News

DoT PROPOSAL TO REDESIGN CANAL STREET

The NYC Department of Transportation has proposed to redesign Canal Street from River to River.

• For Community Board 2’s December 18, 2025 Resolution on the proposal, please click here.
• For the Redesign Proposal, please click here.
• For the recording of the Information Session co-hosted by Community Boards 1, 2 and 3 at which DoT presented the Redesign Proposal, please click here.
• To respond to the DoT’s online survey concerning its Redesign Proposal, please click here.
• Manhattan Bridge Crash Response / Safety Improvements Presentation, please click here.

DINING OUT NYC PUBLIC HEARINGS
Link for All Dates: Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91467302621
Meeting ID: 91467302621

[There are no currently scheduled Dining Out NYC public hearings concerning locations within CB2M’s District ]

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ITEMS OF INTEREST

NEW YEAR’S DAY

The Department of Sanitation reminds us that there will be no trash, curbside composting or recycling collection on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026.  Residents who normally receive Thursday trash, curbside composting, or recycling collection may place their material at the curb Thursday evening for collection beginning Friday, January 2. Residents should understand collection delays may occur after holidays.

DoT PROPOSAL TO REDESIGN CANAL STREET

The NYC Department of Transportation has proposed to redesign Canal Street from River to River.

• For Community Board 2’s Resolution on the proposal, please click here.
• For the Redesign Proposal, please click here.
• For the recording of the Information Session co-hosted by Community Boards 1, 2 and 3 at which DoT presented the Redesign Proposal, please click here.
• To respond to the DoT’s online survey concerning its Redesign Proposal, please click here.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PROJECT HOPE 2026

On Tuesday night, January 27th, 2026, the NYC Department of Homeless Services will conduct its annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey, a citywide survey that estimates the number of New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The HOPE survey provides vital data that help shape how the City directs resources to address homelessness.

The City is asking for volunteers to help canvass streets, subways, and other public spaces from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on the night of January 27th.   Past participants hail this as a great opportunity to make an impact and participate in an extraordinary citywide effort.

You can register today at nyc.gov/hope.

 

MULCHFEST IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

NYC Parks urges us to “say fir-well” to holiday trees by recycling them during Mulchfest 2026.  The mulch generated by this event is used by the Parks Department to protect trees and plants throughout the system.  The Parks Department website includes a map of drop-off locations (including in Washington Square Park here in CB2M).  On Saturday and Sunday, January 10^th and 11^th, you can bring your tree to designated locations and go home with a bag of mulch that can be used to sustain a garden, window box or street tree.  You can also register to volunteer at Mulchfest locations.  Mulchfest runs from December 26^th through January 11^th.  For more information, please click HERE.

If you miss Mulchfest, DSNY notes that “real” holiday trees and wreaths should be placed out for collection on your usual composting date (not wrapped in plastic and with decorations removed).  DSNY advises that those seeking to dispose of “artificial” trees should separate and remove the metal base and trunk and place those parts with regular metal recycling.

 

TIMES SQUARE NEW YEAR’S EVE

As is now traditional, travel and transit will be altered for the New Year’s Eve gathering in Times Square on Wednesday, December 31^st, starting at 3 pm.  The entertainment program is scheduled to begin at 6 pm.

For information including street closures, how to access the festivities, the schedule of acts and entertainment, re-routing and changes in schedules of subway and buses, weather forecasts and recommendations for clothing, etc., please click here.

 

The NYC Office of Emergency Management reminds us that there are no public rest rooms in Times Square for this event.

 

FARE-WELL TO METROCARD

On December 31, 2025, the MTA will end MetroCard sales across all channels and transition to tap and ride for fare payments.

Important dates:

• December 31, 2025: Customers can no longer buy or refill a MetroCard, but can still use the remaining balance on their MetroCards.
• January 4, 2026: Fare adjustments and changes to how some riders pay their fare go into effect.
• Later in 2026: MetroCards will no longer be accepted for fare payment. Coin payment on local buses will end, too. The exact date will be announced later.

Important Links:

• Tap and ride in every borough – Comprehensive overview of tap and ride information on the MTA website (info)
• Reduced-Fare Program – Information for Reduced Fare riders, including how to apply for the program
• Reduced-Fare OMNY – Specific information on using Reduced-Fare OMNY Cards, including setting up an OMNY account
• Customer Service Centers – a list of the MTA’s in-system Customer Service Centers, where riders can get help with the Reduced-Fare program, OMNY Cards, and other tap and ride issues
• OMNY Trip and Charge History – Where to look up the trip and charge history for a customer’s payment methods, including OMNY Cards

PAID INTERNSHIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT THE DA’s OFFICE

The New York County District Attorney’s Office is again sponsoring its Youth Ambassador Program, to run from January 12 through March 18, 2026.  Through the program, students learn about the criminal justice system and voice ideas about to best serve the Community.  Students must be 16-19 years old and reside in Manhattan.  To learn more and to apply, please click here.

FREE CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

CUNY Citizenship Now! Is hosting a Free Citizenship Application Assistance Event is scheduled for January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Registration for this event is now open.  The Free Event is co-sponsored by NYC Council Members Crystal Hudson, Darlene Mealy, Sandy Nurse and Chi Osse.   Location: RiseBoro Youth Center, 1474 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237.  For more details, please click here (for English) and acqui por Espanol.

NOTES AND REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS

• NYS Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assembly-Member Grace Lee are co-hosting a Community Town Hall on Thursday, February 5^th from 6 to 7:30 pm at PS 20, 166 Essex Street.  More details to follow.
• NYS Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal Update
• NYS Assembly Member Deborah Glick Update
• NYS Assembly Member Grace Lee Update
• NYC Council Member Harvey Epstein Update.

PARKS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Lifeguards and Swimming Instructors:
  • The Parks Department is hiring part-time seasonal Aquatics Specialists to teach swimming for all ages, in-water fitness classes and adaptive programming to participants enrolled in these classes. Positions are available beginning in November 2025. For more information and to find the link to apply, please click here.
  • The Parks Department is also recruiting Lifeguards for the Summer of 2026. After a swimming and eyesight test, accepted candidates receive 40 hours of instruction on rescue skills and CPR over 16 sessions, and are then hired to work full-time at beaches or pools.  To learn more and to apply, please click here.
• Seasonal Job Postings – The Parks Department is looking to fill a variety of positions for the Spring and Summer of 2026. For the position descriptions, please click on the links below.
  • Kids In Motion City Seasonal Aide
  • Kids In Motion Playground Associate
  • Mobile Unit Playground Associate
  • Mobile Unit Recreation Specialist
  • Movie Mobile Unit Playground Associate
  • Movie Mobile Unit Recreation Specialist
  • Summer Sports Experience Coach

 

FOOD INSECURITY – RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO DONATE

Even after the federal government fully reopens and SNAP benefits are restored, many New Yorkers rely on food pantries, soup kitchens and sources of grab-and-go meals.  CB2 is compiling a list of resources found in our District from organizations seeking to meet those needs.

RESOURCES:  For CB2’s current list of food resources in CB2’s District, please click HERE.

DONATIONS:  the list of resources above includes information on how to donate directly to those organizations to support their efforts to address food insecurity.

If you know of additional food resources in our District, or of additional ways to donate to these resources in our District, please email CB2 at [email protected].

 

NYC TRASH ACADEMY

NYC Trash Academy is a free eight-week educational series, offered online with in-person events, to hel New Yorkers create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city. The program covers questions about waste like what really happens to food scraps, old clothes, or broken electronics, and how companies and communities can help reduce what ends up in the trash. NYC Trash Academy 2026 begins Tuesday, January 27 and runs through Wednesday, March 18.

Participation is FREE, but the application window is only open for a limited time! Secure your spot: apply by January 12, 2026. To learn more and to register, please click here.

EVENTS AT THE NYPL BRANCH LIBRARIES

• For the  Hudson Park Branch Library, please click here.
• For the Jefferson Market Branch Library, please click here.
• Mulberry Street Branch Library, please click here.

 

ALSO AT NYPL — FREE ENGLISH LITERACY CLASSES

Registration is now OPEN for NYPL’s free Winter English classes (which will run from February 2 – April 4). Classes are held at the Hudson Park Library and Jefferson Market Library; they are free for adult learners who are 18 and older and who live, work or study in New York. No documentation or proof of immigration status is required.

Interested students must register at one of the following information sessions:

SEWARD PARK LIBRARY
192 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Tuesday, January 20 | 12 PM or 6 PM
Monday, January 26 | 12 PM

TOMPKINS SQUARE LIBRARY
331 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10009
Saturday, January 10, 2026  | 11 AM
Wednesday, January 14, 2026  | 12 PM or 6 PM
Thursday, January 22, 2026  | 12 PM or 6 PM

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS LIBRARY
1000 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY 10032
Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11 AM
Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 12 PM or 6 PM

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATES

The NYC Health Department has helpful resources below.  DoHMH encourages everyone to be vaccinated!

• Webinar: Webinar on Respiratory Viruses
  • Stay Safe this Holiday Season – the NYC Health Department has been hosting free educational webinars to help communities stay safe and healthy during respiratory virus season. The webinar sessions share important updates on flu, COVID-19, RSV, vaccines, prevention, and care, especially for older adults, caregivers, and community members.
  • The final webinar in this series will take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. We kindly ask for your support in sharing this information with your networks and encouraging participation. There is no registration required. Please join using the Zoom link below.
    • Webinar Details: Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026; Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM; Language: English; Platform: Zoom; Zoom Link: CLICK Here to Join the Session; Meeting ID: 161 421 1775; Passcode: 309157
    • Topics will include: Current respiratory virus trends; Vaccine updates for flu, COVID-19, and RSV; When to seek care or treatment; Simple prevention tips; Trusted health resources.
  • Flu and Covid
    • Seasonal Flu (Influenza), Who should get Vaccinated? Access our full description here, which includes everyone ages 6 months and older.
    • Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for 2025-2026 Season Now Available and you can use our NYC Health Map, to find a provider near you for this and other vaccines by entering your zip code here.
  • Childcare
    • NYC Child Care Connect is a helpful resource for parents to search for the right childcare in New York City

WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK EVENTS

For updates from the Washington Square Park Conservancy, please click here.

HUDSON RIVER PARK EVENTS

For a calendar of events in Hudson River Park, please click here.

HIGH LINE PROGRAMMING

For the latest Free Events and program on the High Line, please click here.

 

GREENWICH HOUSE LIFELONG SKILLS AND OPPORTUNITY CENTER
The mission of the LSOC at Greenwich House is to equip individuals with the tools, resources and guidance needed to achieve stability, independence and growth.  The Center serves older adults, individuals with behavioral health challenges, and emerging populations including the neurodivergent community.  To learn more, please click here.

ADA Pedestrian Ramps
The NYC Department of Design & Construction is at work on reconstruction of ADA pedestrian ramps, installation of granite curbs, upgraded sidewalks, restored cobblestone areas, and improvements in street lighting at the following locations.  For more information, please click here and here.  Upcoming work on this project is expected at:

• [No work expected during the holidays.]

 

MTA SERVICE ALERTS

Riders may set up up real-time service alerts for MTA subways, buses, and commuter railroads to receive notices about service changes along your route as they happen.  Riders may also set up alerts to become notified via email or text about elevator and escalator outages in select station(s).

PORT AUTHORITY ADVISORIES

• Holland Tunnel closures for the COMING week:

• • [no reported closures during the holiday period.

• For information about the Port Authority’s $45 Billion Capital Plan for 2026-2035, please click here.  For information concerning Public Hearings on the Capital Plan, please click here.
• Flood Preparedness at the Holland Tunnel:  The Port Authority has begun installing permanent anchor sleeves on various sidewalks near the Holland Tunnel.  The anchors allow the Port Authority to quickly deploy an AquaFence system to protect the tunnel and the community in the event of a severe storm.  The project is expected to continue through the end of January 2026.  Impacted locations will include:
  • Canal Street – eastbound right lane closed between Hudson and Vestry Streets
  • Hudson Street – northbound right lane closed between Vestry and Canal Streets.
  • Vestry Street – eastbound left lane closed between Hudson and Canal Streets.

Full Roadway Closures

• Bleecker Street between Mulberry and Mott Streets – from January 7 through January 30.
• Bedford Street between Grove and Barrow Streets – through January 26.
• Washington Street between West 13^th and West 14^th Streets – through January 2.
• Wooster Street between Prince and West Houston Streets – from January 5 through January 9.
• West 11^th Street between Washington and Greenwich Streets – from January 1 through January 31.
• Jane Street between West and Washington Streets – through January 22.
• West 12^th Street between Washington and Greenwich Streets – from February 2 through February 8, 2026.
• East 12^th Street between 5^th Avenue and University Place –through January 10, 2026
• Downing Street between Bedford Street and Sixth Avenue – through December 31.
• West 11^th Street between Washington & Greenwich Street – through December 31.
• Perry Street between Greenwich and Washington Streets – weekdays and Saturdays through March 31.

 

Manhattan / Hudson Tunnel Project – Street Closures

For the latest information on travel and traffic impacts from the Manhattan Tunnel Project, please click here.

… and further uptown:

Hudson Yards Concrete Casing – Section 3 Project

A continuous 24-hour concrete pour to build the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing-Section 3 (HYCC-3) Project is scheduled to start Monday, December 29 at 5:00 a.m. and continue through Tuesday, December 30 at 5:00 a.m. Preparatory work for these activities may begin as early as midnight on Monday, December 29. This work is not expected to create excessive noise. However, trucks will be operating throughout the duration of the pour. Trucks will stage along 11th Avenue and utilize part of 30th Street to cycle through the project site, deliver the concrete load and then exit onto 12th Avenue, per the diagram below. W. 30th Street may be closed between 11th and 12th Avenues during these activities.

… and

Overnight Closure of the Southbound 79^th Street Exit from the Henry Hudson Parkway

From Monday, January 5th through Friday, January 30th, the NYCDOT Division of Bridges will conduct intermittent overnight operations on the W. 79th Street traffic circle. The W. 79th Street exit ramp from southbound Henry Hudson Parkway will be closed from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays, for approximately five weeks.  Motorists may exit southbound Henry Hudson Parkway at W. 95th Street and then follow the detour signs.  To learn more, please click here.

 

 

Click here to download the Comprehensive Event Permitting Guide for the City of New York.

Report – A forum to provide information concerning the proposed demolition of the Dapolito Center by the Landmarks Committee, CB2 Manhattan – September 30, 2024

The Landmarks Committee held a public forum concerning the demolition of the Dapolito Center on September 30. This meeting followed the approval of a resolution opposing the demolition by the Board at its September meeting.

The announced program for the meeting was to have a presentation on the history of the Center, a presentation by the Landmarks Commission of rules covering demolition of a contributing building in a Landmark District and demolition by neglect, and a presentation by the Parks Commission concerning the proposed demolition of the center. This was to be followed by testimony from the public with preference given to people from the neighborhood.

The history was reviewed by Dena Tasse-Winter from Village Preservation as scheduled.

The Landmarks Commission did not respond to the invitation. Susan Gammie read a summary of landmarks regulations concerning demolition of a building of historic and architectural worth in a landmarked district and demolition by neglect. This covered the same territory that would have come from a Commission representative.

The Parks Commission elected not to send a representative and Susan read a letter from the Commission saying that the question, especially the structural condition of the building, was still under study and review. They anticipate having a more information by the end of the year.

The public did not disappoint in fulfilling its part of the meeting. There was testimony from 20 members of the public, most of whom live in the neighborhood and 2 former residents.  They ranged from a 4th generation woman from an Italian family through later arrivals with only two or three generations in residence to those who had arrived lately to begin professional work in New York.

There was an instance of a man who had used the pool in his therapy for Parkinson’s Disease and a young man who had grown up on Morton Street and who spoke movingly about how the Center had formed his life, ultimately inspiring him in adulthood to become teacher and life coach for young people. He concluded with a plea – “Save my childhood home.”.

We have a clear picture of the views of the public concerning the Dapolito Center through testimony that went well beyond the range of comments for a usual Landmarks Committee hearing. Landmarks regulations do not include the use of the building or interiors except those individually designated. With the purpose of the meeting to provide information to the public and hear their views, the public fulfilled its part.

It requires no divination to know that the members of the community want the Dapolitio Center campus to be restored and the programs that they love so much returned.  No one complained that the pool was unsuited to Olympic Competition or that the NBA may find the court wanting. There was scant mention of the recreation facilities proposed for the affordable housing building on the adjacent water tunnel site. Those who spoke about this said that they did not want it to take the place of the center that they know and love.

The testimony was without exception passionately in favor of restoring the building and preserving the facilities and the full program’s remaining in it are a vital and necessary part of the community. This includes the building, the Keith Haring Mural, and the outdoor swimming pool as a campus. There is no separation of building and use in the minds of those who spoke.  It is one thing – a community recreation center – the building and the programs indivisible – and they want their building and their programs back – and soon.

Chenault Spence

Chair, CB2 Landmarks Committee

NB:  See INFORMATION ON THE TONY DAPOLITO RECREATION CENTER on the CB2 Manhattan website for documents relating to this report.  The site is updated from time to time as new information is available.

The forum to provide information to the public concerning the Parks Department’s proposal to demolish the Dapolito Center was held on September 30, 2024. 140 members of the community, members of CB2 Board, and the Landmarks Committee attended. The Committee made informative presentations and the members of the public gave lively testimony with a unanimous plea that the building, together with its programs be preserved.

• For the full report concerning the forum and information session on September 30, 2024 click here. (Link is not available, please check back.)
• To provide written testimony concerning the September 30, 2024 forum, please click here.
• For background information about the Dapolito Center and the potential demolition, including CB2’s September 19th resolution opposing demolition, please click here.