FEB. 22, 2014, CHELSEA NOW

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 11 FEBRUARY 26, 2014

THE WEST SIDE’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CHELSEA, HUDSON YARDS & HELL'S KITCHEN

PROGRESS REPORT 2014

Hudson Yards | Manhattan West Women’s Equality Act | High Line

Hudson Yards Platform Soon to be Underway, Sparking Eastern Rail Yard

BY SAM SPOKONY Nearly four months after gleefully treating its workers — as well as numerous grateful reporters — to a five-foottall cake in celebration of the one-year anniversary of construction, Related Companies remains vocally optimistic about the current pace of work on its Hudson Yards development.

The 26-acre megaproject’s first building, 10 Hudson Yards — what will be a 52-story, 895foot office tower at the corner of West 30th Street and 10th Avenue — is still moving on time and on budget, according to Michael Samuelian, a Related vice president who serves as one of the project

managers directly overseeing Hudson Yards construction.

(Related is jointly developing the project alongside Oxford Properties).

“I think we’ll see work on the tower go much more quickly now, since the beginning of construction is generally a slower process,” said Samuelian in a recent interview at the company’s headquarters in Columbus Circle.

He added that, at this rate, 10 Hudson Yards is still firmly planned to be completed by the end of 2015. Along with office tenants including Coach, L’Oreal USA and software giant SAP, the building’s base,

Continued on page 3

Improving Conditions, Through Combined Block Power

BY BILL BOROCK (President, CCBA) The Council of Chelsea Block Associations (CCBA) was established in January of 1961 by residents of West 20th to West 22nd Streets, from Eighth to 10th Avenues. The boundaries of Chelsea have expanded with the passage of time — and with it, our membership has grown to reflect the wider characterization of our neighborhood.

In last year’s Progress Report, the Council of Chelsea Block Associations (CCBA) identified some community problems, then suggested possible solutions. For the 2014 edition, we happily

accepted a return invitation.

We’ll use this opportunity to update readers on the status of a few issues we discussed last year, and let you know about some new ones that have cropped up in the ensuing twelve months. I trust that what is shared in this article will give you a good taste of what we’re about, and the methods we’ve used to work with elected offi cials, community boards, the NYPD, NYC government and local business owners. The CCBA recognizes that change requires work — but if the community will benefit, then the work is worth it.

Continued on page 6

Courtesy of Brookfield Office Properties

East of Hudson Yards, Manhattan West Also to Alter Skyline A skyline view of 450 W. 33rd St. — an “important lynchpin” of the Manhattan West Development, which is targeted for completion by 2020. See page 13.

Women’s Equality Act Faces an Election Year Senate

BY WINNIE McCROY The 2014 legislative session got off to a good start on January 27, when it passed the Women’s Equality Act (WEA) — to ensure that New York’s 10 million women achieve full equality, including the right to make their own decisions about their reproductive health and access to abortions. But the

legislation now faces a Republicancontrolled Senate, where those beholden to right-wing and Tea Party constituents do not want to see it pass. Supporters recognize that this may be an uphill battle.

“Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that much has changed,” said New York State Senator Brad Hoylman.

“The Assembly passed the bill

5 15 CANAL ST., U N IT 1C • MAN H ATTAN , N Y 10 013 • COPYRIG HT © 2014 N YC COM M U N ITY M ED IA , LLC

last session and did so again last month. I remain hopeful that the Senate will move all ten points to the floor, but I’m afraid that Republicans may again cave to the extreme right-wing and prevent the women’s choice provision from coming to the floor.“

Continued on page 4

2

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

An evening of duets for dancers, designers and voice artists.

Kimberly Bartosik/daela Feb 26 – Mar 1 at 7:30pm

Tickets start at $15 newyorklivearts.org Photo: Ian Douglas

MEASURING PROGRESS It is time again for Chelsea Now’s Progress Report — our annual opportunity to review what has changed over the past year, while taking a look at what the next year will bring to our community, city and state.

February 2013 was an exciting time. We emerged from Superstorm Sandy with the prospect of watching a new neighborhood being created right before our eyes, with the groundbreaking of Hudson Yards. We anxiously prepared to cover the high-stakes game of musical chairs known as the NYC elections. Then, we looked to Albany with the hope that New York State would finally live up to its progressive roots and pass a Women’s Equality Act (it didn’t).

Now in February 2014, as we eagerly look forward to the final Polar Vortex of a particularly long winter, we anticipate a spring that will bring expansion along with its annual promise of renewal. As the High Line continues to grow beyond 30th Street, we’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the historic transformation happening at Hudson Yards. As a new neighborhood changes the physical landscape between Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, we will watch to see what changes our politicians will bring.

It is too early to judge the performance of our new Mayor, Bill de Blasio, and Chelsea’s new City Council representative, Corey Johnson. We can say Mr. Johnson has garnered an impressive Committee Chair, leading the Committee on Health.

He has also proposed legislation calling for new fire safety measures. It’s great to see Chelsea’s local councilman hit the ground running!

As the gubernatorial election ramps up, we will be keeping a close eye on Albany.

The clash between Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio over Pre-K has been all over the news — and we would put money on a bet this age-old Upstate NY v. NYC battle will play out in the election. So pop some popcorn and get a good seat to watch the political fireworks coming our way.

Here at Chelsea Now, we have news of our own (no doubt already noticed by our loyal and valued readership). In a bid to represent Community Board 4’s entire area of coverage, we will continue our expansion into Hudson Yards and Hell’s Kitchen

— by reporting on causes and concerns all the way up to 60th Street (while retaining our commitment to the schools, arts organizations and businesses in “Central Chelsea,” from 14th to 30th Streets). But in a city that’s always changing, some things will remain the same: Aunt Chelsea will be here to dole out her tough but fair advice, and we will be just as unyielding in our mission to deliver community news that’s full, fair and free.

We at Chelsea Now want to thank you for your engagement online and off, and your willingness to share thoughts, opinions and news. Together, we’re not just measuring progress — we’re making it happen.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Goodstein Publisher, NYC Community Media, LLC

FOR EVEN MORE PROGRESS, VISIT

www.

.com

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

3

Related’s Nearby Housing to Open in Spring, as Hudson Yards Growth Continues Continued from page 1 along West 30th Street, will house a new Fairway Market grocery store.

But an equally important milestone is very soon to come — and it will spur the growth of the entire Eastern Rail Yard half of the development, which spans from West 30th to West 33rd Streets, between 10th and 11th Avenues.

Within weeks, construction will begin on the gargantuan 10-acre platform planned to cover that portion of the rail yard. And this step forward will allow the rest of that half of the project — including two residential towers, a six-story cultural center, six acres of public space, one million square feet of retail and an 80-story office tower (30 Hudson Yards) — to get underway.

“It’s huge to be starting the platform, because it gives our schedule so much more certainty that it had a year ago, and it means that the whole Eastern Rail Yard section will be operational within four years,” the Samuelian explained.

That half of the overall construction, especially the public space, will solidify the connection between Hudson Yards and the High Line, the final section of which snakes around the rail yard and is set to be finished by this fall. And Samuelian pointed out that the visitors to the elevated park’s final component will, for the next several years, have front row seats to watch the transformation of the site.

“You couldn’t have designed it any better,” he said. “It’s going to be the best construction viewing area that anyone’s ever imagined.”

Samuelian further noted that the six-story Culture Shed, which sits right alongside the High Line’s span on West 30th Street, is currently planned to be completed by spring 2018. He pointed out that, although Related is constructing the building, that institution will be run independently by the Culture Shed nonprofit organization, with its own arts and cultural programming.

Samuelian also expressed optimism about the recently announced news that Time Warner has signed on to become the

Courtesy of Related Companies

The 26-acre megaproject’s first building, 10 Hudson Yards —will be a 52-story, 895foot office tower at the corner of West 30th Street and 10th Avenue.

anchor tenant of 30 Hudson Yards, which will be located at the corner of West 33rd Street and 10th Avenue. He stressed that Related would not have committed to starting work on that tower in the near future if a major tenant hadn’t been secured.

“Unlike some other projects Downtown, we don’t build without tenants, and we wouldn’t have started at 10 Hudson Yards until we had Coach signed up,” he said.

“What would’ve happened if we didn’t announce Time Warner [for 30 Hudson Yards]? In terms of actually starting the work, it would’ve been a lot of ‘we hope, we hope.’ But now I can say, ‘we are, we are,’ and that’s a huge step.”

And in terms of looking for tenants, Related is now going through that process for two other office towers planned for the north side of West 33rd Street — technically not over the rail yard, but still considered by the developer to be an extension of the first half of the Hudson Yards project.

One of those planned buildings, 50 Hudson Yards will rise to 62 stories and will be wide enough to cover nearly half

the block between 10th and 11th Avenue, according to current plans. But Samuelian specifically highlighted 55 Hudson Yards, a 51-story building which is planned for along 11th Avenue, noting its placement just steps away from the forthcoming entrance to the Number 7 subway extension (along

with the bottom portion of the city-funded Hudson Park and Boulevard, another new green space which is set to open by the end of this year).

Referencing the building’s smaller size — at 710 feet tall, a good deal shorter than 10 Hudson Yards — Samuelian jokingly called 55 Hudson Yards “our boutique building,” and said Related will be focused on attracting a tenant base there that will be quite different than the massive companies moving into the two towers below West 33rd Street.

“It’s really going to be targeting law firms and financial firms,” he said. “In particular, the building is really suited to law firms because of its narrower floor plans, which fit with their more traditional approach to office space.”

Another of the developer's noteworthy properties just outside the rail yard — although it doesn’t carry a Hudson Yards address — is 500 West 30th Street, which is set to be completed this spring, and will be Related’s first residential tower in the immediate area to open its doors.

The 33-story building, which sits across from 10 Hudson Yards, includes a total of 390 apartments. Although a Related spokesperson later couldn't confirm how many of those units will be affordable, the building is, according to public documents, receiving a 421a tax break from the state, making

Continued on page 12

T o find the T o f ind the right doctor, right doctor, you need you need the right referral. the right referral.

888.7.NYU.MED 888.7.NYU.MED ( 888.769.8633 ) ( 888.769.8633 )

Having the right doctor is essential. When you call our Physician Referral a registered nursecall or aour referral Having the right doctorService, is essential.

When you specialistReferral will help you connect with the best doctor Physician Service, a registered nurse to ormeet a referral your healthcare needs.

They can also give you information specialist will help you connect with the best doctor to meet our doctors’ education, specialties, office languages yourabout healthcare needs.

They can also give youhours, information spoken and insurance participation. about our doctors’ education, specialties, office hours, languages spoken and insurance participation.

Be sure to ask about elective surgeries offered on weekends.

Be and sureprocedures to ask about elective surgeries and procedures offered on weekends.

4

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

Passed by Assembly, Women’s Equality Act Faces a Hostile Senate Continued from page 1 The legislation, A.8070, also passed the Assembly in 2013, but failed to pass in the Senate due to a combination of it being introduced in the last few days of the 2013 session, and the unwillingness of Republicans to pass point 10 of the legislation. Last year, this reproductive health legislation was introduced as a hostile amendment as Senate Bill 4174, but was ruled not germane on a vote of 32-30. Things will take a different turn this year if Assemblymember Deborah Glick has anything to do with it.

“We decided to introduce it very early this year, to give organizations with statewide membership a few months to really work the bill,” Glick told Chelsea Now. “So we passed it in the second week. The governor certainly has taken a public posture that we should pass the 10 points.”

Glick noted that in 2013, while the proposed legislation did pass the Assembly, the actual bill had not been available for distribution. She said that, although it had been discussed, those who were clearly anti-choice or religiously conservative had used the lack of a physical bill to spread erroneous information about the legislation.

“We were hamstrung in our ability to refute their claims, because the bill hadn’t been introduced,” said Glick. “When it was finally introduced, it was at the very end of the session, so regardless of how broadly things were discussed, there really wasn’t an actual bill to act upon.”

As soon as the legislation was made available, the Assembly debated and passed it with 98 yes votes — meaning that there were a lot of ‘no’ votes, and not just from Republicans, either.

While some of the proposed parts of the legislation tackling pay equity or domestic violence had floated around the Assembly for several years, they had not successfully moved to the Senate. When gathered together in the Women’s Equality Act, some of the proposed points were amended to become more voter-friendly. For example, while some Republican members of the Assembly voted ‘no’ year after year on pay equity adjustments to sick leave to care for sick family members, when the legislation was retooled as “Family Leave Time,” it was much more successful.

These changes have made the WEA more palatable to conservative forces; except, of course, the reproductive health freedoms outlined in point 10.

WHAT DOES THE LEGISLATION DO?

The Women’s Equality Act is a piece of legislation that strives toward full equity for women. The 10 points cover issues including securing pay equity, enacting a zero-

Courtesy of NOW NYC

Women’s groups come together — as the New York Women’s Equality Coalition — to support the bill during last year’s session.

tolerance policy for sexual harassment in the workplace, removing housing discrimination based on family status, providing reasonable accommodations for pregnancyrelated conditions, protecting domestic violence victims accessibility to orders of protection, strengthening human trafficking laws and ensuring that women have the freedom to choose in New York.

A detailed outline of the 10 points is as follows: 1. Strengthening laws that require Equal Pay for Equal Work: Women in New York earn only 84 percent of what men earn, and are paid significantly

less than jobs predominantly employing men. The WEA would close a loophole that allows employers to pay women less, and increase damages for prevailing litigants to 300 percent of unpaid wages.

2. Ending Sexual Harassment on the Job: In 2011, women filed 75 percent of all sexual harassment complaints with the NYS Division of Human Rights.

Businesses with less than four employees — 60 percent of private employers in New York State — are exempt.

The WEA would prohibit sexual harassment for ALL workplaces.

Continued on page 5

DONATE YOUR CAR Wheels For Wishes benefiting

Metro New York and Western New York *Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not

WheelsForWishes.org

Tax % 0 10 e ctibl u d De Call: (917) 336-1254

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

Women’s Equality Act Continued from page 4 3. Allowing for Attorney’s Fees in Employment, Credit, and Housing Sex Discrimination Cases: Women file approximately 77 percent of employment cases based on sex, and the majority of credit and lending discrimination cases. But if you can’t afford an attorney, you can’t seek redress. The WEA would allow for litigants who win a sex discrimination suit to collect attorney’s fees.

4. Ending Familial Status Discrimination: State law already prevents against familial status discrimination in housing and credit, but not employment. Women with children are less likely to be hired, losing an average of $434,000 over a 40-year career. The WEA would outlaw discrimination against parents in the workplace.

5.00 off on one day admission, with this ad.

$

8. Strengthening Laws Against Human Celebrate 21 years with ameriCa’s most Trafficking: Women and girls are reCognized glbt event in the heart of new york City. trafficked into labor or prostitution, but few perpetrators are held accountable. The WEA would increase penalties, create an affirmative trafficking defense in the case of prostitution charges and create a civil action for victims against their perpetrators.

Jacob Javits convention center, nYc 9. Ending Pregnancy Discrimination: Pregnant women in low-wage, physi0 40 ov e r o cally demanding jobs are often given r s! d n e v the boot or forced into unpaid leave

when they request temporary accommodations like more restroom breaks or a stool. The WEA would require top entertainment employers make reasonable accomAward Winning Performers in non-stop Entertainment. Main Stage produced by modations.

Ashley’s songs are unflinchingly Forself-­‐latest entertainment updates and performance schedules check out www.originalglbtexpo.com optimistic, fizzing with life affirming 10. Safeguarding Reproductive Health: reflections, sugary sass, sharp pop hooks, and undeniable beats. Her live The Supreme Court passed Roeperformances v. include legendary NYC Wedding discover venues such as Rockwood Music Hall, national and Wade in 1973, but New York’s laws Bowery Electric, Highline Ballroom and a Wishes for successful Australian tour. international GLBT Couples were enacted in 1970. Under state gLbt travel ITSASHLEYALLEN.com law, a woman’s health isn’t protect

21ST

marCh 22-23, 2014

2 Days Of Nightlife

FACBOOK.com/ITSASHLEYALLEN

YOUTUBE.com/ITSASHLEYALLEN

DOWNLOAD THE NEW “BODY Kayvon SAY NO, HEART SAY YES” EP AT: http://tinyurl.com/AA-­‐NEW-­‐EP

‘I remain hopeful, but given that it’s an election year, it certainly complicates the equation for the Republicans, who may be afraid of reprisals from the right-wing and the Tea Party.’—State Senator Brad Hoylman

• • • • • • • • • • •

Zand

Ashley Allen

Jade Starling

“Ashley Allen is, a surprising, fresh, young, and provocative new talent who is putting some substance into the pop world with a batch of infectiously catchy future hits that make you want to sing, dance, and wild-­‐out on the surface, but think, dream, and wonder on the inside” -­‐ Examiner.com

Ashley Allen’s Z100 Show Featured on NY1 Her Song “Body Say No, Heart Say Yes” Will Go to Pop Radio in Early 2014 “Let’s Go” Featured on Australia’s Channel 9 Promo (Comparable to NBC / CBS) AA was a Featured Performer at the 2013 Operation Smile Benefit Along with Aloe Blacc Performed at a WNBA Halftime Glamazons Show In Front of a Sold Out CJosh rowd Zuckerman Ashley Allen Featured on Kings of A&R and Chosen As One of the “Top 8 Emerging Artists” Opened for Chris Wallace at Highline Ballroom Ashley Performed as Part of 2013 New York City Fashion Week The “Let’s Go” Music Video Premiered on Artist Direct Performed at the 2013 CMJ, CBGB’s Festival & Miami Winter Music Conference Performed at Prom Jam Fashion Shows with Bravo Televisions Project Runway Stars

We are proud to present the 7th annual Video Lounge Bigger and Better

Xelle

Vivacious

A FREE PHOTO FOR ALL ATTENDEES OF THE EXPO

MANAGEMENT I LIZA LEE-­‐BENEDICT I LIZALEE.MGMT@GMAIL.com I 646.319.0720 AGENT I JON MOSKOWITZ I JON@UNIVERSALATTRACTIONS.com I 212.582.7575

Jay Blahnik

5. Ending Discrimination in Housing Based on Domestic Violence Victim Status & Source of Income: More than one in three women will experience rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner. Femaleheaded households account for 76 percent of all housing vouchers, including Section 8. The WEA would prohibit discrimination in leasing, selling or eviction because a tenant is a domestic violence victim, and would create a task force to study its impact.

6. Ensuring that Victims of Domestic Violence are Not Punished for “Violating” their own Order of Protection: Women get an order of protection against an offending party, and are then arrested when that party violates said order. The WEA would stop this.

7. Creating a Pilot Program for Remote Access to Orders of Protection: Protective orders end 33-77 percent of domestic violence. But in order to get an order of protection, a victim must testify before their abuser in court. The WEA would allow them to testify remotely.

ed in the case of serious complications that jeopardize her health. The WEA would ensure that a woman can access an abortion in New York State if her health is at risk.

Point 10 is where the contention lies.

In the 1970s, New York passed abortion rights, prior to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. The legislature failed to codify this federal law. The Women’s Equality Act would codify existing federal law to protect a woman’s right to obtain an abortion prior to 24 weeks, or in cases where the woman’s life or health are endangered. It would ensure that physicians cannot be criminally prosecuted for providing such care, and it retains provisions to prosecute those who harm pregnant women.

Aris

Selena Escobar Miss Mexico

Run Jenny

Aaron Paul

Take The Train To The show and save!

Ron B

Lady Clover Honey

Carmella Cann

Paul Hallasy

RaiL & show discount getaway Package

Click on Deals and Getaways at www.mta.info

Richard Leone

Cody Bondra

DJ Eleganza

find us on

Ranked by cRain’s business as one of nyc’s LaRgest events!

GOP WON’T CODIFY ROE V. WADE IN NY

“The hold-up is codifying a woman’s right to choose,” said Hoylman, adding that he believed it was “disgraceful” that the leadership of the Senate was keeping this provision from making it to the floor for a vote.

Continued on page 16

For information on exhibiting and attending: RDP Group 800-243-9774 info@rdpgroup.com • originalglbtexpo.com

5

6

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

CCBA Contemplates Borders, Meters, Boards MUNI METERS

In the 2013 Progress Report of Chelsea Now, we mentioned our support of a request by small business owners on the south side of the 100 block of West 17th Street, who wanted to change some of the Muni Meter parking regulations from only allowing commercial parking to regular parking — which would allow parking for passenger vehicles. The store owners felt that the changes would be helpful to their businesses, as it would allow shoppers to park by their stores.

CB4 approved the request and forwarded it to the Department of Transportation whose Bureau of Parking did a land use and occupancy survey and they also approved the request. The new signs were installed in March of 2013 to the delight of the store owners who requested the change.

Continued from page 1 But before we begin to tell you about the work we do, some introductions are in order. Currently, 15 block associations covering 28 blocks in Chelsea are associated with the CCBA (the ones with an asterisk are in the process of being formed). They are: the 100/200 and the 300 West 15th Street, 100 & 200 West 16th Street, 100 West 17th Street, 300 West 18th/19th Street, 100 West 19th/20th/21st/22nd Street*, 200 West 19th/20th/21st/22nd/23rd Street [south side], 500 West 19th Street, the 300 and the 400 West 20th Street, 300 West 21st/22nd/23rd Street [south side], 400 West 21st/22nd/23rd Street [south side], 100 West 25th Street* and 100 West 26th Street.

COTERMINALITY

In December of 2012, we were notified that Police Commissioner Kelly had rejected our request to make police services coterminous with our community board catchment area. The affected area: West 14th Street to West 26th Street, Sixth to Seventh Avenue from the 13th Precinct to the 10th Precinct. The Commissioner cited some recent Precinct changes they made in Downtown Brooklyn and the so-called difficulties they encountered in doing so. The CCBA was, and still is, very disappointed with the decision that was made, especially because our requested change would align our boundaries with Community Board 4 (CB4) and make for a much better delivery of police services to the area.

With the recent elections, we trust that our new city administration will be more progressive in dealing with, and responding to, our community issues and concerns. The CCBA will be coordinating additional outreach for the purpose of adding more names to those that have already voiced support of the effort to change the police precinct coverage boundaries.

We have requested a meeting with Gale Brewer (our new Manhattan Borough President) and the police precinct issue is very high on our agenda of matters we feel are of mutual concern to discuss with her. Outreach has also been made to our new District 3 City Councilmember Corey Johnson, our State Senator Brad Hoylman, our longtime State Assemblymember Dick Gottfried and our new CB4 Chair, Christine Berthet. It should be noted that State Senator Hoylman announced, at February full board meeting of CB4, that that a letter signed by him and our other local electeds was sent to our new Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, raising the issue of our longstanding request.

Photos by Scott Stiffler

Muni Meter parking spaces remain the exclusive domain of commercial vehicles, on the north side of W. 17th St.’s 100 block.

POSSIBLE CLOSING OF OLD CHELSEA STATION POST OFFICE

Last year, Chelsea was faced with the prospect of having our Old Chelsea Station Post Office, located at 217 West 18th Street, closed. Needless to say, CCBA — along with CB4, many residents of our community and other groups, as well as our elected officials and their staff — became galvanized by this issue and worked together by making calls, sending e-mails, signing petitions, arranging for meetings and lobbying the appropriate people. As a result of this combined, coordinated effort, the decision to close the facility has been taken off the burner (at least for the moment). We will continue to monitor the situation.

COOPERATION AMONG COMMUNITY BOARDS

With the election of a new Manhattan Borough President, achieving better cooperation among community boards with regard to matters of mutual concern is something the CCBA would like to see.

In the past, for example, there had been a joint CB2 and CB4 14th Street Committee that addressed issues affecting both sides of West 14th Street.

It is relevant to note that at a recent CB4 meeting dealing with the selling of air rights by the Hudson River Park Trust, CB2’s Chairperson was in attendance and he suggested that it would be helpful if a joint committee of both community boards was formed. At the time, CB4 felt that it was premature to act on the request, but said that it was something that they could consider and discuss in the future.

Another example of activity crossing community board boundary lines is the current effort to form a new Business Improvement District (BID) — which would combine the current activities of the Meatpacking District Improvement

Small business owners hope public access to Muni Meter spaces, on the south side of W. 17th St., will make the block more appealing to shoppers.

Continued on page 7

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014



On the Block: CCBA Concerns 









Photo by Scott Stiffler

Old Chelsea Station Post Office has been taken off the chopping block, for now.

Continued from page 6 Association with the Chelsea Improvement Company, into one BID. The catchment area would cover the area from Horatio Street to West 17th Street and from west of Eighth Avenue to east of Twelfth Avenue. The CCBA realizes that there are those who oppose the plan for different reasons as well as others who support the plan for a variety of reasons. It is only mentioned here as an example of the concept of having residents who live in different Community Board districts working together on common issues/ problems/concerns.

The CCBA voted not to take a group position. We felt that the decision should be made by the individual block associations falling within the boundaries of the proposed BID. However, we are supportive of efforts to have joint cooperation and activity with other community boards, when appropriate.

QUALITY OF LIFE CONCERTS

Throughout the past year, CB4 notified the CCBA about applications being made to the Board regarding a variety of planned establishments. The purpose of sharing this information is to make the community aware about what is planned for the sites and to allow for feedback from those who live (and work) nearby. The feedback usually relates to matters of concern such as hours of operation, disturbing noise from music and patrons, obstruction of sidewalk, potential impact on traffic (especially if the establishment will be having events for large numbers of patrons), odors from kitchen vents, unruly behavior of patrons, etc.

One example is The Meatball Shop, at 200 Ninth Avenue. The CCBA supported their sidewalk cafe application and it was approved. However, after a while there were some noise concerns raised about loud music being played in the basement of the restaurant which was bothersome to residents living close by. Along with local residents, the CCBA met with the restaurant owner in a constructive dialogue. The situation was discussed and an agreement was reached to stop the live music causing the problem. This is a fine example of cooperation between a business owner and the community.

FRIENDS OF 20TH STREET PARK

CCBA has been supporting the group Friends of 20th Street Park, which has identified an empty lot at 136 West 20th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues) as a site for a small neighborhood park. The lot was vacated by the Department of Sanitation and seems ideal for the park-starved area of East Chelsea.

Unfortunately, the group’s efforts became somewhat complicated because they were not aware that many years ago, CB4 had designated the site for affordable housing. Although there is a lot of community support for the park, with a tremendous number of people signing petitions and sending letters, the group did not want to get into what some call “a battle for a small piece of the pie” by park advocates “against” affordable housing advocates.

The well-organized Friends of 20th Street Park have been spending a lot of time and energy looking for an alternate site where the affordable housing units could be created and built. The goal is to

Continued on page 18



         

7

8

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

9

Google Wants Cut of Meatpacking BID as Residents Stew

BY LINCOLN ANDERSON Is Google part of the Meatpacking District?

Of course, you could probably just Google that to try to find out the answer.

Nevertheless, there was a vigorous discussion about the subject at a community outreach meeting on Monday, February 3, as part of the process of creating a new Meatpacking Business Improvement District (BID).

Specifically, the planned BID’s northern boundary isn’t West 14th Street —which many consider to be the northern limit of the Meatpacking District — but West 17th Street.

Google, which would be one of the heavy hitters in the BID, is located between 15th and 16th Streets. Other major property owners in the planned district, but also north of 14th Street, include the Dream and Maritime hotels and Chelsea Market.

The proposed district’s other boundaries are Eighth Avenue on the east, Horatio Street on the south and the West Side Highway on the west.

Lauren Danziger, executive director of the Meatpacking District Improvement Association (MPIA), and planning adviser Carl Weisbrod gave a presentation of the specific BID-to-be — and about what BIDs, in general, do — before opening up the meeting to questions.

BIDs typically supplement city services by providing things like extra sanitation, public safety, plantings and upkeep of public plazas, programming and marketing for the district.

Weisbrod’s stint advising the startup BID, however, would prove to be short-lived. Just four days later, the HR&A Advisors partner was tapped by Mayor de Blasio to be chairperson of the City Planning Commission.

The audience of about 25 to 30 — including local business owners, residents and community board members — was told that after the BID is formed, MPIA would continue to exist, serving as a local development corporation, or LDC, partnered with the BID. Meanwhile, the current Chelsea Improvement Company (CIC) would be absorbed into MPIA. Both MPIA, which currently covers the district south of 14th Street, and CIC, which covers it north of 14th Street, could be called voluntary or private BIDs, in that, unlike as with a city-sanctioned BID, the city doesn’t assess all the property owners in these districts a special tax that is then funneled back into these areas.

Local businesses currently only voluntarily contribute to these two organizations.

Danziger said the two “pseudo-BIDs” that exist now just can’t keep pace with the needs of the burgeoning district, which in the years to come will see the arrival of the new Whitney Museum on Gansevoort Street, the redevelopment of Pier 57 on West 16th Street, plus new developments at 837 and 860 Washington Street and the Prince Lumber site.

“I think it means a long-term, proactive solution to a district that is constantly evolving,” she said. “For the amount of tourism, and the amount of visiting, and as a place where more and more people are headquartering their businesses — we’re only going to get more foot

A map showing the proposed boundaries of the planned Meatpacking District business improvement district, as well as some of its notable business presences and current and future attractions. None of the Hudson River Park or its piers would be included in the BID.

traffic. But we are currently underserviced. We can only do so much on donations.”

Commercial property owners within the new BID’s boundaries would annually be assessed 22 cents per square foot. Residential property owners would be asked to provide a token $1 total per year. The district’s square footage is about 20 percent residential.

Danziger noted that 4,000 information packets about the BID were recently mailed out — one to every address, whether commercial or residential, in the district. Included among the materials was a support form, intended to be returned to MPIA to help gauge whether the initiative has sufficient backing.

For the city to approve a new BID, it’s required that strong support for the effort from all constituents be demonstrated.

The next step will be to create a district plan within the next few months to lay out, among other things, what services the BID will specifically provide — in this case, basically, the typical ones — its budget and its formal constitution. The point when the application is formally delivered to the city’s Department

of Small Business Services is still a ways off, Danziger said. A vote by the City Council would follow down the road.

Danziger said there is “a natural flow” between the several blocks in southern Chelsea and the Meatpacking District.

Employees at Google and visitors at the Dream and Maritime all enjoy going down to the Meatpacking District, she said. In other words, the Meatpacking District makes the blocks north of 14th Street attractive for businesses and visitors alike.

However, Benjamin Stark, representing Christopher Reda, owner of several Meatpacking District businesses, said his client objects to including the blocks north of 14th Street.

Reda owns the Sugar Factory, a dessert and brunch place that opened in April, The Griffin nightclub and Gansevoort Market, set to open in June, featuring 24 different food stations.

“If you take out the very large properties — Google and Chelsea Market — Chelsea is a residential area,” Stark declared afterward.

“We don’t understand why the Meatpacking

District is being exported. Extending three blocks northward seems innocent — but my client and other tenants have a vested interest in that intangible quality that is the Meatpacking District.”

For her part, Danziger said she just “doesn’t get” why there is this opposition to include these northern blocks.

The Chelsea section will disproportionately fund the district’s maintenance, she added, since about 55 percent of the assessed square footage is located north of 14th Street, while 55 percent of the actual sidewalk and outdoor area — that will need cleaning and other services — is south of 14th Street.

“The work is being done in the south, and the northern part is paying for it,” she explained of the dynamic that would exist.

“The reality of the numbers is you just don’t have enough if you only take the Meatpacking District.”

According to a source, the opposition to adding the Chelsea blocks is coming solely from one Meatpacking District property owner.

William Floyd, head of external affairs for Google New York, told the meeting the tech giant isn’t interested in the BID as a means to further boost the area as a club zone.

“As a property owner,” he assured, “we’re not in the business of promoting clubs. We’re in the business of promoting business. We have 4,000 employees.”

Speaking afterward, he said, “I don’t understand the north-south thing. The northern part of the BID district is all commercial.”

Google owns its massive, full-square-block building at 111 Eighth Avenue, having purchased it for $1.8 billion in 2010. Floyd noted that, with 2.16 million square feet, it’s arguably the city’s second-largest building in terms of square footage, behind only 55 Water Street, though 1 World Trade Center, when completed, will be the largest.

Meanwhile, Ritu Chattree, a 61 Jane Street resident, had another pressing concern — namely, that the Meatpacking District is currently a quality-of-life nightmare for residential neighbors. She wanted to ensure that any future BID would represent the needs of residents, particularly regarding issues of traffic mitigation and public safety.

“Have you ever been out there at 1:30 at night? I did a walk-through with Corey Johnson before the election,” she told our sister paper, The Villager, after the meeting. “It was like Mardi Gras in a confined space. We have screaming, we have traffic backing up to Bank Street. The volume of the noise coming out of the places is incredible. The Gansevoort Hotel is a horrible neighbor. You could have a party on the ground floor of the hotel from all the music from the rooftop club, Plunge.”

However, Danziger told the meeting she feels the interests of businesses and residents are “aligned.”

“MPIA has a good reputation of being open to conversations,” she said. “We can have more conversations. We can have a meeting.”

Continued on page 10

10

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

BID Getting No Love for Pushing Over the Borderline Continued from page 9

Blue Planet Grill is happy to introduce their first Neapolitan Pizza in the Financial District of New York City. Visit Blue Planet Grill and indulge yourself with the mouthwatering pizza, fresh baked in our rotating brick oven, using the finest ingredients, and created by a true master of pizza baking

Blue Planet Grill Neapolitan Pizza

120 Greenwich Street, NYC, NY 10006 212-571-1700 | Blueplanetgrillnyc.com

Weisbrod noted that he was involved in getting the city’s original BID law passed in 1980. He was also instrumental in the turnaround of Times Square, which benefitted early on from a BID. In short, BIDs don’t push quality-of-life problems into residential areas on their edges, as one might expect could happen. Instead, they have a positive impact on surrounding areas, he said.

“As the core does better, the periphery ends up benefiting,” he explained. Also, he added, a BID is self-enforcing. “There’s a tremendous amount of peer pressure on a BID for businesses to be responsible,” he noted.

Posting unarmed BID public safety officers at “obstreperous locations” can help cool them down, he added.

David Gruber, chairperson of Community Board 2, said of his board, “We like the idea of a BID. I think the problem is, down the road, when this group of people [at the BID] is no longer on the scene. What the BID does not only impacts the BID area, but has a longerrange effect…15 years down the line.”

Gruber said the community would like to see more in writing on exactly what the BID will and won’t do.

The BID’s steering committee includes two residents who live within the district, Jim Jasper and Donna Raftery, plus Gruber and Betty Mackintosh, a Community Board 4 member. Several business owners on the steering committee also live in the district.

So, for the record, how far north did the working Meat Market actually extend in its heyday?

“I’m not sure there is a single clear answer,” Andrew Berman, executive director of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, later told The Villager. “The Gansevoort Market Historic District we proposed [for landmarking], which was adopted by the state and feds — but scaled back by the city — did go to 16th Street, including the old Nabisco factories, which are now Chelsea Market. Nabisco were never meatpackers, but it was wholesale food production and shipping. Meatpackers tended to be limited to the north side of 14th Street and below, with some exceptions.

“That said,” Berman added, “I’m not sure any of this really settles the question of where the BID’s boundary should be. Certainly, the Meatpacking District and southwest Chelsea are much different neighborhoods than they used to be.”

For more information on the BID proposal, visit meatpackingbid.org.

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

11

High Line’s Final Section to Tap Rustic Past

Courtesy of Friends of the High Line

As it was, so shall it be: High Line at the Rail Yards will pay tribute to the elevated park’s pre-construction look.

BY SCOTT STIFFLER So much for the notion that a series runs out of ideas with each successive sequel. Set to open this fall after nearly two years of construction, the final installment of the High Line trilogy will cultivate a throwback aesthetic unlike the one offered along Sections I and II. Although High Line at the Rail Yards (as Section III has been dubbed) will feature an additional half-mile of the

same familiar walkways currently found from 14th to 30th Streets, pedestrians will be surrounded by horticulture that invokes an era of untamed beauty, when nature still claimed what would become the elevated park we know today.

“Unlike the more cultivated plant beds of Sections I and II, High Line at the Rail Yards is going to feel much more wild,” says Jenny Gersten, who recently joined Friends of the High Line as their new Executive Director.

Photo by Scott Stiffler

At the gates: A view from the end of Section II, at 30th Street.

“The main difference will be seen in the western section of the Rail Yards, where visitors can see the self-sewn landscape that grew after the trains stopped running in 1980. The plantings will illustrate the original found condition of the High Line.”

Species native to New York, which have not been used before, include common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), bushclover or roundhead bushclover (Lespedeza capitata), rough dropseed

(Sporobol) and early goldenrod (Solidago juncea). Sorghastrum nutans and several species of switchgrasses will also be part of the final section’s unique look.

The resulting environment will compliment the rapidly developing area just beyond the park. “When we open in the fall,” says Gersten, “it will feel like a wild piece of land, from which our visitors are going to have an incredible view of Hudson Yards as it continues its construction phase.”

Photos by Timothy Schenck, courtesy of Friends of the High Line

Much of the planking is in place, and all of the interim walkway (where the High Line curves north at the intersection of West 30th Street and 12th Avenue) is in.

12

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

Hudson Yards Moving On Up

Courtesy of Related Companies

10 Hudson Yards, on track for completion by 2015, is the future home of Coach, L’Oreal USA and software giant SAP.

Continued from page 3 it so-called “80/20 housing,” in which 20 percent of the units are affordable — in this case, 78 out of the 390 total units.

Another relatively recent development affecting Related’s properties in the area was the approval of the Hudson Yards/ Hell’s Kitchen Business Improvement District (BID), which was signed by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg on December 30, just before he left office. The BID, which spans from West 30th to West 42nd Street, between Ninth and 11th Avenues, will use its initial $1.2 million operating budget to maintain the city's Hudson Park and Boulevard, as well as promoting local businesses and helping to keep the streets clean.

The budget will be funded primarily by new taxes on properties within the BID, and a sizable portion of that burden will certainly come out of the hands of Related, although a spokesperson for the developer declined to give any details. Members of the BID’s steering committee have said in the past that they were pleased with Related’s willingness over the past year to jump onboard with their plan — but Samuelian pointed out that the developer was, at first, somewhat tentative about supporting the BID. “There were a lot of discussions about it, just because it seemed like kind of a double dip for us, since we’re already charged with operating and maintaining all of our own public space, and our neighbors aren’t contributing to that,” he said. “And the fact that we’re going to be burdened by contributing to the BID means that we're now also going to be paying for parks to the north that anyone can use, so it seemed a little unfair to burden [our] Eastern Rail Yards with that.”

But, Samuelian explained, Related even-

tually took the high road and chose to back the plan — probably alleviating a great deal of concern among the BID’s founders.

“We’re full members now, and we’ll be cooperative because we we’re a part of the West Side, and we want this all to succeed,” he said. “We understand that we’re a big player in the neighborhood, so we have to help make it great.”

That role as a neighborhood partner — a role that includes not just linking to parks and the High Line, but finally bridging the community gap between Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen — seems to remain at the forefront of Related’s collective consciousness, as it positions itself among the city’s other major developers.

During his response to a question about potential competition from rivals around the area, Samuelian paused, and then pointed out of the Columbus Circle office toward Extell’s famous — or, depending on who you ask, infamous — One57 building, which will eventually open as the city’s tallest luxury residential tower.

“We’re not making buildings like that, buildings that are pure vanity,” he said.

“We’re making buildings that are beautiful, but they’re practical, and they add value to the community.”

As he and his colleagues have said in the past, Samuelian stressed that the diversity of Hudson Yards — particularly the vast public space, cultural institution and retail, in addition to the high end commercial and residential — is what sets the development apart.

“Anybody can build a great office building or a great residential building, and there’s a lot of great developers in New York,” he said.

“But very few have the ability to do it all at once, to include these other amenities and find the right balance in what you’re providing. That's what I think we’re doing here.”

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

Brookfield Bolsters Manhattan West Project with Overhaul of 33rd St. Office Space

13

Cold Outside? FREE LOCAL DELIVERY! DINER FREE

WiFi

212-924-3709 | 400 West 23rd St. THANK YOU! Sometimes, in the rush of business life, we fail to say, “Thank You” loud enough. Nevertheless, you can be sure that your patronage is never taken for granted.

Sunday - Thursday 6am - 2am | Friday & Saturday Open 24 Hours

WEST 23RD BETWEEN 7TH & 8TH

212-777-3456

Courtesy of Brookfield Office Properties

Inside the revamped 450 W. 33rd St.: halfpipes and running tracks?

BY SAM SPOKONY Brookfield Office Properties will soon begin a $200 million renovation of 450 West 33rd Street — a move the company says will integrate the office building as an “important lynchpin” within its forthcoming, mixed-use Manhattan West development.

Work on the 16-story, 1.7 million-squarefoot building ― which sits just east of 10th Avenue ― is set to begin this spring and is scheduled to be completed by summer 2016, according to Brookfield, which announced the plan on February 10.

The project features a striking exterior overhaul that will update the 44-yearold structure’s sloping sides with a unique, pleated glass facade. It also includes major upgrades to interior mechanical systems, an expansion of the building’s lobby and the construction of six new elevators in addition to the current 10.

Brookfield C.E.O. Dennis Friedrich said during the announcement event that, when the company first bought 450 West 33rd Street in 2011, he saw the building as a “diamond in the rough” within the rapidly transforming West Side.

“Now we’re excited to take it to the next level,” said Friedrich, stressing that the

redevelopment will particularly enhance its intrinsic benefits for potential tenants. The building is already relatively unique, with extremely high ceilings ― which range from 14 to 27 feet ― and massive open floor areas that in some cases stretch more than 100,000 square feet.

Based on the new plans, vacant space within the wide tower ― which is currently home to the Associated Press and Gay Men’s Health Crisis ― is now attracting a lot of interest from major companies in the media, fashion and technology sectors, according to Brookfield. In particular, the tech firms seem interested in using the huge spaces as springboards for some outlandishly creative endeavors.

“We’ve had potential tenants look into putting in rock climbing walls, skateboard halfpipes and a running track,” said Jerry Larkin, Brookfield’s Senior VP of Leasing.

“This building gives that kind of flexibility.”

Regarding exterior work, the project’s lead architect explained that the new glass window facade, marked by its outward “kink,” will provide additional benefits in terms of both attractiveness and energy sustainability.

Continued on page 14

EVERY THURSDAY at 7:00 PM HOSTED BY HEDDA LETTUCE

MAR 13TH

MAR 20TH MAR 6TH

xes

lounge THURSDAY NIGHT SPECIAL 157 W 24th St. One free drink with your Chelsea Classics ticket stub.

BowTieCinemas.com

Facebook.com/BowTieCinemas

@BowTieCinemas

14

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

Manhattan West Platform Moving Ahead of Schedule Continued from page 13 “It will give an enormous amount of natural daylight, without sacrificing the thermal capabilities of the facade,” said architect Joshua Prince-Remus, principal of REX. He added that, while his firm is based in New York City, this will be its first major project undertaken within the area.

Echoing the remarks of the Brookfield executives, Prince-Remus stated that his work will serve to highlight the distinctive qualities of the building’s office space, setting it apart from “more typical spaces” along the burgeoning West Side.

“It has the ability to provide much more creative, free-planned, support spaces as an adjunct to all of this,” he said of 450 West 33rd Street. “We think that’s a very important injection within an otherwise traditional high end development.”

Citing recently highlighted problems with other city buildings ― particularly 1 World Trade Center ― involving the formation of potentially dangerous ice on large facades, the architect explained that his team is developing new cleaning and heating infrastructure to accommodate the unusual window shape.

“The new techniques will guarantee that we don’t have those problems with sheeting of ice and snow,” he said.

But above all, Prince-Remus stressed his

Courtesy of Brookfield Office Properties

An interior view shows off the pleated glass facade plan for 450 W. 33rd St.

belief that the developer is taking a very positive step by choosing to renovate the aging 450 West 33rd Street, rather than demolishing it and starting anew.

“The core of this, the single most important

How Can I Lower My Co-Pay? Come in & ask Aleks, your neighborhood pharmacist!

Refill Online Free Rx Pickup & Delivery

Aleksandr Abdurakhmanov Pharm.D., R.Ph. Your Neighborhood Pharmacist

154 9th Ave. (between W. 19th & 20th Sts.), New York, NY 10011 Phone: 212-255-8000 // Fax: 212-255-8002

www.chelsearoyalcarepharmacy.com

thing here is the commitment by Brookfield to take this very large building and give it a second life,” said the architect, adding he hopes this project alone will keep it going for another 50 to 100 years.

Brookfield executives also pointed out that, with integration in mind, the completed overhaul of the building will also leave it with a new name: 5 Manhattan West.

And they reminded attendees of the announcement that a key element of the overall Manhattan West development ― a $4.5 billion effort that will cover the five-acre span between West 31st and 33rd Streets, from Ninth Avenue to Dyer Avenue ― is already well underway.

In January 2013, the developer began construction on a three-acre platform that will eventually allow it to begin building out the entire Manhattan West site, which is planned to include two 60-story commercial towers, a luxury residential tower, a hotel and 2.1 acres of new public space.

“We really put our money where our mouths were on that one, and we just got right underway,” Friedrich said at the February 10 event, referencing the start of work on the platform. “And just a few weeks ago, we [finished] the first span that’s going to make up the platform and support the whole project.”

With that recent milestone in mind, he added that work on the platform is actually “slightly ahead of schedule,” and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Based on that timeline, Brookfield plans to open the first office tower by 2016 ― a goal that, if met, would place the new development squarely in line with the completion of renovations to 450 West 33rd Street.

Swift completion of the platform would also see Brookfield rise relatively on pace alongside the massive new development on the other side of 10th Avenue ― namely, Related Companies’ Hudson Yards project,

which is reportedly starting construction on its own 10-acre platform soon, and which hopes to complete its first, 52-story office tower by the end of 2015.

As of now, the entire Manhattan West project is estimated to be completed by 2020, according to Brookfield.

And regarding Brookfield’s planned public space within the development, its total acreage is actually a newly increased figure, up from an original plan of 1.5 acres.

Several days before its announcement regarding 450 West 33rd Street, Brookfield told Community Board 4 that it had applied for a zoning change ― which will ultimately have to be approved by the city ― to bump up the public space to 2.1 acres. The space ― comprising of a series of interconnected plazas ― is being designed by James Corner Field Operations, which also designed the walkway of the nearby High Line park.

“One of the things we’re very excited about is the opportunity to create a dramatic increase in open space for the neighborhood,” said Keith O’Connor, an associate partner with the James Corner firm (and who has previously worked for New York City’s Department of City Planning), at the aforementioned February 10 event. “And while this is going to be a series of open spaces that all have different sizes, spatial characteristics and amenities, it’s important to note that they’re all integrated in a singular way, under the overall plan.”

The three key elements of the space, according to his firm’s plan, are the Entry Plaza, a Central Plaza and an Art Plaza.

The Entry Plaza, facing Ninth Avenue, will be an “animated, active space to welcome visitors,” featuring lush trees, as well as seating areas with some tables, O’Connor explained.

The Central Plaza ― the main area which will fill more than an acre, or just over half the total space ― will extend from there, leading through the space between Manhattan West’s two 60-story office towers, featuring more greenery. That space will also include a stage area for concerts and other performances, as well as a retail pavilion spanning around 100 feet wide.

He further explained that the Art Plaza, planned for the corner of Ninth Avenue and West 31st Street, will be deliberately designed with a more flexibly open area in order to accommodate, unsurprisingly, one or more large works of art.

“There will be the opportunity to place something really monumental there, a significant piece, such as a sculpture,” said O’Connor.

The installation of some particularly iconic piece of public art within Manhattan West could perhaps parallel ― or, on the other hand, rival ― a similar idea that’s already being planned just blocks away at Hudson Yards. Last October, it was announced that Related had hired renowned British artist Thomas Heatherwick to design a “new icon for the city,” as a centerpiece of Hudson Yards’ public plaza. Brookfield hasn’t made any such announcement for its own art space ― at least not yet.

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

worrying about those guys who only care about getting me in bed...frankly, I haven't had any time to talk to guys at all!

It's a perfect situation, really. Working 9 to 5, heading home, feeding my babies, giving them each some love and then curling up with them to go to sleep! The truth is, I feel so secure now, that I don't know if I'll ever have to stress out about guys again. Anyway, marriage and kids are so overrated.

Thanks again!

Oh, dear. I’m afraid I’ve mended a broken heart at the expense of creating a cat-hoarder. Well, they can’t all be unqualified successes. Now, here’s a more encouraging missive from No Nicotine Nancy — who questioned whether she should cut short a potential romance, because her gentleman friend smoked. My advice: “If his cigarettes bother you, pipe up!”

Dear Aunt Chelsea:

Dear Readers:

Like the whimsical sight of a pebble mischievously thrown into a lake brimming with troubled waters, I take great pleasure in witnessing the ripple effect of my efforts. Ever since Chelsea Now’s tough but fair editor encouraged me to slip the surly bonds of early retirement to share my special brand of wisdom, I have been hearing back from this newspaper’s rich tapestry of readers — whose tales of advice (taken, ignored or liberally interpreted) provides its own set of life lessons. So, in the spirit of our Progress Report, here are a few follow-up letters.

Shortly after the first of the year, I heard from “Lovestruck Lisa.” This young lady, obviously new to the dating pool, claimed to be in “Hookup Heaven,” but was in fact living the false fantasy that her nostrings New Year’s Eve dalliance had real relationship potential. A little reading between the lines tipped your old Aunt Chelsea off to the fact that this gal was on her way to a restraining order. I advised her to stop stalking her reluctant Romeo, and get a cat.

Dear Aunt Chelsea:

Thank you so much for getting me out of that rut! Gosh, I was so clueless after New Year's — falling for someone who didn’t give me the time of day, and then living in denial. If only I had some close friends as savvy as you, who could keep me on my toes and in touch with reality.

And, speaking of that, one particular piece of advice you shared has really helped me out.

Remember when you said that I should go to a rescue shelter and adopt a cat? Well, I adopted six! They are so special — Mindy, Timmy, Francis, Lucy, Jeffrey and Stephen — all cuties! Ever since I took their smiling faces home to my cozy little studio last week, I haven't had to waste any time

I think you should know what happened after I took your advice about my friend who smokes. I called him up and told him that I could no longer see him, as I had developed feelings for him. I let him know a relationship was not possible, as he was a smoker and I could not be in a serious relationship with a smoker. My friend was incredible.

He said that he had feelings for me too, and was worried about the smoking, because it had turned off other women in the past. We then had a great conversation about habits and addiction and how they so easily can become an obstacle to what we really want in life: health, happiness and love. It was a long conversation, and we ended it deciding to leave things as they are.

I was sad, and I missed him, but it felt like the right thing to do. I then saw him two weeks later at a party...smoking an e-cigarette! He laughed and said he thought he needed to “up his game,” and he winked at me. I don’t know what lies ahead, but no matter what, it has been a healthy experience for both of us. Thank you, Aunt Chelsea!

Ah, young love. Is there anything better? Well, yes — helping a wallflower blossom into a social butterfly! Back in the early fall, “Lonely Freshman” didn’t find the warm community she expected, after moving onto a small campus. I advised her to engage in an extracurricular activity (like the Forensics club that changed my life). She took my advice, but went a little too far out onto the tree of life’s “nerd branch” for me.

But she seems to be happy, and that’s what matters.

Let’s all try to remember that other folks favor different strokes.

Progress Report

c o s r H o o pe s Aries You will have a brief but torrid affair with the dead ringer for a pedestrian in an architectural rendering for a high rise yet to be built.

Taurus Near the fenced off point where the High Line’s

final section begins, you will find a self-destructing tape with instructions for your next dangerous assignment. Accept!

Gemini Weary co-workers delight in the tale of your sexy misreading of a newly installed Muni Meter sign.

Cancer Spring brings the promise of progress, as it heralds the chance to shed layers, nasty habits and bad attitudes.

Leo The sight of State Senator Brad Hoylman on a Citi Bike will inspire you to reduce your own work commute’s carbon footprint.

Virgo A strong and lasting alliance is formed upon hooking up with a likeminded soul at the next CB4 Chelsea Land Use Committee meeting.

Libra Wrack up massive karma points by attending a community event promoted in City Councilmember Corey Johnson’s next e-newsletter. Wise Mystico subscribed by sending his request to: district3@council.nyc.gov.

Scorpio The monthly amount of an apartment in that Affordable Housing lottery you lost is your lucky number, every Thursday in March.

Sagittarius Take too much pleasure in those two steps back, and you’ll never get more than one step forward.

Capricorn Rental space for your pet cause fundraiser will be

Dear Aunt Chelsea:

I want to thank you for your advice. You were right! Life has been absolutely wonderful since I joined the Live Action Role-Playing club. The forced nods and grimaces I used to face in the hallways are now combatted by the fierce shield of Dagmar, a weapon our members must carry with them at all times. My confidence is so infectious that the club president, a handsome warlock, asked me out on a date! After our weekly skirmish in the

Continued on page 19

15

paid for with a generous donation from the fine folks at Campbell’s.

Man, that soup is Mmm Mmm Good!

Aquarius A vote cast in Albany will unleash a cascade of trickle down effects upon your summer travel plans.

Pisces A new acquaintance will engage you in a highly

interpretive debate about the heights of 1 World Trade Center and the Hudson Spire.

16

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

For Equality Act, Reproductive Rights Still a Sticking Point Continued from page 5 “Women in New York State deserve to know where their senators stand on reproductive health,” said Hoylman. “It’s a basic healthcare right that's been affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court, so it’s understandable the urgency of advocates who want a vote on all ten points.”

Last year, independent Democrats in the Senate assisted in defeating the bill when they empowered Republicans to be given a veto over what legislation would come to the floor for a vote. They then argued that

that the problem with breaking the legislation into individual pieces was that it made it that much easier for Senate Republicans to walk away from the reproductive health piece of the legislation.

“That’s why the caucus of women in the Assembly has been standing firm for keeping all 10 pieces together, and the Democratic men have been standing with them,” said Gottfried.

Hoylman echoed this sentiment, saying that while he would take the lead of the advocates who’ve been working on these issues for decades, as well as his Senate conference leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins,

‘You can’t say it’s a Women’s Equality Bill when what’s left out is the right to make our own healthcare decisions.’

—Assemblymember Deborah Glick

liberals introduced the so-called “hostile amendment” to add reproductive legislation, after the 10-point package had been agreed upon.

“My sense is that despite what I understand was an initial agreement on the tenpoint package, Senate Republicans refused to touch the codifying of the 1973 court decision,” said Assemblymember Dick Gottfried. “I think that puts them way out of line with the majority of New Yorkers, but that’s where they’ve aligned themselves.”

Hoylman credited his colleagues in the Assembly for recognizing the importance of all ten points of the Women’s Equality Act, including the tenth point that has held up action in the Senate: a woman’s right to choose.

“It’s pretty shocking that in this day and age that the Senate leadership is refusing to bring to the floor legislation that would codify in state law Roe v. Wade — a Supreme Court decision that is over forty years old,” said Hoylman.

WHY NOT A PIECEMEAL APPROACH?

Some have argued that the strategy to break the legislation up like this was good, as the Senate was willing to pass nine out of the ten points. But Glick noted that it was the wrong strategy for anyone who wanted to pass legislation around a woman’s right to choose.

“They passed the nine points and said how great they were on women’s issues, when they were terrible on [them],” said Glick, who made references to the ‘inside baseball’ that surrounded the 2013 package. “Now, we should just go back and do it right. You can’t say it’s a Women’s Equality Bill when what’s left out is the right to make our own healthcare decisions.”

Gottfried echoed this sentiment, saying

he believed that strategically, they should not settle for only nine provisions of the ten-point plan. The openly gay senator drew parallels to the fight for transgender inclusion in the Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Law (SONDA).

“The argument I’ve heard against voting on the provisions of WEA piecemeal compares it to [SONDA], the state gay rights law,” he explained. “Transgender people were left out of SONDA to help secure passage on the theory they could be added later. More than a decade later, however, this hasn't happened and as a result you can still legally discriminate against transgender people in parts of New York.” Sometimes, you don’t get the chance to go back for the ones you left behind.

LEGISLATON HAS CUOMO’S SUPPORT

Part of the difficulties of getting the Women’s Equality Act passed last year had to do, ironically enough, with the overwhelming support of incoming Governor Andrew Cuomo, who pushed for the legislation during his 2013 State of the State address.

“New York State is the equality capital of the nation, but we still have more to do…because not everyone has reached full equality in our society. We passed marriage equality; let’s make history again and pass the Women’s Equality Act in the State of New York,” said Cuomo excitedly during his 2013 State of the State address. “We have a 10-point agenda…but we need to protect a woman’s freedom of choice. We need to enact the reproductive health act, because it’s her body, it’s her choice.”

This support was welcomed, but according to Gottfried, it is fairly common for program bills from a governor to arrive in the legislature fairly late in the session. Last year’s package went through considerable

negotiations among the governor, Assembly and Senate, which was the main reason it was introduced so late in the session. This year’s early passage in the Assembly bodes well for its passage.

“The governor plays an indispensible role here, and the fact that he put the 10-point package on the agenda in his January 2013 State of the State speech was enormously effective and important,” said Gottfried.

Hoylman agreed that the governor deserved a tremendous amount of credit for making the Women’s Equality Act the centerpiece of his legislative agenda last year, noting that, “he remains the guiding force.”

Women’s groups, gathered under the auspices of the New York Women’s Equality Coalition (NYWEC), also praised Cuomo’s support of the legislation, noting that 89 percent of New York voters agreed that equal pay for women should be a high priority, and 80 percent supported updating New York’s abortion law.

“We are thankful the Governor highlighted the Women’s Equality Act today, especially his acknowledgment that nothing changed for women in 2013,” said Christine Sadowski on behalf of the coalition. “We are hopeful that working together with him, and all legislators, we can move towards greater equality for women in 2014.”

has much wider public awareness than it did during most of 2013. There is time for public debate, and for lobbyists to sway legislators toward its importance.

“It is a live bill, and organizations enmeshed in wanting various aspects of the bill to be passed now have the opportunity to use the entire session to advocate in their districts to get the full 10-point package taken up for a vote in the Senate,” said Glick.

NARAL, an organization that split with the other women’s coalition groups last year after they considered cutting out the reproductive health act, is one group that will lobby actively for the entire WEA legislation package to be passed. While the woman’s equality coalition is not involved in electoral politics, NARAL’s Andrea Miller said that her group would target key senators in pro-choice districts who oppose the reproductive health act in the November elections.

All this, and the more the better, said Glick. Although the WEA is a great start, with “a number of different things in there that make life easier for families, many of whom are headed by single working moms,” what the bill doesn’t address and what Assemblywomen are still concerned about is access to high quality child care, paid family leave and the rising cost of higher education.

‘Fortunately, the power of the Tea Party is dramatically less in New York State than in many other states. We are not Kansas. But it’s early in the process, and I and other advocates for the full package are optimistic that public sentiment will prevail and the whole package will pass.’

—Assemblymember Dick Gottfried LOBBYING IN AN ELECTION YEAR

One thing that further complicates matters is the fact that this is an election year for the New York State legislature. Lawmakers tread carefully when dealing with passage of legislation that may turn their constituents against them in the streets — and in the polls.

“Election years can produce unexpected results,” said Gottfried. “Fortunately, the power of the Tea Party is dramatically less in New York State than in many other states. We are not Kansas. But it’s early in the process, and I and other advocates for the full package are optimistic that public sentiment will prevail and the whole package will pass.”

What improves the legislation’s chances of passage is that this is the second year that the package has been on the agenda, and it

“Those are issues that continue to be of concern,” said Glick. “There are a broader array of things that are not included in this legislation, but they are still part of the discussion that women in the Assembly are having.”

For now, however, securing the passage of the WEA is a task that these legislators are cautiously optimistic will happen, if only they can successfully navigate the perils of Tea Party Republicans, pro-life opponents, religious zealots and electionyear jitters.

“I can’t really predict what will happen,” said Hoylman. “I remain hopeful, but given that it’s an election year, it certainly complicates the equation for the Republicans, who may be afraid of reprisals from the right-wing and the Tea Party.”

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

17

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Landlord rent regulation could save Mom & Pop To The Editor: Re “Parting Ways with the Neighborhood They Helped Define” (news, Jan. 29): Gone: Chelsea’s long time small stores — and the same is true of the Village (East and West), the Upper West Side, and Williamsburg and on and on! The story is the same for Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island City…I could go on, but you get the idea.

Our neighborhood establishments now seem geared to serve the needs of more and more affluent populations as time goes on. I recall a proposal made by then-City Councilmember Ruth Messenger, and it’s an idea whose time has come again.

How about a sort of rent regulation for landlords?

Details to be worked out, but it is the doubling and tripling (or more) of commercial rents that have forced so many small stores to close their doors, thereby changing the face of so many neighborhoods. Isn’t that an awful lot of power in the hands of so few? The ability to change the character of so many neighborhoods should not be totally unregulated.

Gloria Sukenick

Identity House pride To The Editor: Re: “Identity House: A Half-Century of Love” (news, Feb. 12): It has been an honor to be connected with Identity House and to you, Lee. My heart is full reading about your personal history and the history of IHouse. I continue to be impressed by the young people who come forward to commit the time and energy to help their peers.

I am proud of them, and of all the ones before them who have made this possible.

Joan Zimmerman

Thanks for the herstory lesson To The Editor: Re: “Identity House: A Half-Century of Love” (news, Feb. 12): Congratulations for renewing your relationship and a big thank you for all you both have done! Life is fulfilling

and exciting with this organization. I didn’t know all this history (or herstory!) and thank you again for helping to keep this organization growing! Lee and Lucy I wish you all the best of love, excitement and good health!

Gary M Prottas

LGBTs in debt to L&L To The Editor: Re: “Identity House: A Half-Century of Love” (news, Feb. 12): Every LGBT person, of whatever age, owes a huge debt to Lee and Lucy, our incredible IDH pioneers who helped so many for so long. Times may have changed, but the struggle continues. Bless you both. Long may the honeymoon run.

Ed Sczesnak

At Identity House, Lives saved and connections made To The Editor: Re: “Identity House: A Half-Century of Love” (news, Feb. 12): I’m joining the chorus to congratulate you Lee and Lucy, celebrating your enduring relationship and marriage.

How wonderful to be introduced by Lee’s mother! That’s so unique! Identity House is a special volunteer organization that has helped countless LGBT persons, saved many lives and has been a place of friendships and connections.

Many couples even met there, through their work or at social functions. Life for many in New York is richer and more fulfilling thanks to the pioneers who founded Identity House, foremost among them Lee and Lucy. Thanks!.

Jacob Gershni

A liberating ripple effect To The Editor: Re: “Identity House: A Half-Century of Love” (news, Feb. 12): A wonderful story and a wonderful adventure. I am so grateful to Lee, Lucy and all the great and brave people who worked hard to make Identity House possible. I believe that whatever liberates one of us helps all of us — no matter how we identify sexually. We all need room to be ourselves.

Published by NYC COMMUNITY MEDIA, LLC WWW.GAYCITYNEWS.COM

K

C

Y

M

1

14–20 FEB 2003

YOUR FREE � MARRIAGE PUSH WEEKLY NY advocates step NEWSPAPER up pressure P.4

� LOU HARRISON DIES AT 85

� SUNDANCE PIX

Contemporary composer, Eastern music pioneer

Queer flicks worth waiting for

Gay City P.5

P. 21

NEWS

� CATEGORY

head head head

TM

515 Canal St., Unit 1C, New York, NY 10013 Phone: (212) 229-1890 • Fax: (212) 229-2790 On-line: www.chelseanow.com E-mail: scott@chelseanow.com head

BY DUNCAN OSBORNE

BY PAUL SCHINDLER

T

T

he 2004 federal budget proposed by the Bush administration on February 3 is drawing both praise and criticism from gay and AIDS groups.

“Generally, we have a mixed reaction to it,” said Winnie Stachelberg, political director at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), even as some leading AIDS groups, including the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), were more critical.

The proposal includes a $100 million increase for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), a $5 million dollar increase in the Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS

P. 10

� BOOKSHOP SHUFFLE Oscar Wilde up, Bluestockings down

�3

——————————————

� SIGNORILE There’s a place for us

� 13

——————————————

� THEATER Jews and Muslims work together � 32 ——————————————

CREDIT

� BOOKS Gay spaghetti western

� 42 CAPTION

headMedia, LLC © 2012 NYC Community ——————————————

ARTHUR30AVILES

more head more head more head

ext go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here Text go here

© GAY CITY NEWS 2003 • COMMUNITY MEDIA, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

P. 6 K

C

Y

M

To The Editor: Re: “Identity House: A Half-Century of Love” (news, Feb. 12): Congratulations to two of the greatest pioneers, who helped paved the way for all of the LGBTQ Community. Although Pat Kelley is deeply missed, his spirit lives on thanks to your efforts. I am so honored to be a part of Identity House, working alongside of others who feel the commitment to carry on your legacy.

Eddie Harper

CORRECTION In “Parting Ways with the Neighborhood They Helped Define” (news, Jan. 29), we indicated that The Dish has been open for 34 years. The correct number is 16 — still an achievement, and certainly enough to qualify it for membership in the list of “longtime remaining eateries” on Eighth Avenue.

READER COMMENTS FROM CHELSEANOW.COM Get involved, at the precinct level Re “CB4 Sees Presentation, Hears Frustrations” (news, Feb. 12): I must disagree with those who feel the 10th precinct isn’t interested in, or doesn’t have plans to address the prostitution and drug dealing that is prevalent around these porn shops in our neighborhood. They are actively involved with residents and block associations in the vicinity and plans are in place to rid our streets of these activities. One thing that residents can do is to continue to go to precinct Community Council meetings (the last Wednesday of each month) as well as CB4 meetings, and let your voices be heard. There is strength in numbers when working to eradicate these elements from our neighborhood. It’s easy to simply gripe, but it will take the active participation of all to address these issues.

Mark Johannes

Elinor Greenberg

Member of the New York Press Association

THE WEST SIDE’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

The legacy of pioneers, living and gone

Member of the National Newspaper Association Chelsea Now is published biweekly by NYC Community Media LLC, 515 Canal St., Unit 1C, New York, NY 10013.

(212) 229-1890. Annual subscription by mail in Manhattan and Brooklyn $75. Single copy price at office and newsstands is 50 cents. The entire contents of newspaper, including advertising, are copyrighted and no part may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher - © 2010 NYC Community Media LLC, Postmaster: Send address changes to Chelsea Now, 145 Sixth Ave., First Fl., New York, N.Y. 10013.

PUBLISHER’S LIABILITY FOR ERROR

The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue.

Continued on page 18

PUBLISHER Jennifer Goodstein EDITOR Scott Stiffler REPORTERS Lincoln Anderson Sam Spokony EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

Sean Egan Maeve Gately

PUBLISHER EMERITUS John W. Sutter

SR. V.P. OF SALES AND MARKETING Francesco Regini RETAIL AD MANAGER Colin Gregory ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Allison Greaker Michael O'Brien Andrew Regier Rebecca Rosenthal Julio Tumbaco

ART / PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Troy Masters SENIOR DESIGNER Michael Shirey GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Andrew Goos Chris Ortiz CIRCULATION SALES MNGR. Marvin Rock

CONTRIBUTORS Jim Caruso Martin Denton Sean Egan Ophira Eisenberg Paul Schindler Trav S.D. Eileen Stukane

DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Cheryl Williamson

VIDEO SEGMENT PRODUCER Don Mathisen

18

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

Why Union Square Matters to Chelsea Continued from page 7 have a win-win situation: find and build the affordable housing at a different site and create a much-needed green space: the 100 West 20th Street Park.

The CCBA did identify a possible site and shared that information with the park group, but it did not work out. We will continue to keep our eyes and ears open for alternate locations — and when we meet with our electeds and their Chelsea representatives, we will continue to voice support for the win-win outcome of getting both a park and affordable housing. For more information, visit 20thstreetpark.org.

HUDSON RIVER PARK ACT: TRANSFER OF AIR RIGHTS

Since the idea of selling/transferring air rights was first floated, we have been very concerned about how the community would be impacted. The CCBA has attended and participated in many meetings and public hearings on this subject. We are supporters of Hudson River Park and what it provides to Chelsea residents.

We see a nice park along the river for people to enjoy — but we also see an area ripe for unwanted over-development. Look what happened with the High Line Park.

It’s a great, innovative idea and a wonderful place to walk — but with more than four million visitors yearly, some of the surrounding neighborhood residents are beginning to feel overwhelmed.

We still have a lot of questions regarding the air rights issue. How far east will the developers be allowed to build? Is it really just one block? What role will the community play? We just found out that all the piers within the park (not just the commercial piers) are eligible to be transferred.

We would like to know the number of sites, what can be built, how many square feet and how tall the building will be. We also want an assurance that no changes will be made to present agreements reached with the community.

FALLING BETWEEN THE CRACKS

Although the Community Board asks an applicant (for things like sidewalks cafes and liquor license permits) to contact us — and the specific block association that their business is located on — this does not always happen. Instead, we may find out about the proposed plans by reading about it or by word of mouth.

To improve transparency and communication, the CCBA recently provided CB4 with an updated contact list of our block association representatives. We suggested that CB4 notify/contact our appropriate representatives at the same time the community board is responding to the applicant’s application.

THE UNION SQUARE PARK PAVILION

When seeing this headline, the reader may wonder what a pavilion in Union Square has to do with Chelsea — but it is of great importance to our area, because

the CB4 district ranks near the bottom of districts with regard to park space.

I count myself among the many residents from our area who enjoy going to Union Square Park. In fact, I have an old photograph of my son’s Pre-K Montessori School’s graduation class taken at the pavilion in the park with a sign in the background saying, “This area reserved for children and guardians only.” The children from my son’s school, which was located in Chelsea, use to go to the park all the time. For more than nine years, the Union Square Community Coalition (USCC), a non-profit 501(c)(3) which was established in 1980, has (among other things) been fighting to have the historic pavilion restored so that it could be used as a sheltered community facility year round for children, teenagers, seniors and families.

The problem has been that the city wants to lease the space for use as a restaurant (which it did with the location once before).

USCC filed a lawsuit and after years of being in court, in January of 2013, a preliminary injunction was issued — temporarily stopping the restaurant. However, on February 20, the Court of Appeals dismissed the case. Finding no illegality in the Bloomberg administration plan, it can now move forward.

It is difficult to understand why, with so many restaurants surrounding the park (one count indicated over 150 eating establishments, bars and markets within a two-block radius), the city would choose to have a restaurant instead of a much needed community facility.

Over the years, the CCBA was asked to support the effort to have a community facility in Union Square Park. We agreed to do so by sending letters of support and testifying at meetings. It should be noted that former State Senator Tom Duane, former Borough President (and now City Comptroller) Scott Stringer, Assemblymembers Deborah Glick and Richard Gottfried all opposed the restaurant plan. Gottfried was also a participant in the lawsuit. Now, with no more court cases/hearings, the only way to stop the restaurant is for our new mayor to void the concession agreement between the city and the restaurant, Chef Driven Market. He has the legal right to do so (this was even stated in the last court hearing).

An important point to make with regard to the use of the pavilion as a community facility is to be aware that Columbus Park in Chinatown has a pavilion that has been renovated and restored. This pavilion serves its community with a variety of programs for children and seniors.

The same can happen in Union Square Park. All our new Mayor has to do is say NO to the restaurant and YES to a needed community facility. If anyone feels the same way, share your opinion with Mayor Bill de Blasio (nyc.gov/html/static/page/officeofthemayor/contact.shtml) and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (mviverito@council. nyc.gov) will be appreciated.

See you around the neighborhood, Bill Borock wborock@hotmail.com

Continued from page 17

READER COMMENTS FROM CHELSEANOW.COM Chelsea Now squandering its resources

Well done.

Concerned in Chelsea

DOB should focus on legitimate violations Re “Noise Complaints Aside, Theatre May Violate Zoning Laws” (news, Feb. 12): The DOB [Department of Buildings] almost never does a bloody thing about legitimate code violations when some landlord or powerful developer is calling the shots. But let there be something slightly amiss with the building code filing of an arts organization, and these guys suited up and mobilized, and arrived at the cell like some SWAT team between the time this article came out, and before to that night's performance started! I was there — it was ridiculous!

Nick’nChelsea

E-mail letters, not longer than 250 words in length, to scott@chelseanow.com or fax to 212-229-2790 or mail to Chelsea Now, Letters to the Editor, 515 Canal St., Suite 1C, NY, NY 10013. Please include phone number for confirmation purposes. Chelsea Now reserves the right to edit letters for space, grammar, clarity and libel. Chelsea Now does not publish anonymous letters.

.com

Re “Noise Complaints Aside, Theatre May Violate Zoning Laws” (news, Feb. 12): Well written and researched. BUT, with all the blatant overdevelopment and mega wealth trumping all sense of civility (and building code) — added with the google-twitterfication chomp chomping of Chelsea (flooded with shining twentysomething, code-grinding, pre-stressed denim entitlers everywhere creating a massive upheaval to working class Chelsea and beyond), you choose to focus your powers on dismantling a group of not-sopowerful artists, who are trying to add real value to real people’s lives — and you keep the spotlight away from the very same dark power interests that continue to roll over most things good.

www.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

Continued from page 15 dance rehearsal studios, he got on one knee and handed me a homemade scroll. When I unfurled it, there was a message that read: “Dearest Enchantress (Rachel), May I ask for your hand in coffee this Monday evening?” It was signed, “Archibald VII of Mamaroneck.” May the winds be favorable when we set sail for the fair shores of Dunkin Donuts tomorrow!

19

I made everyone wear a handmade placard (over their formal dress) that explained why they loved her. The next day, after considerable dancing, cavorting and Barolo, she asked in an innocent voice when we could have another party.

With Warm Regards, Freshmen Enchantress I hope I get an invitation to the wedding… although I don’t look foreward to the alteration bill after my trip to the Middle Earth/ Renaissance Fair store. Finally, let’s end our Progress Report with an unqualified success.

“Perplexed” was vexed by his girlfriend’s odd reaction to turning 50. Not wanting to be the center of attention, she shunned his offer of a big birthday party. I advised him to make a fuss, because this lady clearly deserved to bask in the love of friends and family.

Dear Aunt Chelsea:

I threw the party as you suggested, and it was a huge hit. My girlfriend/wife/boss was over-the-moon happy. She cried when

Do you have a personal problem at work, the gym, the bar or the corner coffee shop? Is there a domestic dispute that needs the sage counsel of an uninvolved third party? Then Ask Aunt Chelsea!

Contact her via askauntchelsea@chelseanow.com, and feel free to end your pensive missive with a clever, anonymous moniker (aka “Troubled on 23rd Street,” or “Ferklempt in the Fashion District”).

Trying to have a baby?

We CAN HeLP! H

Outer Banks, NC Vacation Homes!

Over 500 Vacation Homes, from Duck to Corolla, rindley Oceanfront to Soundfront, each Private Pools, Hot Tubs, VACATIONS & SALES

Our mission is to help patients realize the dream of parenthood - regardless of marital status or sexual orientation.

GENESIS Fertility & Reproductive Medicine is a nationally recognized center of excellence for the treatment of infertility, long-recognized for our comprehensive fertility services, culturally-sensitive approach to patient care and excellent success rates. The countless notes from patients that decorate our halls are testimony to the quality of the GENESIS program.

Pets and More…

Book Online at www.brindleybeach.com

1-877-642-3224

“ S E R V I C E F I R S T … F U N A LWAY S ! ”

Brooklyn • Staten Island • Long Island (718) 283-8600

GENESIS

®

Fertility & Reproductive Medicine

Where Life Begins

®

www.genesisfertility.com

Building Families for 25 Years!

20

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

CHELSEA: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Flurry of Talent

Horse Trade’s annual FRIGID fest burns bright THEATER THE FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL

Through March 9 At The Kraine Theater (85 E. Fourth St., btw. Second Ave. & Bowery) At UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place., btw. First Ave. & Ave. A) Tickets: $8-$16 Visit frigidnewyork.info Call 212-868-4444

CANUCK CABARET Midnight: Wed-Sat., Feb. 22-March 8 At UNDER St. Marks

FRIGID HANGOVER March 8, 5:15pm (at both venues)

BY SCOTT STIFFLER From Chicago, Toronto and other chilly climes they come — to perform daring acts of indie theater and mock a weary Manhattan’s notion of what passes for excessive snowfall.

Over the next three weeks, as the predictions of a certain Staten-Island based groundhog will likely continue to prove annoyingly accurate, the eighth annual FRIGID festival is giving you over 30 reasons to brave the cold and take a chance on those who’ve won the lottery. Literally.

Horse Trade Theater Group’s nod to the risks and rewards of chance fills this annual winter fest with content chosen by firstcome electronic submission. The selection process may be random, but the rewards

Photo by Anais Koivisto

The late Lady Macbeth awakens in purgatory, to find she’s been trapped by “Something Wicked.”

are a lock: 100% of box office proceeds go directly to the artists.

Not everything is a random act, though.

The Canuk Cabaret series tips its beaver fur top hat to our neighbors from the Great White North, by giving stage time to native and “honorary” Canadian talent. A little payback seems only fair, considering how Horse Trade liberally cribbed from the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals’ nurturing mission statement. Late in the FRIGID run, some notable standouts will get one more performance, at HANGOVER night (happening simultaneously, at The Kraine and UNDER St. Marks). As for what’s warming up the regular old FRIGID boards, quite a few entries just happen to fall into convenient categories.

SHOWS WITH A NEW YORK STATE OF MIND EAST IN RED New York’s Estraña Theatre Company brings twists, turns and psychological thrills to this modern telling of London’s Jack the Ripper murders. Set in the East Village, a prostitute takes it upon herself to bring a brutal serial killer to justice, after four women (one of them, a close friend) “fall victim to ghastly acts of contempt.”

THE EYES OF ORBACH As if his long run on “Law & Order” and that memorable guest spot on “The Golden Girls” weren’t enough, Jerry Orbach further secured his good guy reputation with a final, visionary act: the donation of his corneas. Written by four members of the No. 11 Productions collective, this musical comedy imagines the two recipients of Orbach’s gift as lonely New Yorkers who meet and fall in love.

STEVE: A DOCU-MUSICAL Brooklyn-based twentysomething Colin tells the story of his five-year collaboration with Steve, a retired railway clerk in Australia. Although the two never meet, their exchange of over 6,000 emails yields some 100 songs (many of which you’ll hear, augmented by “bells, flags, clocks frogs, maps, a stylophone and other curious artifacts”).

SHOWS WITH SHAKESPEARE ON THE BRAIN I-DJ Packed with ecstatic beats from the 1980s A&M Records portfolio — and inspired by the narratives of “A Chorus Line” and “Hamlet” — playwright Gregg

Barrios merges 70s Chicano politics with AIDS-era club culture to tell the story of queer DJ Amado Guerrero Paz (aka Warren Peace). Old school dance floor attitude meets the new dub-step style, when a younger DJ challenges Peace to a winner-takes-all musical standoff.

SOMETHING WICKED Draped in a blood red dress and surrounded by tormentors clothed in tones as black as her soul, Lady Macbeth awakens to find herself trapped in “a purgatory created from her own gruesome misdeeds.” New York’s Everyday Inferno Theatre Company tears into the heart of Shakespeare’s text, to deliver a new tale that pulses with highly choreographed movement, moody music and dark humor.

SHOWS WITH ONE PERSON AND MULTIPLE PROBLEMS ALMOST A GENIUS Dressing like a banana, playing the accordion or speaking frankly about her suicide attempt — Chicago’s Maja Wojciechowski will do whatever it takes to find the comedy

Continued on page 21

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

21

FRIGID forecast promises two weeks of theater on the fringe Volunteer for a paid clinical research study!

Photo by Theresa Unfried

See the funny, sexy, sacred sides of Edna St. Vincent Millay, in “I Shall Forget You Presently.”

Continued from page 20

SHOWS PLAYED FOR LAUGHS

in her struggle with bipolar disorder and panic attacks. “Sometimes,” she says, “the most human part about being a functioning human being is not being able to function.”

BOOGIE OF THE APES Travel back in time and experience over ten hours of monkey business, in just under sixty minutes — as Madison, Wisconsin’s own Broom Street Theater players dance, fight and masterfully mug their way through every increasingly cheesy installment of the five original “Planet of the Apes” films. Their lip-synched performance of highlights from the Power Records adaptation lampoons and critiques everything from the 70s that has aged poorly — including TV variety shows, the audio version’s bombastic, kid-friendly aesthetic and every “Apes” film that didn’t have Charlton Heston as its star.

CHARLOTTE THE DESTROYER A washed-up children’s book author battles booze, phobias and poisonous thoughts, as the deadline for her latest project comes and goes.

CHICKEN-FRIED CICCONE: A TWANGY TRUE TALE OF TRANSFORMATION The longest (and best-titled) FRIGID fest entry puts a guitar in the hands of actor-playwright J. Stephen Brantley, whose journey from heroin user to Mr. Clean is told with ample samples from Madonna — the ultimate queen of reinvention.

A DATE FOR THE EVENING Celestial Zenith takes you through one woman’s breakneck attempt to mend her broken past, during a difficult night of speed dating.

I SHALL FORGET YOU PRESENTLY New York’s own Dysfunctional Theatre Company — an always-entertaining member of the Horse Trade stable — uses the poems and letters of Enda St. Vincent Millay to bring out the funny, sexy, sacred and profane dimensions “of a woman who captured love, defined feminism and shaped the 20th century.”

Courtesy of Broom Street Theater

“Boogie of the Apes” takes less than an hour to skewer every last cheesy element of the five original “Planet of the Apes” films.

GET ON TRACK TO A GREAT NEW JOB. What kind of work would you like to do?

Do you have the skills you need to find and keep a job?

from Queens Library.

It’s free.

Go to jobmap.queenslibrary.org to get started or phone 718-990-8625.

2

22 Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014 July 18 - 24, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS DEADLINE WEDNESDAY 5:00 PM MAIL 515 CANAL STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013 TEL 646-452-2485 FAX 212-229-2790 SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

Cleaning your home & office your way since 2004 One-time or recurring service, move-in/out, post-construction cleaning Fully insured and bonded, Home Advisor...4.56 rated cleaner Chamber of Commerce member

Call us today!

(718) 333-1181 dentoncleaning.com

Clean with a Conscience

WANT TO LEARN SPANISH &/OR JAPANESE?  Reasonable Rates

 Call Mauricio  (718) 789-0430 MetroTourService21@gmail.com

ADVANCE SHOE REPAIR EXPERT RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY FOR YOUR FAVORITE SHOES

EXCLUSIVE AUTHORIZED COBBLER FOR FIORENTINI+BAKER IN THE TRISTATE REGION EXPERT WATCH REPAIR ON PREMISE Shoes • Hand Bags • Leather Repair Shoe Cleaning/Shine

30% OFF ENTIRE ORDER WITH AD EXP. 12/31/14 Pick Up & Delivery Available 212-967-4040 397 8th Ave., Chelsea

Trying to have a baby?

WE CAN HELP! Genesis Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Where Life Begins Brooklyn | Staten Island | Long island (718) 283-8600 | genesisfertility.com Building Families for 25 Years!

SERVICES FOR ALL MIGRANTS Scalabrini Center For All Migrants 25-B Carmine Street (x Bleeker) Low cost legal assistance, referrals, classes.

Tel: 347-606-4050; info@scalabrinicenternyc.org

Leslie Feldman

@leslie4hair Hair missionary. I cut, color, & consult.

Where less is more. Private 'non-salon' studio.

ChelseaNYC | beauticianwithamission.info

(212) 229-1856

GET HELP WITH MORTGAGE PAYMENTS! CATSKILL VILLAGE DUPLEX FOR SALE A lovely affordable duplex. Live in the 3-bedroom unit and rent out the 2-bedroom one to minimize your living expenses.

Both units offer spacious rooms and off-street parking. 3-bedroom has 1 1/2 baths; 2-bedroom has 1 bath. Units are partially renovated; new kitchen appliances, new flooring, new carpets and new paint throughout. Walking distance to town, stores and restaurants.

Asking $99,900 Contact Karen Deyo at Rip Van Winkle Realty 518-943-5303, or Colin at 646-641-9327.

CATSKILLS PRIVATE LAKE PROPERTIES Small Cottages and Buildable Beautiful Lakefront Land 2 Hrs, from Lower Manhattan.

Call 212-925-0044

MIAMI BEACH & GREATER DOWNTOWN

MIAMI

LOOKING TO BUY AND/OR SELL A CONDO? Greg Schreiber of CVR Realty/Condo Vultures gregschreiber.cvrrealty.com 786.223.3324

COMMERCIAL SPACE & INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

NOHO 6,000 sq.ft. approx.

Ground floor with drive-in for service warehouse mfg.......$40,000 per month Call Owner (212) 685-1514 COMMERCIAL SPACE

SOHO MANUFACTURING SPACE Ground Floor aprox 1,550 sqft $120k per Anum.

Call 212-226-3100

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

23

Buhmann on Art LESLIE WAYNE

BY STEPHANIE BUHMANN stephaniebuhmann.com

Wayne manipulates the medium of painting by approaching oil paint as a sculptural material. She often scrapes, folds, cuts and builds up her surfaces, creating works that take on three-dimensional textures. The tactile quality of her work evokes the experience of geology and natural phenomena. Her relationship to landscape is rooted in memory, especially in the light, colors and geography of the West. Based in midtown Manhattan, Wayne approaches her subject as an opportunity to depict visual manifestations of physical forces: compression, subduction and morphogenesis. These are not pictures of nature in the traditional sense, but lyrical contemplations of movement and instability.

Through March 22, at Jack Shainman (524 W. 24th St, btw. 10th & 11th Aves.).

Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm. Call 212645-1701 or visit jackshainman.com.

© Leslie Wayne.

Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

Leslie Wayne: “Paint/Rag #32” (2013, oil on panel, 15 x 9 1/2 x 6 inches).

©2014 Robert Henry Contemporary

“Days Go By” (2012, Video, 5 minutes 19 seconds, Edition 5, Installation view)

PANCHO WESTENDARP: THINGS THAT BARELY EXIST

Westendarp’s drawings, videos and installations seek to analyze relationships between time, space, memory and movement. He states, “Developing our own way of measuring time means creating our own notion of history and developing new rituals where time can be practical and playful.”

Through March 9, at Robert Henry Contemporary (56 Bogart St., Brooklyn, btw.

Harrison Place & Grattan St.). Hours: Thurs.-Sun., 1-6pm. Visit roberthenrycontemporary.com or call 718-473-0819.

©2014 Robert Henry Contemporary

“The Point Where All Points Converge” (2013, ink on book pages, 21 drawings, 7” x 5” each).

© Leslie Wayne. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

Leslie Wayne: “Paint/Rag #19” (2013, oil on panel 14 x 7 1/2 x 2 1/4 inches).

24

Februar y 26 - March 11, 2014

SPRING FOR DANCE $25 DOWNTOWN ALL SEATS CODE:DANCE25

BRIAN SANDERS’ JUNK

PATIO PLASTICO

PLUS

NEW YORK DEBUT THURS. – SAT., MARCH 6 – 8 AT 7:30PM

RUBBERBANDance

EMPIRICAL QUOTIENT

NEW YORK DEBUT THURS. – SAT., MARCH 20 – 22 AT 7:30PM

TAYLOR 2 AUREOLE

THE UNCOMMITTED ESPLANADE

THURS. – SAT., APRIL 24 – 26 AT 7:30PM

ISRAEL GALVÁN

LA CURVA

NEW YORK DEBUT THURS. AND FRI., MARCH 13 AND 14 AT 7:30PM Curated by Livesounds.org

ABT

STUDIO

COMPANY FRI., MARCH 28 AT 7:30PM

FROM THE

HORSE’S MOUTH

TRIBUTE TO FREDERIC FRANKLIN FRI., MAY 30 – SUN., JUNE 1 AT 7:30PM

schimmel.pace.edu or call 866.811.4111