Manhattan Community Board 3 Apr 2026 Report
As always, the below summary of the Full Board Meeting is not complete but represents my best attempt to highlight key takeaways from the meeting. If you attended the meeting and believe I missed or misstated any important points, please comment below or reach out!
Any opinions expressed below are solely my own and do not represent the views of Manhattan Community Board 3.
Find your community district and key information about it here.
Manhattan Community Board 3 Apr 2026 Full Board Meeting
Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026 - 6:30pm
PS 20 - 166 Essex Street
Meeting Highlights:
The E 11th St delivery worker bike corral once again came up in the public session, with residents saying sidewalks are impassable and that nearby storefronts are closed or unable to pay rent because of the activity. The Board Chair confirmed that the Mayor’s new Office of Mass Engagement has stepped in to work with all parties on a resolution.
The Land Use Committee approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for St. Augustine’s Church to build a 21-story development at 290 Henry Street with 130 income-restricted units, retail, and religious space — requiring a Zoning Special Permit because the zoning lot contains a landmark.
The Transportation Committee resolved to support all NYCDOT Open Streets in CD3, including 5-day operations on Canal Street from 3–10 PM.
NY City Council Speaker Menin announced she will advance Councilmember Martre’s No More 24 bill, ending a hunger strike by 15 home care aide workers that began last week in support of the legislation.
NYCDOT is siting e-bike battery storage cabinets across the city this summer to cut down on lithium battery fires, and is accepting public suggestions for locations through July 31st.
Notes from board meeting:
Public Session
Public comments about the delivery workers bike corral on E 11th St
one resident: situation has become desire, no space to move on the sidewalks, retail stores cannot stay in business
another resident: all storefronts on the street are currently closed or are unable to pay their rents due to the current situation
Lower East Side Preservation Initiative recently won a landmarking for a church in the LES
hosting an opening ceremony this Saturday, 5/2 2-5 PM for a photography exhibit at The Clemente
exhibit will be running until June 30th
Organizer of LES History Month announcing launch of events soon - walking tours, exhibits, festivals, etc.
most events are outdoors, family friendly, and FREE - throughout May!
Public Theater reps (home of Shakespeare in the Park) announcing summer programming
Romeo & Juliet will be Shakespeare in the Park’s free summer show this year, beginning May 22nd
also have a mobile unit putting on shows in June at Astor Place
ABC No Rio rep at 156 Rivington St has a new building opening this fall - space for artists, activists, punks, and the community
performance space, computer lab, zine library, and more will be part of the new space
NYC Dance Parade is coming up in 2.5 weeks on Sat 5/16 at 12 PM, involving over 40 schools each doing 40 seconds of dance
dancing to Tompkins Square Park where there will be multiple stages and more performances
Chinatown YMCA offers a variety of programming both paid and free
they have an aquatics program! adults and children learn how to swim classes! family programming! taco tuesday! language classes! free food distribution (every second Friday of the month)! digital literacy classes! financial assistance for interested members!
Request to deny the Canal St Open Streets request to expand operating hours of the open street due to health issues for residents caused by increased activity on the street
Community Planning Fellow: Final Presentation for Policy Analysis of Affordable Housing Opportunities under City of Yes in CB3
20% increase in FAR for Community District 3 in City of Yes (COY) increased allowance of housing stock, mainly along commercial corridors
Large portion of residents in the LES are rent burdened, most residents also live alone, increasing affordability difficulties
NISHA campuses occupy significant portion of land in the district
59% of lots in the LES were being built below their maximum allowable FAR due to a mix of landmark statuses, school/NISHA campuses, other blockers
COY provides tax breaks and rezoning opportunities, but does not address issues of cost of building for non-luxury developers
this prevents nonprofit and mission-driven developers from accessing COY value unlocks
Elected Officials Reports
Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal’s Liaison
Hold monthly meetings to discuss solutions for rapid response protocols and expand access to legal services for those affected by ICE raids
Office has sent out invites for Community Board applicants to participate in group interview sessions
Re-launched a volunteer corps, see here for details on how to get involved
District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Liaison
Office is conducting interview on immigration fraud to crack down on fake immigration lawyers
resources for free legal services can be found on DA’s website
doing a gun buy back on Saturday, 6/13 - see website for more details
Congressmember Dan Goldman’s Liaison
Demanding information on how many people are affected by ICE claiming authority they did not have
Assemblymember Grace Lee’s Liaison
Advocating for a food security package in the State budget
Assemblymember Deborah Glick’s Liaison
Urging leadership to push back on Governor’s proposal to roll back climate laws in the latest budget
Supports the pied-à-terre tax proposed by Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani
[source] NYCDOT is setting up e-bike battery storage cabinets, deciding this summer where to locate them, to reduce lithium battery fires
Assemblymember Keith Powers’ Liaison
State Senator Brian Kavanagh’s Liaison
Will continue holding office hours through the summer, attend if you have questions for the State Senator!
Councilmember Christopher Martre’s Liaison
Speaker Menin recently announced the bill will be advanced, ending the hunger strike
Sponsoring street co-naming ceremony to celebrate unveiling of Jack Kirby Way in the LES - Monday, 5/11 at 12 PM on the corner of Delancey St and Essex St
Councilmember Harvey Epstein - attended!
Board Reports
Board Chair’s Report
Update on the E 11th St delivery workers bike situation: the Mayor’s new Office of Mass Engagement has been very engaged with all the parties involved to resolve the situation
Committee Reports
See Committee Meeting recordings here!
Executive
Two resolutions were introduced to remove members due to continued low attendance and no improvement following prior notice - motions did not pass in committee
bylaws state that members must receive two letters following lack of attendance (absent at more than 33% of meetings), with 6 months between letters, before removal can be considered
Resolution to deny open container waiver for streets events, in regard to World Cup events occurring in NYC this summer
Executive Committee claims it did not receive any information from the State regarding this waiver program, and while the State would proceed with the program regardless, the committee desired to register its disapproval of not being kept in the loop
Resolution was denied by roll call vote of full board
Landmarks
Resolution to approve Certificate of Appropriateness to install a handicap lift at the front of 4 St. Mark’s Place
Transportation, Public Safety, & Environment
Resolution to support all the NYCDOT Open Streets located in CD3
also supporting 5-day open street operations on Canal Street, for 3-10 PM
Land Use, Zoning, Public & Private Housing
Resolution to approve St. Augustine’s Church permit to build a 21-story development containing 130 income-restricted units, retail, and religious space
requires a Zoning Special Permit due to zoning lot containing a landmark at 290 Henry Street