community events seaport – Downtown Magazine

With the warm weather approaching, New Yorkers can shed off their heavy winter coats and head down to the South Street Seaport!

On Saturday, April 25 from 11am-5pm, the South Street Seaport Museum will be kicking off their new season with a day of live music, games, and tours. You can also learn about sailors’ navigation with their educational programs and activities, which includes making your own clay boat. At the 12 Fulton Street Visitor’s Center, both adults and children can expand their creative skills by painting a mural on the Seaport Storywall. Feature performers include The Lobbyists, who are from the upcoming concert/play called Seawife.

For those who are especially interested in extending their time at the museum, there is a rare opening day special. On April 25, new members can get a 6-month subscription to the museum for only $1.

The rain date for the opening is Saturday, May 2.

–By Connie Lee

The Howard Hughes Corporation is proposing a new plan for a Stronger Seaport. The plan aims to reconnect the South Street Seaport with the needs of the community while simultaneously honoring the area’s history. Additionally, the plan will work to prepare the neighborhood from the threat of future storms, thus preventing damages similar to the ones caused by Hurricane Sandy.

The plan proposes:

A new public middle school, which will relieve overcrowding at other area schools, while simultaneously creating a recreational space for community use.
New housing will be erected in the area, 30% of which will be designated as affordable for families and seniors.
A locally-sourced fresh food market will be constructed in the restored Tin Building, featuring local vendors.
A certain portion of the budget has been designated towards preserving the history and culture of the area by reinvesting in the Seaport Museum and the surroundings.
Finally, the Seaport itself will be expanded, extending the East River Esplanade to the Brooklyn Bridge. This makes the Seaport safer and more accessible for pedestrians, thus promoting visitors.

The Community Board 1’s Landmarks Committee will be holding a hearing tonight, Wednesday December 10th at 6pm to discuss the issue. The hearing will take place at St. Paul’s Chapel at 209 Broadway St. The public is encouraged to attend in order to voice their support for the ordinance. Click here to access The Howard Hughes Corporations page show your support for the proposal.

-Ross Berman