Council Focus: Downtown Needs

The number of people living in Lower Manhattan will likely double in the next decade, with more than 40,000 new residents moving in by 2015.

It was against this backdrop of a mushrooming residential population that a City Council committee held a hearing on April 28 to highlight the services, schools and other facilities needed to keep pace with the rapid development in Lower Manhattan.

"We do not feel the city has adequately planned for all our future needs and it has been left to the community board to achieve the new schools, parks, libraries, recreation and health care facilities, that we urgently need," Julie Menin, chairwoman of Community Board 1, told the committee, adding, "It is truly time for the city to institute a far better way to plan for the future."

Parents from P.S. 234, saying their school has run out of room, called on the city to tie future residential development to the building of new schools. "We demand a halt to residential construction Downtown without guaranteed, fully funded new schools to be built and opened before any new residences are occupied," said Andrew Weinstein.

Dr. Bruce Logan, director of New York Downtown Hospital, said that not only will the hospital serve a growing number of residents, workers and tourists, but he anticipates growing health care needs from the effects of World Trade Center dust on Downtown residents and workers.

Ann DeFalco, a resident of Southbridge Towers, said services need to catch up with development. "Residential needs have been overlooked. We have changed and we are way behind schedule," she said. 

Youth Fair

A youth services fair, offering parents an opportunity to learn about Downtown businesses and organizations serving young people, is scheduled for May 17, from 3–6 p.m., in the community room at Southbridge Towers, 90 Beekman St. The fair, sponsored by Community Board 1, will have representatives from more than 35 youth service providers, including sports and music programs and school groups. There will also be door prizes and a raffle for Yankee tickets.

You're Wearing That?

A Mother's Day program entitled "You're Wearing That? Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation" will take place on Sunday, May 14, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Pl. Author Deborah Tannen, comedian Judy Gold, and actress Tovah Feldshuh are among the guests. To buy tickets, go to www.mjhnyc.org or call 646-437-4202. Brunch is at 11:30 a.m.; the program begins at 1 p.m. Tickets for brunch and program: $50; $45 seniors; $40 students. Program only: $18; $15; $10.

It's My Park Day

"It's My Park Day" is Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at Washington Market Park at Greenwich and Chambers Streets. Kids can plant pumpkin seeds, grass seed and flowers, as well as mulch the flower beds. Participants will get potted tulips to take home. Trowels and rakes will be provided, but bring your own gloves.

Duane Park Party

Friends of Duane Park will belatedly celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, May 13, in the park, at the corner of Hudson and Duane Streets. Starting at 10 a.m, visitors to the park will be welcomed with refreshments and a chance to pot plants and flowers to take home. At 1 p.m., volunteers are invited to help with the annual planting of the park.

Help Women in Need

The Hallmark Seniors Residence at Chambers Street and North End Avenue is having a charity tag sale on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to raise money for Women In Need, a group that helps homeless and disadvantaged women and children. Clothing, books, records, furniture, knickknacks, appliances and more will be for sale.

WTC Memorial Update

The World Trade Center Memorial Foundation is holding a meeting on May 9, from 6–8pm at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St. Gretchen Dykstra, the foundation's president, will present an update on plans for the memorial and the Memorial Museum and will answer questions from the public. For more information, call 212-312-8800.

Single Mingle

Single men and women can learn to cook Latin food at the Single Mingle Cooking Connection on Thursday, May 11, 7–9 p.m. at Pan Latin Cafe, 400 Chambers St. (www.panlatincafe.com). The cost is $50 per person, which includes wine and the dinner that participants will prepare. Reservations required. Call 212-571-3860.

Summer Arts for Kids

The Pace University Summer Arts Program will hold free arts workshops for middle school and high school students on May 13, from 1–4 p.m., at One Pace Plaza. The program, running from July 5 to Aug. 4, offers classes in filmmaking, theater, visual arts, dance and creative writing. Call 212-346-1244 or go to www.pace.edu/summerarts.

Skin Cancer Test

The American Academy of Dermatology is offering free skin cancer screenings at the South Street Seaport on Saturday, May 6, from 11 a.m–7 p.m. Participants will also get a free UV photo.

Forum on Caring for Aging Parents

A free forum, "Caring for Aging Parents – Legal Issues Confronting Adult Children," will be offered June 1 at the New York County Lawyer's Association, 14 Vesey St. The discussion will include topics such as powers of attorney, living wills, health care proxies, guardanship and Medicaid planning. RSVP to dlamb@nycla.org and include "June 1 event" in the subject line.