations
contact PO McNally 212-826-3237 william.mcnally2@nypd.org. Join the meeting at
zoomgov.com/j/1605026590. Flyer
murrayhillnyc.org/photos/Events/17A_Q2_2021_BTB_Flyer_20210422.pdf
April 24 10am - 12pm
Celebrate Earth Day and Clean Up Our Neighborhood!
Children will learn the importance of Earth Day and be invited to join a stretching and warmup
session led by KP Karate. Plus, children will take home an Earth Day project. Attendees will be
organized into small groups, provided with picker kits, and assigned several blocks to clean up. So
that we can plan accordingly for supplies, please sign up for this free and fun event at
http://bit.ly/StVartanEarthDay. Organized by The River School, PS 116, District 75 School P94,
Community Board 6, Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, Alliance for Kips Bay, NYC Parks
Department, KP Karate, and Best Buddies. Flyer
https://www.murrayhillnyc.org/photos/Events/EARTH_DAY_EVENT_FLYER.pdf. Meet at St Vartan
Park
(between 1st & 2nd Avenue, and between 35th & 36th Street).
Drop off your used laptops and iPads at St. Vartan’s Park on Saturday, April 24!
13If you can delete your personal information before dropping off your laptop or iPad it is highly
recommended. If you cannot do this, Globetops, the nonprofit group that will be refurbishing the
devices and distributing them to students, will wipe the computer clean.
Read more about Johnny Flores, who is organizing this project below.
14Johnny Flores (School of the Future Class ‘21, Tulane University Class 25’) was one of the
volunteers who joined the Keep Murray Hill Clean initiative. Johnny is a boy scout member of Troop
422 in Gramercy, and is currently working on becoming an Eagle Scout. His Eagle project will take
place in St. Vartan’s Park on April 24. His plan is to help the 77,000 kids that still need electronics
for remote learning. Even with schools opening back up, students will still need access to
computers, and it makes a huge impact on their education. He's collecting old laptops and iPads.
Check out his website at sites.google.com/view/eagle-project2, or email
eagleprojectmh@gmail.com. Learn more at tinyurl.com/Electronicdrive.
April 25 Walking tour
Walking Tour of Historic Murray Hill
(in person event) Walk around Historic Murray Hill with a knowledgeable guide and learn about its
many historic landmarks, including the Union League Club, The Morgan Library, the Polish
Consulate and others. The tour also features information about the well-known architects who
designed them, and the famous people who once called this neighborhood home. Tour guides will
focus on the unique architectural qualities of the buildings as well as the historic evolution of the
neighborhood and its preservation as a residential oasis in Midtown Manhattan. The historic Murray
Hill neighborhood is from 34th Street to 42nd Street and from Madison Avenue to Third Avenue.
Your tour guide will be Robin Garr. Reserve your spot now, there will be a maximum of 8 people on
this tour. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing while on the tour. The walking tour
program is organized by The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association's Preservation & Design
Committee. Tickets are $10 for MHNA members/$20 for non-members. Register for the tour.
April 26 9:30am
(for businesses) Manhattan Chamber of Commerce presents An Update from
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
This is an opportunity to hear directly from Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney about the new federal
programs available to help local businesses and what the future holds in Washington DC. Register
at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rcOioqjspEtH63rI0TEjlW0oHVIupk5Vs.
15April 27 4pm
April 29
May 4
(In-person event) Bubble34
Watch Bubble Man NYC make the biggest bubbles you’ve ever seen! We’ve all blown soap bubbles
before. But have you ever created a bubble big enough to wrap your arms around? Or one long
enough to jump over? Open your eyes to the magical world of bubbles at this family-friendly weekly
program. Learn more at https://34thstreet.org/programs/bubble34 at Broadway Boulevard,
between 34th-35th Streets.
April 30 1pm
May 13
May 19
June 10
(for businesses) Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Virtual Event Series: New
York City's Comeback
In the wake of the pandemic, the series, "New York City's Comeback," is focused on the four most
critical ways to accelerate the city's economic recovery. Moderated by Jessica Walker, the
Chamber's President and CEO.
Ensuring an Equitable Recovery for our Workforce (April 30) Register at
app.livestorm.co/manhattan-chamber-of-commerce/new-york-citys-comeback-ensuring-an-
equitable-recovery-for-our-workforce
Building Back Record Tourism (May 13) Register at app.livestorm.co/manhattan-chamber-of-
commerce/new-york-citys-comeback-building-back-record-tourism
Unleashing Entrepreneurship (May 19) Register at app.livestorm.co/manhattan-chamber-of-
commerce/new-york-citys-comeback-unleashing-entrepreneurship
Attracting Back Remote Workers (June 10) Register at app.livestorm.co/manhattan-chamber-of-
commerce/new-york-citys-comeback-attracting-back-remote-workers.
May 1 7pm
16St. George's Choral Society Concert & Video Release: Music of Dvořák, with
Organ
Mass in D: Kyrie, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei; Songs of Nature: Melodies Steal into my Heart,
Vesper Bells Ring, Slender Young Birch. Normally the Choral Society performs their spring concert at
the Church of the Incarnation in Murray Hill, but they have re-imagined the presentation for their
concerts during the pandemic. Tickets are $10. Purchase your tickets at
stgeorgeschoralsociety.org/concerts. Video access will be emailed to you prior to the concert. The
St. George’s Choral Society has been enriching lives through the universal and transformative power
of music since 1817.
May 3–9
Jane’s Walk Week
The NYC Municipal Art Society presents Jane’s Walk week! Although guided, in-person group walks
will remain suspended this year, Jane’s Walk NYC is back in a new format that will offer live and on-
demand activities, with new ways to explore, share stories about the city, and connect with your
fellow New Yorkers. From self-guided strolls to Zoom talks to social media activations, there’s
something for everyone to enjoy across the five boroughs. Learn more at mas.org/janes-walk-nyc-
2021.
17Map depicts proposed building massing within Empire State Complex – Empire State Development
May 12 5 – 8pm (this event is cancelled and will be rescheduled)
Public hearing for the Empire Station Complex near Penn Station, Draft
Environmental Impact Statement
This is a New York State project which can use eminent domain and does not have to follow NYC zoning
rules. Your questions can be emailed to empirestation@esd.ny.gov.
March 29, 2021, Community Boards 4 & 5 submitted a Joint Statement asking for a PAUSE on this project
and they are calling on the removal of this project from the State’s 2022 Budget. The Empire Station
Complex, bound by 6th and 9th Avenues, 34th and 31st streets did not get full funding in New York State’s
2021-2022 budget. The original proposal is a massive, years-long project that includes significant land use,
public spaces, and transportation impacts for our community. Expect a rescheduled hearing followed by a
public comment period.
Empire State Development Corp. press release governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-
adoption-general-project-plan-transformative-empire-station-complex.
General Project Plan esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/ESC-Directors-Materials-Exh02-GPP.pdf.
Draft Environmental Impact Study esd.ny.gov/empire-station-complex-draft-environmental-impact-study-
deis.
Kudos to Murray Hill public schools (partial
listing)!
COVID-19 Report Card for PS 116 Mary Lindley Murray. No new positive tests in
the last 7 days. Five positive tests were reported since September 2020 (2 students, 3
teacher/staff). Total On-site Students Enrolled + Teachers/Staff=304. Total Off-site Students
Enrolled + Teachers/Staff=172.
18COVID-19 Report Card for The River School. No new positive tests in the last 7 days.
Seven positive tests were reported since September 2020 (4 students, 3 teacher/staff). Total On-
site Students Enrolled + Teachers/Staff=354. Total Off-site Students Enrolled +
Teachers/Staff=161.
COVID-19 Report Card for Murray Hill Academy. One positive test (student) in the last
7 days. Twp positive tests (teacher/staff) since September 2020. Total On-site Students Enrolled +
Teachers/Staff=82. Total Off-site Students Enrolled + Teachers/Staff=211.
Changes in the neighborhood
175 Park Avenue, and the surrounding buildings along 42nd Street. Rendering by Skidmore Owings & Merrill
19New Renderings Revealed For SOM’s 175 Park Avenue, Aka Project
Commodore, In Midtown East
April 15, 2021, newyorkyimby.com, by Michael Young
YIMBY spotted a new batch of renderings and diagrams that depict Project Commodore, Skidmore
Owings & Merrill‘s upcoming mixed-use supertall at 175 Park Avenue in Midtown East. The 83-story
behemoth is slated to rise at the corner of East 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, on the site of the
Grand Hyatt between the 108-year old Beaux Arts Grand Central Terminal and the 91-year-old Art
Deco Chrysler Building.
Schools
Applications for admissions to NYC public schools 2021-
2022 school year
April 30
3-K enrollment deadline
3-K for All will expand to the remaining sixteen community school districts in the 2021-22
school year. Learn more and apply at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/3k
Kindergarten offers are here!
If you applied online by the January 22, 2021 deadline, you can view your child's kindergarten offer
letter now in MySchools at myschools.nyc/en.
Be sure to accept this offer by April 30 to secure your child's seat at this school. You can accept
this offer online with MySchools or through the school directly.
After you accept your offer, the school will work with you to register your child. Learn which
documents you'll need to provide in the Registration Checklist.
NYC students set to ‘age out’ of school may stay an extra year
April 15, 2021, ny.chalkbeat.org, by Alex Zimmerman
The move acknowledges the widespread disruption the pandemic has caused and will likely benefit
hundreds of students, including those with disabilities, new arrivals to the country, and those who
have struggled to accumulate enough credits to graduate...Still, questions remain about whether
20every student will be eligible. Some students with disabilities whose needs cannot be met in public
programs are placed by the city in state-approved private schools. City officials did not immediately
say whether those students would be allowed to stay an additional year.
NYC summer school 2021: field trips, academics, and open
to all students
April 13, 2021, ny.chalkbeat.org, by Christina Veiga and Alex Zimmerman
The “Summer Rising” program, run by the education department in conjunction with the city’s
Department of Youth and Community Development, will combine summer enrichment activities
such arts activities and outdoor games, along with academic programs and social emotional
supports. Nearly half of all school buildings are expected to participate as summer school sites.
Rising kindergarteners through seniors can sign up for the free program beginning April 26 through
the “discover DYCD” website.
Elementary students can participate five days a week for seven weeks (July 6 - Aug. 20)
Middle school students can participate four days a week for six weeks (July 6 - Aug. 13)
High school students with incomplete work or who failed a class can participate in academic
instruction for six weeks, in person or online (July 6 - Aug. 13)
High school students will also be able to participate in accelerated learning, arts programs and
social emotional support as well as participate in the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program,
which has 70,000 slots for paid job opportunities. Apply to 2021 Summer Youth Employment
Program (SYEP) through April 23 at application.nycsyep.com.
Students with disabilities entitled to 12-months of schooling will have five days a week of
instruction related to their Individualized Education Programs as well as enrichment activities run
by community organizations. They can participate in person or have an online option.
Budget, taxes, legislation, executive orders
(including pending)
Cuomo signs bill mandating $15/month internet for low-income families
April 16, 2021, nydailynews.com, by Dve Goldiner
The new Affordable Broadband Act was passed by the state Legislature as part of its annual budget
process...[the] law requires ISP’s doing business in the state to offer high-speed Internet for a monthly fee of
$15, inclusive of equipment like a router...Customers qualify if they receive public assistance, food stamps or
free lunches for their children, among other government programs. Cuomo also announced that Schmidt’s
21foundation and another non-profit would foot the bill entirely for the families of 50,000 New York students
who cannot afford even the $15 monthly price tag.
Stories we are following
How Martha Stewart, A Rockefeller And A Liquor Company Already Have A
Foot In NY’s Legal Cannabis Market
April 17, 2021, gothamist.com, by Caroline Lewis
Don’t let job scams block your path forward
April 9, 2021, consumer.ftc.gov, by Lisa Lake, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
The MHNA Discount Program
New
Collaborative Solutions, 10 Park Avenue (at 34th Street), 718-316-7839, mrisa11@gmail.com.
www.CollaborativeSolutions.global, 20% discount on the Collaborative Solutions for 360 Health program.
22The program includes 6 live healing sessions to guide you on your transformative journey to SELF CARE. Call
for a consultation.
Sophra Grill, 535 3rd Avenue (between 35th & 36th Street), 646-609-2392, www.sophragrill.com, 10%
off on deliveries and takeout orders when ordering by phone, say MURRAYHILL 10.
Please be prepared to show proof of membership when you ask for a discount. Full list of discounts
at the links below.
Restaurant and Food Discounts
General Discounts
Our government representatives
When contacting your representative, be sure to state your address so that they know that you are a
constituent. You can see the District maps and sign up for their emails on their websites.
Manhattan Community Board 5: www.cb5.org, 212-465-0907, office@cb5.org
Manhattan Community Board 6: cbsix.org, 212-319-3750, office@cbsix.org
NYC Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, Council District 2: council.nyc.gov/carlina-rivera, 212-677-1077,
District2@council.nyc.gov
NYC Council Speaker, Corey Johnson, Council District 3: council.nyc.gov/district-3, 212-564-7757,
SpeakerJohnson@council.nyc.gov
NYC Council Member Keith Powers, Council District 4: council.nyc.gov/keith-powers, 212-818-
0580, KPowers@council.nyc.gov
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer: manhattanbp.nyc.gov, 212-669-8300,
info@manhattanbp.nyc.gov
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, #GetHelp, The Office of the Public Advocate assists with
complaints and inquiries involving government-related services and regulations. Telephone Hotline:
212-669-7250, email: GetHelp@advocate.nyc.gov
Mayor Bill de Blasio: www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor, 311, online message:
https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/mayor-contact.page
Landmarks Preservation Commission: www1.nyc.gov/site/lpc/about/contact-us.page
23Schedule of hearings, sign-up forms to attend and more.
New York Senate website nysenate.gov.
New York State Assembly website nyassembly.gov.
NY State Senator Liz Krueger, 28th Senate District: nysenate.gov/senators/liz-krueger, 212-490-
9535, lkrueger@nysenate.gov
NY State Senator Brad Hoylman, 27th Senate District: nysenate.gov/senators/brad-hoylman, 212-
633-8052, hoylman@nysenate.gov
NY State Assembly Member Dan Quart, Assembly District 73, nyassembly.gov/mem/Dan-Quart,
212-605-0937, quartd@nyassembly.gov
NY State Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, Assembly District 74, nyassembly.gov/mem/Harvey-
Epstein, 212-979-9696, epsteinh@nyassembly.gov
NY Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried, Assembly District 75, nyassembly.gov/mem/Richard-
N-Gottfried, 212-807-7900, GottfriedR@nyassembly.gov
New York Assembly Upcoming Public hearings [And archived videos can also be accessed on this
page.] nyassembly.gov/av/upcoming
New York Assembly Upcoming Public hearings calendar
https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?sh=hear
Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York State, governor.ny.gov, contact page on website
governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, New York's 12th Congressional District: maloney.house.gov,
212-860-0606, website contact form: maloney.house.gov/contact-carolyn/email-me
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer: schumer.senate.gov, 212-486-4430, website contact form:
schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: gillibrand.senate.gov, 212-688-6262, website contact
form: gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/email-me
U.S. President Joseph Biden: website contact form: whitehouse.gov/contact
The White House site whitehouse.gov is once more a trusted source for news on legislation, press
releases, White House press briefings, and more. Presidential actions whitehouse.gov/briefing-
room/presidential-actions.
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