ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM THE DECEMBER 4, 2025 EBLAST

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

Please note that CB2 only lists the DONYC public hearings that include applications relating to our District.

Thursday, December 18^th at 11:00 am

[agenda item 2] ACO 94 U, LLC dba Santo Taco to maintain, operate, and use a roadway cafe for a term of four years adjacent to the proposed revocable consent is for a term of four years adjacent to 94 University Place in the borough of Manhattan.
[agenda item 4] SOFIAS 143 INC. dba SOFIA’S OF LITTLE ITALY to maintain, operate, and use a roadway cafe for a term of four years adjacent to the proposed revocable consent is for a term of four years adjacent to 143 Mulberry Street in the borough of Manhattan.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

DoT PROPOSAL TO REDESIGN CANAL STREET

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

PROTECTING AGAINST EBT FRAUD

The New York County DA’s Office, in collaboration with the NYC Department of Investigation and the Human Resource Administration, is sponsoring a webinar on how to recognize, prevent and report EBT fraud. The workshop is online on Tuesday, December 9th from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. For more information and to register, please click here.

WATER SHUT-OFF

The Department of Environmental Protection will be shutting down a water main overnight at University Place between East 10^th to East 14^th Streets on Friday, December 5^th from 1 am to 6 am so that the water main can be replaced. The most affected areas will be:

University Place between East 10^th to East 14^th Streets
East 11^th Street between University Place and 5^th Avenue
East 10^th Street between University Place and 5^th

For more information, please click here.

WASHINGTON SQUARE HOLIDAY EVENTS

Tree Lighting – Thursday, December 11^th at 6 pm with the Washington Square Association under the Arch
Menorah Lighting – Monday, December 15^th from 5:30 to 6:30 with the Chabad House Bowery in the Park
Carol Singing – Wednesday, December 24^th from 5-6 pm with the Washington Square Association under the Arch

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.

FDNY – “CONTROL THE BLEED” TRAINING

The FDNY officially launched a new public education and training initiative, “Control the Bleed,” to provide bystanders with the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively when faced with life-threatening bleeding. These classes are offered throughout NYC at no cost, with each session being taught exclusively by a member of FDNY EMS. This class focuses on recognizing life-threatening bleeding and the skills associated, such as direct pressure, pressure bandages and applying tourniquet. Each class size ranges from 15- 50 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Larger groups can be accommodated by adding additional classes, which would occur consecutively

To request a training in your area or to learn more about the program, please visit Control the Bleed – FDNY Smart

RESPIRATORY ILLNESS PREVENTION WEBINAR

the New York City Department of Health is hosting a series of free educational webinars on how to keep safe and healthy in cold and flu season. These sessions are designed for older adults, caregivers, and community members, and DoH promises up-to-date information on respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

This session will cover:

Current trends and risks during the respiratory season
Vaccine updates and recommendations
Treatment options and when to seek care
Simple prevention tips
Trusted resources for staying healthy

There is no registration required. Please join using the Zoom link below.

Date: December 11, 2025
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

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].

RECENT FEDERAL LEGISLATION – IMPACTS ON SOCIAL SERVICES

The NYC Department of Social Services and other NYC Agencies is hosting a webinar on the impacts of recent federal legislation on immigration and children; Medicaid and SNAP work requirements; Essential Plan and Qualified Health Plan premium assistance; and more. The webinar will be held on Wednesday, December 10^th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. To learn more and to register, please click here.

THE PARKS DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING 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.

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.

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.

IMPROVING BUS STOPS AND BUS TRAVEL

The NYC Department of Transportation is hosting an online information session on Friday, December 5^th from 1:00 to 2:30 pm focused on accessibility improvements at bus stops and along bus routes. For more information and for the link to register, please click here.

PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING

Participatory Budgeting is a process where community members vote on how to spend $1 million of City Council discretionary capital funds on City property projects like schools, parks, libraries, and more.

There is still time to submit ideas to Council Members for consideration as projects for Participatory Budgeting. To submit idea(s) to your Council Member, please click here – the link will work for every Council Member taking part in Participatory Budgeting.

Both Council Members Christopher Marte (District 1) and Erik Bottcher (District 3) are participating. At present the Council Seat for District 2 is vacant pending the swearing in of Harvey Epstein, who won the General Election.

In addition, the NYC Civic Engagement Commission runs its own Participatory Budgeting program – “The People’s Money” – with separate funding available for projects in each Borough as well as certain select communities. To learn more, please click here.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATES

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

SOCIAL SECURITY OPEN ENROLLMENT

Medicare’s Open Enrollment period is currently underway and will close on December 7. During this time, eligible clients can review and compare their Medicare options, including:

Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan
Change to another Medicare Advantage Plan
Join or change Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Any changes made during the Open Enrollment period take effect on January 1, 2026. For more information or to compare plans, please visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION IN WITTENBERG TRIANGLE

NYC Department of Transportation’s Art program is partnering with artist Ghada Amer to present their sculpture “Big Rumi” at Ruth Wittenberg Triangle in Manhattan. The display period is 4 months, and the Institute of Arab and Islamic Art will act as the maintenance partner for the duration of the installation. For more information about NYC DOT Art, please visit www.nyc.gov/dotart. For more information about the Institute of Arab and Islamic Art and Ghada Amer: https://www.instituteaia.org/ https://ghadaamer.com/

FLOOD PREPAREDNESS TOWN HALL

The NYC Small Business Services Department will host a Flood Preparedness Town Hall at New York Law School (185 West Broadway) on Monday, December 8^th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. The goal is to help small businesses prepare for future floods with presentations and resources. For more information and to register, please click here.

PREP FOR PREP

Prep for Prep is a program that tutors, counsels and prepares high-achieving students who have financial aid needs to succeed in a variety of challenging educational settings. For details of a December 6^th Information Session, please click here.

DYCD SURVEY OF COMMUNITY NEEDS
The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) is conducting a citywide Community Needs Assessment (CNA) to collect feedback from New Yorkers to set program priorities and direct resources where they are needed most. The survey helps ensure that local services reflect real community needs, and gives residents a chance to shape the future of their neighborhoods.

The online survey is free, takes about five to fifteen minutes to complete, and can be translated into multiple languages. The survey collection will continue throughout the summer and into early fall.

Fill out the CNA here!

FREE CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

CUNY Citizenship Now! ‘s next Free Citizenship Application Assistance Event is scheduled for December 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sponsored by NYC Council Members Shaun Abreu, Diana Ayala, and Carmen De La Rosa. To learn more, please click here (for English) or acqui (en Espanol).

FREE CONCERT – WASHINGTON SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Washington Square Music Festival Chamber Orchestra is presenting a free concert on Sunday, December 7^th at 4 pm at St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery, 131 East 10^th Street, featuring works by Mozart, Marquez, Milhaud and more. For more information, 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.

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:

Bleecker Street at Perry Street, through December 5.
Perry Street at Waverly Place, through December 5.

PORT AUTHORITY ADVISORIES

Holland Tunnel closures for the COMING week:

From Sunday, December 7^th , through Thursday, December 11^th , from 11:00 p.m. each night to 5:00 a.m. the following morning, one eastbound lane will be closed.
From Sunday, December 7^th , through Thursday, December 11^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. 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.

SUBWAY ELEVATOR UPDATE

The elevator at the corner of West 3^rd Street and Sixth Avenue, leading to the entry level for the A/C/E and B/D/F/M lines at the West 4^th Street subway station has been returned to service.
The elevator inside the same station, providing access from the A/C/E platform to the mezzanine and the B/D/F/M platform has been removed from service for long-term repair and maintenance, and is expected to return to service in the Second Quarter of 2026.

Full Roadway Closures

Mott Street between Kenmare and Broome Streets – through December 14.
East 12^th Street between 5^th Avenue and University Place – from December 12 through January 10, 2026
Grove Street between Hudson and Bedford Streets – weekends December 6 through December 14.
Wooster Street between Prince and West Houston Streets – through December 17.
Wooster Street between Spring and Prince Streets – December 8 through December 11.
Washington Street between Spring and West Houston Streets – weekends December 6 through December 14.
Jane Street from West to Washington Streets – through December 23^rd.
Downing Street between Bedford Street and Sixth Avenue –through December 20.
Grove Street between Hudson and Bedford Streets – weekends through December 7.
West 11^th Street between Washington & Greenwich Street – through December 31.
Perry Street between Greenwich and Washington Streets – weekdays and Saturdays through December 31.
Thompson Street between West Houston and Bleecker Streets – through December 12.
Thompson Street between 6th Avenue and Grand Street – through December 8.
Bedford Street between Grove and Barrow Streets – through December 26.

Manhattan / Hudson Tunnel Project – Street Closures

The Manhattan Tunnel Project will close West 29^th Street between 11^th Avenue and 12^th Avenue to through traffic for the duration of the project – expected through 2029. For more information, please click here.

Please note that, in preparation for the continued work on the project, the contractor will install temporary fencing adjacent to the West 29^th Street crosswalks, and will remove and store the art installation “Two Too Large Tables,” which will be reinstalled upon the completion of the project.

Also, the sidewalk and crosswalk on 12^th Avenue from West 29^th to West 30^th Streets will be closed until 2029. To learn more, please click here.

HENRY HUDSON PARKWAY EXIT CLOSURES

Further uptown, the West 79^th Street exit from the southbound Henry Hudson Parkway will be closed weeknights from 10 pm to 5 am, and Saturdays from midnight to 7 am, through approximately December 20^th.