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

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 UNDER WAY

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, from 10 am to 2 pm,  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.  Mulchfest runs 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.

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.

FARE-WELL TO METROCARD

As of December 31, 2025, riders can no longer buy or refill a MetroCard.  The remining balance on a MetroCard may be used for a while, but will soon be phased out.  As will the option to pay bus fares with coins.  The exact dates 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

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.

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION EFFORTS

The NY County District Attorney’s Office has released a request for proposals for Gun Violence Prevention initiatives.   For access to the RFP, please click here.

CONQUER THE COLD!

The NYC Office of Emergency Management recommends planning in advance for the dangers that severe cold weather can present.  For more information, please click here.  The application deadline is Friday, February 6^th at 2:59 EST.  Grants of up to $30,000 are available.  To sign up for an information session about the RFP on Thursday, January 15^th at 12 noon, please click here.

 

ACCESS-A-RIDE APP AND OMNY REVIEW SESSIONS

NYC Transit is hosting weekly online sessions that are aimed at making it easier to navigate Access-A-Ride and OMNY transit usage.  The sessions are on Tuesdays at 2 pm (register here) and Thursdays at 11 am (register here).

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

 

Happy 120^th Birthday to the Hudson Park Branch Library!

The Library will be celebrating in style, with an event on Thursday, January 29^th from 6-8 pm featuring live jazz, letterpress printing, bookmaking (the craft kind), “typewriter poetry” and art projects.  For more information, please click here.

• For the  Hudson Park Branch Library’s other activities and events, 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!

• 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:

• East 8^th Street and Greene Street – through January 9^th.
• Bleecker Street at Perry Street – through January 9^th.
• East 12^th Street at Broadway – through January 9^th.
• East 12^th Street at 4^th Avenue – through January 9^th.
• Washington Street at Horatio Street – through January 9^th.
• Eighth Avenue at Horatio Street – through January 9^th.

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).

 

CONGESTION PRICING AT ONE YEAR

The MTA has issued a report on the first year of the implementation of Congestion Pricing.  For the report, please click here.

PORT AUTHORITY ADVISORIES

• Holland Tunnel closures for the COMING week:

• through Thursday, January 8^th, from 11:00 p.m. each night to 5:00 a.m. the following morning, one eastbound lane will be closed.
• through Thursday, January 8^th, from 11:30 p.m. each night to 5:30 a.m. the following morning, one westbound lane will be closed.

• For information about the Port Authority’s $45 Billion Capital Plan for 2026-2035, 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

• West 4^th Street between Greene and Mercer Streets – weekends January 17-18 and January 24-25.
• Mercer Street between Spring and Prince Streets – weekends January 17-18 and January 24-25.
• Bleecker Street between Mulberry and Mott Streets –  through January 30.
• Bedford Street between Grove and Barrow Streets – through January 26.
• Wooster Street between Prince and West Houston Streets – through January 9.
• West 11^th Street between Washington and Greenwich Streets – 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 6, 2026.
• East 12^th Street between 5^th Avenue and University Place – through January 10, 2026
• 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: 

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

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.