Dear John,

Last month, we announced another $80 million for the Esplanade, this time for John Finley Walk, after fighting for this funding alongside Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney as co-chairs of the East River Esplanade. This brings the total funding we’ve secured to well over half a billion dollars to rebuild our waterfront park.

This July, please join us for the return of NY Classical Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park with performances of King Lear in Carl Schurz Park. This 4th of July I hope to celebrate our independence as a nation and from this virus.

We’re changing up our newsletter format to be shorter and more concise and welcome your feedback. If you missed our newsletters, you can catch up on the April, May, June newsletters at BenKallos.com/newsletters

Regards,

Ben Kallos
Council Member
District 5

$80 Million Secured for Renovations to John Finley Walk

John Finley Walk Funding Announcement with Ben Kallos and Carolyn Maloney

As Co-Chair of the East River Esplanade Taskforce with Congress Member Carolyn Maloney, I am proud to announce that we’ve secured another $80 million for renovations to John Finley Walk, exceeding half a billion dollars in repairs for the Esplanade with the hope of getting ahead of more collapses. The new funding will be used to implement structural repairs to the underside of the deck, repair walls along the roadway, and replace concrete girders, as well as make important upgrades for pedestrians, eliminate uneven walking surfaces, improve drainage, and replace the pedestrian railings, street lighting and benches along the entire span. Thank you Mayor de Blasio, Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver and Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman for working to secure this additional funding. Watch coverage of the press conference by TapInto.

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In the News

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Announcements

Out and About

First Hotel Opens on Roosevelt Island

Last month, I was proud to join Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation and Cornell Tech to celebrate the grand opening of the first-ever hotel on Roosevelt Island, Graduate Hotel.

Rally to Invest in Human Services Workforce by Restoring Funding

Events

Shakespeare in the Park: King Lear

I love Shakespeare in the Park and have been proud to partner with the New York Classical Theatre to provide funding to bring it to Carl Schurz Park for another year. Please join us July 20th through the 25th starting at 7:00pm in Carl Schurz Park at East 87th Street and East End Avenue for a free performance of Shakespeare’s King Lear. Bring your favorite blanket or a folding chair if your mobility is limited, and enjoy the show.

Shakespeare in the Park: King Lear
Tuesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 25
7pm
Carl Schurz Park (East 87th Street and East End)
RSVP

Bike Helmet Giveaway

On Saturday, July 31st from 11:00am – 2:30pm, my office is funding a free bike helmet giveaway while supplies last for all ages. You must be present and learn to properly fit and wear your helmet to take it home. Adults over age 18 receiving a helmet must sign a waiver online to participate.