Gramercy Summer Update

Dear Neighbor,

As we approach the midpoint of summer, I wanted to check in with you all with a few updates from our Park and community. 

Despite the often sweltering days we've been having, Park caretaker Amando Flores and the Gramercy Park Block Association's Clean Team member Saliou Diop have been hard at work keeping the Park in bloom and the streets of our community clean and welcoming.

The Block Association has also had a busy summer working on a range of projects which you can read about below, including planting new trees in previously empty tree gardens, placing new litter receptacles throughout the community, conducting a clothing drive for Project Lift, awarding a scholarship to a young ballet student, and helping to organize events honoring retiring Emergency Service Assistant Chief Gin Yee, who has been a wonderful support to our community over the past several decades.

The Block Association placed new and refurbished litter receptacles on corners throughout the community.

We are happy to report that all of the new trees that the Block Association has planted in previously empty tree gardens so far this year are thriving.

The trees in our community are our neighborhood’s longest-standing residents — the oldest of them date back to the Park’s first planting in the 1800s. Working with a team of professional arborists, we have undertaken a neighborhood tree survey and have sponsored the planting of beautiful, thriving trees in tree gardens throughout the community. It is our honor to dedicate our resources and expertise to ensuring the health of our local tree canopy for generations to come.

The Gramercy Park Block Association hosted an event to honor Assistant Chief Gin Yee on his retirement after his outstanding service to the NYPD and in particular to the Emergency Services and our community.

Gin Yee's leadership qualities were nowhere more in evidence than during the terror attacks on September 11; that is when our Gramercy Park Block Association  joined together for many months to support the Emergency Service Truck 1 officers as they returned from their grueling 12-hour shifts down at the pile.  That bond remains permanent and close to this day.

The Gramercy Park Block Association has supported New York Theatre Ballet School’s LIFT program for over 25 years. Well over 200 children from the city’s shelters and public housing have benefited from the Association’s caring and support.  

This year’s Gramercy Park Block Association Scholar is Oona Smith. This is Oona’s first year studying dance. Oona has an extraordinary work ethic for such a young child and improves with every class. With the support of the Block Association, Oona has received a full scholarship for study for 2023/2024. We wish her well and know she will be able to grow by leaps and bounds!

The Gramercy Park Block Association sponsored a clothing drive for Project LIFT, which provides scholarships for year-round study at New York Theater Ballet for children from the shelters of New York City.

You can read more here about the Block Association's longstanding support of Project Lift and our commitment to supporting the outstanding young people who participate in the program.