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News NYC

Waterfront Alliance Advances Climate Resilience

View of the huge iconic stainless steel Unisphere sculpture in Flushing Meadows, New York, which represents the Earth

Reprinted with permission from Waterfront Alliance

Waterfront Alliance Secures Congressional Grant to Develop a Climate Resilience Plan for Flushing Meadows Corona Park

The Plan will be a Community-Led Process to Identify Climate Hazards and Potential Resilience Strategies to Advance Plans for Shovel-Ready Projects

Waterfront Alliance is pleased to announce that its proposal for a climate resilience plan for Flushing Meadows Corona Park has been awarded Community Project Funding in the 6th Congressional District (NY) as part of the new federal spending package.

In Spring 2021, Congressmember Grace Meng submitted 10 Community Project Funding requests to the House Appropriations Committee for review. The funding was included as part of the FY 2022 spending bill signed into law yesterday.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park serves as critical infrastructure for multiple neighborhoods in the 6th District. The park is a space for recreation, reflection, and increasingly, refuge from urban heat. And yet, the park faces tremendous challenges due to climate change.

The primary objectives of Waterfront Alliance’s “Flushing Meadows Corona Park: A Hub for Climate Resilience” are to increase public awareness about local climate risks, build community participation in planning and infrastructure projects, and to identify potential resilience solutions for future investigation and development. Working with Queens community leaders, partners in city government, and academia, alongside the community, Waterfront Alliance will provide tools and lead events to share and gather information that will culminate in a climate visioning for the park. These concrete recommendations and concept plans can better position the Park and surrounding community to receive city, state, and federal funding for resilience projects.

Receiving much of the stormwater from surrounding neighborhoods, the park was identified by the Center for an Urban Future as the most-flooded park in the City alongside Forest Park due to increasingly heavy rains. Recent extreme weather events including Hurricane Ida reinforce the need for better preparation and planning. Torrential waters forced the NYPD to conduct multiple rescues from Flushing Meadows Corona Park and there was severe flooding as stormwater from the Grand Central Parkway and the Van Wyck Expressway ran off into areas of the park. Access to recreational programs and facilities in the park was halted due to sustained damage to buildings.

Additionally, the park faces risks due to sea level rise and storm surge, with much of the park facing permanent inundation by 2080, according to the New York Panel on Climate Change, and other areas only recently being brought back online following damage from Hurricane Sandy.

“As Queens’ signature local and destination park, serving several Central and Northern Queens communities with high social vulnerability, we must ensure that the park and surrounding communities are prepared for our climate future,” said Karen Imas, Vice President of Programs, Waterfront Alliance. “Tremendous thanks to Congresswoman Meng for her climate leadership. This project is particularly timely as increased funding may come to our region for climate change adaptation projects per the infrastructure funding package.”

“Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a beautiful landmark of our district. It provides a lovely area for recreational and leisure activities, refuge from the heat in the summer and possesses one of the most beautiful sculptures in all of New York, the Unisphere,” said Congresswoman Meng, New York’s senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “That is why I am so pleased that the Waterfront Alliance will receive funding through the new government spending package to help the park battle the effects of climate change. Stormwater from surrounding neighborhoods continuously flood the park and in some areas, the park is projected to be permanently flooded due to rising sea levels in the coming decades. The funds will help make key assessments, plan out necessary strategies, and begin implementation to help keep the park open for Queens residents for generations to come.”

“Once a flourishing tidal wetland that absorbed waters from Flushing Bay and the Long Island Sound, Flushing Meadows Corona Park has undergone many transformations—a coal ash dumping ground, two World’s Fairs and one of the top 10 biggest parks in NYC,” said Rebecca Pryor, the Executive Director of Guardians of Flushing Bay (GoFB). “GoFB is eager to play a role to envision the park’s next stage of transformation: as a climate resilient hub for the surrounding environmental justice communities who depend upon it. We are looking forward to collaborating with Waterfront Alliance and our local partners in this process, and we are sincerely thankful to Congressmember Grace Meng for making the project possible.” 

“I am delighted that Federal funding has been awarded to support community-based resiliency planning and education in Flushing Meadows Corona Park,” said Kizzy Charles-Guzman, Executive Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. “Together, communities and governments can build a more just vision for the future as we fight against climate change.” 

“NYC Parks is committed to improving Flushing Meadows Corona Park and ensuring this iconic park is resilient for decades to come. To that end, more than $350 million has already been invested in recent and upcoming park renovations, including projects that increase resiliency and improve stormwater management,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We’re grateful for the Waterfront Alliance’s partnership to raise awareness and engage the community around these important issues.”

About: Waterfront Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a strong track record of providing technical planning and project development services, developing community-based plans, and convening individuals and groups across New York City and the region to inform different public and private waterfront projects. Specifically, the organization has been engaged by NYC Department of City Planning, NYC Economic Development Corporation and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, among other government agencies and organizations, to either develop waterfront plans, convene community engagements on major projects and plans, and/or provide technical advice on critical coastal and waterfront projects. 

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Featured Lifestyle Living News NYC

The Power of Community: Battery Park Rallies for Their Parks

BPCNA

“This is a Political Unicorn”

Residents of Battery Park City and their community were not having it: Governor Cuomo was not going to take away their green space. Cuomo wants the Essential Workers Monument up by Labor Day 2021, and we’re all for a memorial celebrating those who put their lives on the line during the pandemic. But there must be a process that includes the community — is this too much to ask for?

All they were asking for was to be included in the decision, planning, and process.

Many of those who spent the night outside and braved the hot sun fighting for their rights to be heard are actually the doctors, nurses, police, and essential workers among business leaders who live and work right here in our beloved downtown.

Within hours of hearing about the bulldozers, opponents started a Change.org online petition that was signed by 5,000 individuals and counting. Busy parents and people of the area camped out in the park for days on end, and like The Lorax, “we speak for the trees” was just one phrase plastered on posters hugging the trees. In just four days, their pleas were answered- to a degree.

Many people were surprised this neighborhood came together on this issue so quickly.

“But the moms in the community were not surprised at all.  Our community is extremely unified and tight-nit— almost like a small village.  We all truly care about one another.  We already had multiple WhatsApp groups, connecting hundreds of neighbors.  We also had almost 1000 members in our BPC Parents Association Facebook group (I founded it with some friends 5 years ago.)
These platforms have been mostly used to exchange advice, give away hand-me-downs, or report a lost shoe.  So when the news got out about Rockefeller Park being at risk, we were able to mobilize very quickly by using the existing platforms we had already been using for years.
The Parents Association has now morphed into the more formalized BPCNA (BPC Neighborhood Association) and will now have a seat at the table with the BPCA (BPC Authority). The DNA of the group was formed by bonds between neighbors who respect each other and interact in a considerate, caring way. We plan to keep that style, even if the new direction moves towards political causes. “Laurie Sheindlin

Park plans were shifted away from Battery Park but applied to other locations that remain less than favorable. Plans moved to other high-traffic beloved community locations, like the site of the volleyball court near the marina in Battery Park City and next to the Irish Hunger Memorial. The fight is not over. Spearheading the protest were the likes of Korin Cohen, Laurie Sheindlin, Greg Sheindlin, Jenny Rich, Anthony Basilio, Eric Gyasi, Amy Van Buskirk, Pamit S., Lee V. Pham, Jenn Coughlin, Britni Erez, to name a few. These are not just parents, and neighbors, but business leaders in their respective fields.

“This is a Political Unicorn,” exclaimed Greg Sheindlin on the green grass under the trees at Rockefeller Park. Just days before, bulldozers showed up unannounced at that very park, ready to upheave the grass and replace it with a concrete monument honoring NYC’s essential workers.

The green space is well-loved by the people of the community, occupied by playing children, book readers, bike riders, birds, pets, and everything in between.

In protest, the people spoke out — and to think, it all started over social media. What started as a group of parents over WhatsApp turned into a herd of people that caught wind of the project. In under 24 hours, an alliance was formed against Governor Cuomo’s plan to pour concrete over grass and overturn trees.

Those whose children were raised in this area are today grown-ups themselves that still came out to fight, like Mary and Kelly McGowan, 30-year residents. They know the fight down here all too well, as they too had to fight for important issues when their children were small. “The great thing about this protest is that everyone was calm and no voices were raised: it was done with facts and from the hearts of the families and children who live and love this area. We had a mission and we were not going to give up.”

Social media gets a bad wrap, but when it’s used properly, there’s nothing like it. “Today, it’s different: at the click of a finger you can send one message to an entire community, and for that matter, around the world. When my daughter was growing up we had to rely on telephones and in-person meetings, but not today,” described Grace A. Capobianco

One politician stood out as he chanted and rallied with the parents and children. Christopher Marte was there from day one, and just happen to win his seat for District 1 Council. Other leaders still showed up after the fight was over. “We’re elected by the people and we should serve the people. If people knew how valuable this space was to parents, kids, to the little league, soccer, baseball leagues out here, this wouldn’t have even been thought of as a space that was going to be turned from green to concrete,” emphasized Christopher Marte

Tammy Meltzer, Chair Community Board 1, was at the protest and rally and fighting every step of the way at the meetings. “To lose any of the quality of space that is part of this green space is really unfair to people,” she noted.

Meltzer’s teen daughter added, “we grew up in Battery Park City: this is our home and going to other places, it’s not like this — this is one of the only places that has so much green open space. Everywhere you go it’s used extensively by all kinds of people, which is something really beautiful that you don’t get everywhere.”

It was unanimous to all parents, grandparents, and those without children that while the community of New York City and Rockefeller Park would love to honor the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic, they would like to honor it without losing the city’s already limited greenspace.

As of today July 12, 2021, the fight continues, and all residents want is a seat at the table to have their voices heard.

There is a rally today at 4 PM Irish Hunger Memorial.

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Featured Lifestyle Living NYC

“Lights of Hope”

"Lights of Hope"

Long gone are the days when Downtown was dominated by the financial industry and the sidewalks were rolled up at 5:00 p.m., after the final call of the day. New businesses like Condé Nast, Seaport, Group M, Spotify, 10 Corso Como, Uber, Zola, have brought a vibrant, young and family-focused workforce with them.

Once again, Downtowners have banded together to send a message to the world. We have been publishing for 11 years now, and the changes we have witnessed and been a part of are epic. It’s difficult to report on the tragic news but, with tragedy, there is always triumph. Here in Lower Manhattan, like the rest of New York, we bounce back.

“Lights of Hope” Buildings in Lower Manhattan to Shine in Red, White, and Blue

 

Lights of Hope
Photo by Kirit Prajapati

 

One World Trade Center, Pier 17 at the Seaport District, Brookfield Place, 111 and 115 Broadway, 55 Water Street and 20 Exchange Place will be lighting up in red, white, and blue to show hope and solidarity, while other Downtown buildings are working to join them over the next several days. Buildings throughout the entire city are encouraged to follow suit and add their own “lights of hope.”

“This is a moment to band together, show pride in a tough time, and light up the Lower Manhattan skyline with hope,” said Jessica Lappin, President of the Alliance for Downtown New York. “Whether it’s red, white and blue or with a single white beacon, buildings across Lower Manhattan will light themselves in honor of our determination to endure and recover.”

One of the initiating property owners offered this:

“In this time of need, we as New Yorkers and Americans are looking for symbols of hope – both in our communities and across the country,” said Saul Scherl, President of the New York Tri-State Region of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “We Wanted to unite our community and light up the buildings of Lower Manhattan together to show our solidarity, our resiliency, and our persistent hope for the future.”

We as a city and world have gone through a lot in the past 20 years, the greatest trait is that we always come out on the other side stronger and better than before. Thank you to our leaders mentioned in this piece, and thank you to all who believe in hope!

See More

Development: Downtown’s New Diversity

Pier 17 Promises To Reopen The Waterfront

The “Big U” to Protect Lower Manhattan

Sale of 1 Chase Plaza Another Sign of Upturn in Downtown Real Estate

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Beauty Business Events Fashion Featured Industry News NYC

Cosmetics Conferences Come to NYC

Cosmetics Conferences Come to the City
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels

This March brings two of New York City’s biggest beauty shows to the Javits Center. From the 8th through the 10th, the International Esthetics, Cosmetics, & Spa Conference will allow industry professionals to come face to face with over 300 of the industry’s most critically acclaimed brands and suppliers. At the same time, The Beauty Experience New York will bring those same professionals together as an industry. 

Produced by Questex and presented by American Spa, the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference (IECSC) New York is co-located with The Beauty Experience New York – the largest and longest-running professional beauty event in the country. Both shows are for professionals only and reach a wide cross-section of participants from beauty and spa product manufacturers and distributors to salon and spa owners and managers, hairstylists, hair colorists, estheticians, makeup artists, nail technicians, dermatologists, and massage therapists.

“As IECSC continues to grow, we’re so grateful for the sponsors who have played such an important role in our success over the last 30 years,” said Kathy Gruttadauria, Show Director for IECSC events. “We are constantly searching for new and enticing ways to enhance the conference, and this year we are excited to be expanding on some of our most popular spaces to stay ahead of trends such as technology and CBD in the spa and wellness industry.”

IECSC has also just announced its sponsor list, including Osmosis, Care Credit, Celluma, LightStim, Highlite the Korean Pavilion, Eminence, Repêchage, Farmhouse Fresh, Erchonia, The Good Patch, Starpil Wax, Silverfox Health & Beauty Inc., ProCell, Sorella, and many more!

For more information on IECSC NYC, check out its website here.

For more information about Beauty Experience New York, check out its website here.

 

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Business Doctors Featured Health Living Wellness

Charles B Wang Community Health Center Recognized As Quality Improvement Leader Recipient

L-R Shephanie Cheng, Board Member, CBWCHC; Dr. Anthony Ferreri, Regional Director of HHS (Region 2); Jane Eng, President and CEO, CBWCHC;  Cheryl Donald, Regional Administrator of HRSA (Region 2); Dr. Perry Pong, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, CBWCHC.

The Charles B Wang Community Health Center, a Manhattan- and Queens-based nonprofit, held a press conference yesterday to celebrate recent administrative and quality-based victories in their mission to provide high-quality healthcare to their community. The CBWCHC was named a HRSA National Quality Leader for the fifth consecutive year, and the second consecutive year as the sole community health center recipient in New York State. They were awarded a total of $173,470 in Quality Improvement Awards, given to companies for providing effective preventative and life quality improvement treatment to their patients.

The CBWCHC is a fixture of NYC, with its five locations giving critical care to many of the city’s immigrants. The organization has an immigrant history itself, beginning in 1971 as a community-run health fair in Chinatown. Since then, it has grown to a 24-7 service provider with more than 61,000 patients in 2018. 

CBWCHC’s award recognizes them as being in the top 1-2% of providers in diabetes and heart and clinical quality measures. Dr. Perry Pong, the executive vice president and chief medical officer, credits their success to CBW’s commitment to what he calls genuine care. “When you care one patient at a time,” he says, “you will achieve your goal of the patients coming back. You will achieve patient satisfaction, loyalty, you’ll have more visits, you would have more revenue because you show that you care. That’s the difference that we can make that only at a patient level but also to the community.”

The health center has special meaning for many of the board members and officials present for the press conference. Stephanie Cheng, a board member and patient, recounted how her family had relied on Charles B Wang since her childhood, when her family first arrived in the US and was unable to afford more expensive medical care options. “Not only did we come for annual checkups,” she told the assembled group, “they also provided resources to help my dad quit smoking and metro cards to get to have from the center and mental health services for my family members.”

Jane Eng, President and CEO of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center stands with The Hon. Brian Kavanagh, New York State Senator (26th District), The Hon. Yuh-Line Niou, New York State Assembly Member (65th District), Dr. Anthony Ferreri, Regional Director of HHS (Region 2), Cheryl Donald, Regional Administrator of HRSA (Region 2), and members of the Health Center’s Board of the Directors and executive staff.
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Culture Entertainment Events Featured Movies Outdoor

Brooklyn Bridge Park Celebrates Their 20th Anniversary of Free Public Programs

Movies with a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Movies with a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo Credit Etienne Frossard

Brooklyn Bridge Park is celebrating their 20th anniversary of free public programs with their Movies With a View event and if you’re looking for something relaxing to do this summer, this is perfect. They will be showing several public movies on Pier 1’s Harbor View Lawn throughout July and August.

Bring plenty of blankets for seating to get a view of the movies featured in Brooklyn Bridge Park, which are some of the more popular films over the 20-year history including Selma, Girlfight, Crooklyn, and Pariah. Pariah, directed by Dee Rees, which is also based in Brooklyn, is about a teenage, African American who is struggling to bring out her identity as a lesbian to her friends and family.

The event will begin at 6 pm with food vendors, a DJ, as well as a short film put together by BAM Cinematek. Some of the food vendors that will make their return to the park are Burger Supreme, Home Frite, and Bona Bona Ice Cream along with some new food vendors including Groundlings Pizza, Destination Dumplings, and Vayalo Cocina.

Here is a list of dates and movies that will be shown at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Bring your friends and family for a movie night under the stars.

July 11th: Pariah

July 18th: Girlfight

July 25th: It Happened One Night

August 1st: Crooklyn

August 8th: The Big Lebowski

August 15th: An American Trail

August 22nd: Selma

August 29th: Public Vote (The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Groundhog Day, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

'Movies with a View' event in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
‘Movies with a View’ event in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo Credit Etienne Frossard