The local paper for the Upper East Side
CHILDREN’S EDITION INSIDE ◄ P.13
WEEK OF JUNE
6-12 2019
‘A TRUE INVESTIGATOR’ LAW ENFORCEMENT An Upper East Side detective who loves the challenge of solving crimes wins a top NYPD honor BY MICHAEL GAROFALO
Detective Kevin Gieras was named Detective of the Year for the NYPD’s Manhattan North borough, which encompasses roughly 140 detectives in 12 precinct commands above 59th Street. Photo: Michael Garofalo
A 19th Precinct detective has been recognized with a prestigious NYPD award for his work bringing burglars and robbers to justice on the Upper East Side. Detective Kevin Gieras was honored last month as the Detective of the Year for the NYPD’s Manhattan North borough, which encompasses roughly 140 detectives in 12 precinct commands above 59th Street. “His investigatory skills are second to none,”
said Deputy Inspector Kathleen Walsh, commanding officer of the 19th Precinct. “The guy doesn’t leave a stone unturned. When he gets the case, I am confident it will be solved.” Gieras, who has worked in the 19th Precinct since 2012, credited members of the Upper East Side community for often lending their assistance during investigations. “Rarely do you come across someone in this area who doesn’t want to help,” he said. “I know so many of the doormen and supers from the buildings in this area, and they’re always eager to help out and get a conclusion to these cases, which is a tremendous help to me.” Lieutenant Kevin Blake, who heads the precinct’s detective squad, described Gieras as “a detective’s detective” and “a true investigator.”
INSIDE WHEN JEWISH REFUGEES WERE TURNED AWAY Upper East Side Chabad commemorates 80 years after the St. Louis ship from Germany was denied entry to Cuba, the U.S. and Canada P. 2
THE 100-YEAROLD MAN On a holiday weekend, friends and family turned out in force for the birthday of an art dealer and political activist P. 6
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CITY CRACKS DOWN ON BUILDING VOIDS THE RETURN OF AUGUSTA SAVAGE
DEVELOPMENT “We’re saying no to empty buildings filled with voids simply to give the one-percent better views while leaving the rest of us in their shadow.”
Council strengthens earlier City Planning Commission proposal to address so-called zoning loophole
Council Member Ben Kallos
BY MICHAEL GAROFALO
A graphic illustrating the zoning change to tighten restrictions on mechanical void space. Image: Department of City Planning
The City Council last week voted by a 47-1 margin to enact a long-awaited zoning change that will place new limits on the use of mechanical voids — a controversial development practice which some builders have utilized to inflate tower heights through the use of large-
A new exhibit seeks to restore the Harlem Renaissance figure’s rightful place in the history of the city and American art P. 24
ly empty spaces. The measure tightens a so-called zoning loophole that exempts spaces designated for mechanical use from the floor area calculations that in many districts effectively govern a building’s maximum permissible height.
Jewish women and girls light up the by lighting the Shabbat and the Shavu Holiday candles. Friday, June 7- 8:07 p Saturday night, June 8 – 9:15 pm from pre-existing flame Sunday night, June 9 –9:16 pm from a pre-existing flame. For more informa visit www.chabaduppereastside.com
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