Columbus Avenue Streetscape Project, for the block between W.76-W.77 Sts. & Columbus Avenue

Our sustainable Streetscape project for the block between W.76-W.77th Streets and Columbus Avenue is finally scheduled to begin construction on or about March 1st. The plans include the following:

• 6 benches
• 5 new tree beds in front of the schoolyard fence which will be planted with new trees and seasonal plantings
• An expansion of the existing tree beds with new tree guards to protect the plants
• In-ground solar lighting, to add safety to the street as well as a means of way-finding
• A BigBelly solar-compacting trash container (already in place and sponsored by Shake Shack)
• A bioswale (This is a storm-water collection area that looks like a tree bed, but functions very differently, collecting and reusing water that would normally go into the sewers. It will have a tree and seasonal plantings that can survive with lots of water. This will be the first one in Manhattan.

Funding for this project, with the exception of the BigBelly solar-compacting receptacle, which was sponsored by Shake Shack, has come exclusively from our revenue from New Taste of the Upper West Side. It has taken 5 years to be able to finally move forward with this. We are hopeful of receiving a grant from Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal to continue these sustainable elements down the rest of the Columbus Avenue BID area.

2012 Recepients:
Last year's New Taste of the Upper West Side recipient included the Greenhouse Classroom's hydroponic farm at the O'Shea School complex, which received $15,000 from the Columbus Avenue BID to get the project off the ground. February 12, 2013, the Greenhouse officially opened with a ribbon cutting attended by Council Member Gale Brewer (center), whose office also contributed to the project; Henry Zymeck, Principal of The Computer School; and Barbara Adler, Executive Director of the Columbus Avenue BID. Delicious hors d'oeuvres made from the beautiful school-grown herbs and vegetables were served, as the children's chorus performed. Truly a lovely event to kick off a very exciting new living classroom. Citymeals-on-Wheels was another 2012 recipient from last year's event, and received $10,000.

Wellness in the Schools We have pledged the funding to provide for year-round operation for this valuable program, inspiring healthy eating, environmental awareness, and fitness as a way of life for our school kids.