Good morning Hell’s Kitchen. What did you get up to last night?
My evening was a saturation of politics. I first watched Governor Cuomo launching an I❤️NY video — followed by some straight talking about what’s wrong with New York City. “Safety and sanitation — keep New York safe and clean” is Cuomo’s recipe for success.
Then I segued between the Mayoral debates (I think that I shouted at the screen in frustration for every candidate) and the Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) zoom Full Board meeting.
Probably every NY challenge was covered in those hours — and all are important! However, the urgent issue is public safety. As New Yorkers, we have to balance the serious public safety issues we have in Hell’s Kitchen (crime driven by mental illness and drug addiction) with those faced in the boroughs (rampant gun crime and shootings).
My takeaway… As we look around at every person who puts themselves up for public office, volunteers for community groups and those on our streets struggling with their mental health — THEY ALL LOVE NEW YORK. It’s not just a slogan for tourists, it’s not just a personal statement — it’s what should unite us to try and make this city better.
Thanks to Stephanie Jones for contacting our “Where’s Corey” hotline last night. “I saw Corey Johnson leading a big group of people around HK on my way home from work. I’m not positive, but I think I recognized Commissioner Steve Banks and Chief Harrison from NYPD,” she said – and she was right (and has the photo to prove it)! More here about Corey on the “beat”…
Go Go Go! The Javits Center is back as the New York International Auto Show returns in August. Vrooooom…
What we’ve been reading
Massive Yoga at Bryant Park is making a comeback. (TimeOut)
Smorgasburg is reopening in all NY locations. (Eater)
As New Yorkers party, a warning about laced drugs goes out. (Gothamist)
Pass Over set to reopen Broadway in August. (Broadway News)
The Port Authority Bus Terminal has announced its first annual poster contest for youngsters up to 12th Grade. The theme is “NYC Moves Forward” — and there are prizes! (PANYNJ)
Freeze Frame
Lincoln Center is getting its colors on! If grassing over the whole plaza was not enough, they’ve added PRIDE steps and a beautiful rainbow fountain. Thanks to Mahsa Tousi for the photo!