Neighborhood Chatter: 11.23.11

Downtown Hospital Adds New Critical Care Transport and Two New EMS Ambulance Runs New York Downtown Hospital, the only hospital below 16th Street, announced two critical emergency services for the downtown community last week, including a critical care transport (known as an "ICU on wheels"). The specialized ambulance is staffed with highly skilled paramedics, nurses and even doctors, depending on the patient's needs, and is equipped with ventilators, invasive pumps and other intricate patient monitoring devices. Its primary function is to transport critically ill patients requiring specialized care. The hospital was also awarded two new ambulance runs by the Fire Department's Emergency Medical Service (EMS).

The New York City Fire Department is tasked with handling all 911 requests and out-of-hospital emergencies in New York City. They perform this task with the assistance of hospitals that provide ambulances in the 911 response matrix.

Chinatown NEW HANDRAIL AT COLUMBUS PARK

Council Member Margaret Chin recently helped secure a handrail in Columbus Park for local seniors. According to a press release from her office, Chin noticed unsafe conditions near the pavilion in the park earlier this month. After talking with several seniors who had difficulty climbing the steps-and had even injured themselves on the steps- the council member brought this issue to Parks Department Commissioner Adrian Benepe's attention.

"The seniors in Columbus Park helped identify this dangerous area and I was able to get it corrected very quickly. This goes to show how important it is to speak to your local representatives when you see improvements that can be made to our community. This stairway is now safer with a handrail and will allow our green space to better serve all those who use Columbus Park. I want to thank the Parks Department and Commissioner William Castro for their quick attention to this issue," said Chin.

Greenwich Village FUNDING SECURED FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF PIER 42

Rep. Charles Schumer and State Sen. Daniel Squadron announced last week that they have secured funding commitments to use a portion of the remaining Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) federal dollars to begin the completion of the East River Waterfront Park, redevelopment of Pier 42 and completion of the continuous green ribbon park around Lower Manhattan, connecting the Hudson River Park to the East River Park and beyond.

In November of last year, Schumer and Squadron urged the LMDC to fund the development of Pier 42 and complete the park using a portion of the $20.4 billion in funding Schumer had secured for Lower Manhattan in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. The agreement between the LMDC, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the City of New York to make an initial investment of $14 million will begin the process of redeveloping Pier 42 into parkland and could include the demolition of an existing shed.

"This funding will continue the revitalization of Lower Manhattan and is a big step toward a Harbor Park, a central park for the center of our city," said Squadron.

Pier 42 is currently being used for public parking and parking for movie productions. It is situated directly between Gouverneur and Jackson streets, creating a major gap in the East River Waterfront park plans. The land was scheduled to be redeveloped by the city, but the plans were put on hold last year when the city announced it did not have the funds to finance the project. Photo Courtesy of State Sen. Daniel Squadron's office