We at the East 93rd Street Block Association have been very busy over the past year working for the betterment of our block and our neighborhood. Here is a recap of what we have been doing.
EAST 93RD STREET CONSTRUCTION ZONE As we are well aware, our neighborhood has suffered from the construction of the Second Avenue subway and the ancillary building on the northeast corner of 93rd Street and Second Avenue. In October, when the MTA put up barricades on the south side of 93rd Street with no warning to owners or residents, the Block Association called for a meeting. The meeting was held with representatives of the Mayor, the MTA, the Sanitation Department, the construction and engineering companies as well as some store owners. As a result we were able to have the barricades moved back to the curb line greatly increasing the width of the sidewalk available to pedestrians. Lighting was added to the barricades which until then made that section of the street very dark. The Sanitation Department agreed to contact the owners and managers to advise the proper point for trash collection while the barricades are in place. Representatives of the Block Association and building owners now meet monthly with the all parties involved in the construction so we can be kept apprised of the progress and upcoming work and to advocate for residents.
PROPOSED MARINE TRANSFER FACILITY We have been at the forefront of organizing opposition to this facility and have been diligent in keeping our neighbors, and indeed the entire neighborhood, informed of the meetings, rallies and measures to be taken in the effort to stop the building of this facility. For more information and volunteer opportunities go to www.sanetrash.org or e-mail: info@sanetrash.org
TREES In the spring of 2011 we hired Green Keepers to clean and put plantings in the tree beds on 93rd Street between First and Second Avenues. We were able to purchase four tree guards for the trees in front of 312, 317, 322 and 324. 312 and 317 were chosen to protect the newly planted trees which the Block Association was able to obtain at no cost through the Million Trees campaign. 324 was chosen because it was determined that the bed was a haven for rats and in need of renovation and the brick wall surrounding the bed was dilapidated and an eyesore. 322 was chosen to give the block a unified look because it was adjacent to 324.
The dog problem is ameliorated by the addition of tree guards and the guards serve as protection for the plantings. We have applied for a grant Green Your Block Program through the Borough President’s office to have tree guards put around each of the trees that are still unprotected. Should we receive this grant, we will be able to direct our resources to other work such as plantings and working on installing steel plated garbage bins to replace the often over flowing garbage cans on our streets.
In the fall we were able to join with the Daffodil Project which was started by a Dutch company in the wake of September 11, 2001 as a symbol of hope and resilience for New York City. Each year since then they have donated thousands of bulbs to be planted in public spaces.
We applied for and received an allotment of bulbs. With the help of resident volunteers we planted them in the beds on 93rd Street. We look forward to their cheerful appearance.
We were successful in requesting from our Community Affairs representative to have all the trees on 93rd Street pruned. The overgrown and overhanging branches posed a danger as was evidenced when big branches were broken off during a storm last year and emergency pruning was required on those particular trees. We have successfully applied to have the trees on 92nd Street pruned. Pruning will take place in the next couple of months.
When we noticed a Christmas tree stuck in one of the street trees three stories above ground, we immediately took action. A flurry of calls and e-mails resulted in its removal that same afternoon, thus adverting the possibility of personal injury or damage to property.
TRASH Overflowing garbage and open cans have been an ongoing problem, particularly with individual plastic cans. We have encouraged the owners who have been using plastic cans to purchase steel trash bins. We are happy to say that some owners have seen the benefit of these receptacles for rat control and sanitation and have converted from plastic to steel.
WORKING TOGETHER As you can see we have been diligent in pursuing the goal of a clean and beautiful block. We need the support and cooperation of all residents. The work with the trees was costly and time consuming. We received many compliments from residents. Unfortunately there are those who regard tree beds as a comfort station for their dogs, an ash tray and a receptacle for all kinds of garbage. We have done our best to clean out the beds on a regular basis. Some residents have been diligent in caring for the trees adjacent to their building. Please join the effort to protect our trees and make our block clean and attractive by removing litter when you see it. We also need volunteers to water the trees when it is hot and dry in the summer. Without sufficient water, trees will not thrive and plantings die. After all, it is our block and our trees.
Whether your building uses plastic cans or steel bins, please take care when putting out your trash and be sure the lid is securely closed.
As always, please feel free to contact us any time you have questions, comments or requests.
Some of you have been very generous and for that we are most grateful. We ask only a $5 annual membership fee, and more is always welcome. We are volunteers and all monies collected go directly toward work of the Association. Please make your tax deductible donation for 2012.
For your convenience you can download a membership form which you may find helpful.
You can donate using a credit card or by PayPal on our donate page or by sending a check to:
East 93rd Street Block Association
340 E. 93rd Street
Apt. 17I
New York, NY 10128
East 93rd Street Block Association, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization.
You will receive a receipt and your contribution is tax deductible to
the extent allowed by the law.
Thanking you in advance for your
support,
Best regards,
Joy Tutiven
Secretary and Treasurer
