BPC SENIORS

Read Battery Park City’s community newsletter here

 

NEW: Battery Park City Farmers Market

A new farmers market – the first in Battery Park City since 2011 – will launch on Mother’s Day, May 11, and operate from 7AM-4PM on Sundays through November 23 on River Terrace aside the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park City.

In addition to healthy, fresh produce from local providers, family-friendly activities will be programmed at the market throughout the season. Read more here.

NEW: May’s National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

May 22, 2025 @ 1PM // Register here

Description: Are you or a loved one living with a hearing loss and have difficulty hearing important alerts in your home or worry about safety?

Join us for a practical and eye-opening session on how to make your home environment safer when living with a hearing loss. Learn about low-cost, easy-to-use assistive listening devices that can alert you to important sounds like doorbells and smoke alarms. Discover how today’s technology can bring you peace of mind and greater independence at home. Live demonstrations included!

This workshop will cover:

– Alerting devices for smoke alarms, doorbells and phone calls
– Smartphone apps and features that support safety and awareness
– Tools that support independence for people with all levels of hearing loss.

Speaker: Terrence Williams, H.I.S., Assistant Director, Berelson Hearing Technology Center at CHC

Zoom Automated Captions Provided.

If you have can only join by phone, please use the following information: 646-931-3860 // Enter ID: 89429961240#

Paratransit Assessment Center Opens in Lower Manhattan

MTA New York City Transit recently announced the opening of a new Paratransit Assessment Center in Lower Manhattan at 3 Stone Street, which will be used as part of the eligibility determination process for new Access-A-Ride (AAR) customers and those looking to recertify their eligibility. The new center provides a more convenient assessment location for paratransit applicants who live or work in Manhattan and increases capacity across the system of AAR Assessment Centers that serve thousands of paratransit customers each month. Read more here by clicking here.

Learn more about Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service here.

 

NEWS YOU CAN USE:
o The Manhattan Borough President’s new Senior Resource Guide is comprehensive, 50+ page guide designed to help seniors and their families navigate the many services and programs available across all 12 of Manhattan’s community districts. Click here to access the guide.

o What Does a Heart Attack Feel Like for Women? 7 Subtle Symptoms to Never Ignore (Prevention.com)
o BPC Parks Happenings

2025 SEASONAL PROGRAM & EVENT GUIDE:
Battery Park City Authority’s 2025 Seasonal Program & Event Guide details details a broad range of free programming – including music, art, nature, walking tours, fitness, and more – across Battery Park City from May through October.

The Guide features illustrated program offerings organized by monthly event highlights and by those of interest to adults and seniors, school-aged children, and preschoolers, as well as information about community spaces at 200 Rector Place, 6 River Terrace, and the BPC Ball Fields.

Here are some highlights for seniors this season:

MONDAYS

o MAY 05 -JUN 16; SEP 08-OCT 06
BIRD WATCHING
9-9:45AM
South Cove

o MAY 05-OCT27
MORNING MEDITATIONS
9:45-10:15AM
6 River Terrace
No program 5/26, 9/1, 10/13

o MAY05-OCT27
SENIOR GROUP EXERCISE
10:30-11:30AM
Irish Hunger Memorial Plaza
No program 5/26, 9/1, 10/13

o MAY05-JUN16, 2-3:330PM (Spring Session); SEP08-OCT27, 10:30AM-12PM (Fall Session)
CREATIVE WRITING
BPC Library, 175 North End Avenue

SELECT TUESDAYS

o MAY2o, JUN17, JUL15, SEP16, OCT21, NOV18
BPC BOOK CLUB
1-2PM, 200 Rector Place

Join Fellow readers for a lively discussion and thoughtful socializing!

MAY20: The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

JUN17: Are You My Mother?: A Comic Drama by Alison Bechdel; Apsara Engine by Bishakh Som

JUL15: The Handmaid’s Tale (The Graphic Novel) by Margaret Atwood and
Renée Nault; Persepolis, Volumes 1 & 2 by Marjane Satrapi

SEP16: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

OCT21: Geek Love by Katherine Dunn

NOV18: James by Percival Everett

SELECT TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

o MAY06 & MAY14
PASSWORDS
Passwords programs invite one poet to speak about the work of
another whom they admire. These programs expand the dialogue around diverse poetic heritages by featuring poets who share enthusiasm for another poet’s work, a consistent aspect of Poets House since 1989.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

MAY01-OCT30
PICK UP PICKLEBALL
9AM-3PM
Esplanade Plaza

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS

MAY02-OCT31
Zumba
10:30-11:30AM
Irish Hunger Memorial
No program 5/23. 7/4, 8/29, 10/10.

JUL01-AUG26
Stretch Sesh
6-7PM
Rockefeller Park House

WEDNESDAYS

o MAY07-OCT29
DOWNTOWN BEATS CHORUS
1-2PM, 200 Rector Place

o MAY07-AUG27
ELEMENTS OF NATURE DRAWING
2-4PM, Rector Park East

o MAY07-AUG27
SUNSET YOGA
6-7PM
Rockefeller Park: MAY07-JUN25
Rector Park West: JUL02-AUG27

THURSDAYS

o MAY01-OCT30
FIBER ARTS CRAFTS STUDIO
1-3PM, 200 Rector Place

o MAY22-JUL3; SEP18-OCT30
MAH JONGG LESSONS
10AM-12PM, 200 Rector Place

o MAY22-JUN26; SEP11-OCT09
PICKLEBALL CLINIC
1-3PM, Esplanade Plaza

o JUL03-AUG28
ZUMBA
10:30AM-11:30AM
West Thames Park

o JUL24-AUG28
BARRE FITNESS
5:30-6:30PM, South Cove

FRIDAYS

TAI CHI
o MAY02-OCT31
8:30-9:30AM, Esplanade Plaza

SATURDAYS

o MAY03-OCT25
DRAWING IN THE PARK
10AM-12PM, South Cove


DOWNTOWN CONNECTION BUS ROUTE: REMINDER

In an effort to make the route more efficient, the Downtown Connection Bus will no longer be making a U-turn on West Street. Instead, it will turn left directly onto Murray Street.

This will only impact Battery Park City-bound service. As a result, the bus will no longer be stopping at Vesey Street / North End Avenue and North End Avenue / Murray Street, and will now be stopping at Murray Street / North End Avenue.

Read more from the Downtown Alliance.

MTA Bus Stops: Did You Know?

Overnight from 10PM to 5AM, you can ask your NYCT bus operator (driving a local bus only, not express or SBS) to let you off at locations that aren’t bus stops. They’ll find a safe place along the route to stop the bus and let you out.


MTA REDUCED FARE FOR SENIORS:

The MTA announced that Reduced-Fare customers — including Seniors and people with disabilities — can now put their Reduced-Fare benefit on any OMNY-compatible personal payment device (i.e., your smartphone). The MTA is enabling customers to make this switch online at omny.info. Reduced-Fare customers can also benefit from the MTA’s ongoing “Lucky 13” program, where customers ride free after 12 paid OMNY taps in a 7-day week, from Monday to Sunday.


NEIGHBORHOOD COORDINATION OFFICERS
NYPD’s Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs) serve as liaisons between the police and the community, but also as key crime-fighters and problem-solvers in the sector. They familiarize themselves with residents and their problems by attending community meetings with neighborhood leaders and clergy, visiting schools, following up on previous incidents, and using creative techniques and adaptive skills.

Battery Park City’s NCOs are:

“Sector B” – BPC below West Thames Street
P.O. Frank Jilling              P.O. Ferdinando Nasso
(212) 334-6462: O            (212) 334-6462: O
(929) 213-2783: M
Frank.Jilling@nypd.org      Ferdinando.Nasso@nypd.org

“Sector C” – BPC above West Thames Street
 P.O. Thomas Nethaway     P.O. Eugene Uske                                                                                                                                                   (212) 334-6462: O              (212) 334-6462: O
 (929) 213-6313: M               (917) 238-2330: M
Thomas.Nethaway@nypd.org    Eugene.Uske@nypd.org


SCAM ALERT

– If someone you do not know asks you to donate for various activities such as sports teams, school activities, or not for profit organizations, DO NOT give them your phone.
– If you have been a victim of this or any other crime, immediately report it to 911 or to your local precinct. NYPD’s First Precinct can be contacted as follows:

16 Ericsson Place
New York, NY, 10013
Precinct: (212) 334-0611
Crime Prevention: (212) 334-0642
PO Miles Holman:
Miles.Holman@nypd.org

– Be safe and stay alert, Battery Park City!


FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES: Medicare Savings Program Expansion
The New York State Office for the Aging is urging income-eligible Medicare beneficiaries in New York to apply for up to $7,300 annually in financial assistance through an expansion in the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). Call 1-800-701-0501 or visit https://aging.ny.gov/medicare-savings-program for more information. Read more by clicking here.


HOMELESS ASSISTANCE

– The NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) offers services to people living on the streets, in the subway, or in other public places. DHS will send a mobile outreach response team within 1 hour to encourage the person to accept services. Request Homeless Assistance here.

– If you provide your contact information, DHS may contact you for more information.
– If you are homeless and need help, visit:

Homeless Shelters to apply for emergency shelter
Homeless Drop-In Centers to get food, clothing, shower and laundry facilities, and other services
Pathway Home Program to learn about financial assistance to help homeless families move out of shelters and stay with family members or friends.


GREENWICH HOUSE: Older Adult Centers in Manhattan

Center on the Square
20 Washington Square North, New York, NY 10011
Center Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lunch Hours: 12 – 2 p.m.
Tel: 212-777-3555 Ext 106

Westbeth Artists Housing
155 Bank Street, New York, NY 10014
Center Hours:
Sunday – Closed
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Thursday – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Saturday – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tel: 212-255-5191

Independence Plaza
310 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013
Center Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lunch Hours: 12 – 1 p.m.
Tel: 212-267-0499

Our Lady of Pompeii
25 Carmine Street, New York, NY 10014
Center Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lunch Hours: 12 – 2 p.m.
Tel: 212-989-3620

PLUS: Explore the new Lifelong Skills & Opportunity Center, which is open to adults 60+ and other communities served by Greenwich House.

Lifelong Skills & Opportunity Center
27 Barrow Street, New York, NY 10014
Center Hours:
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tel: 917-261-4598

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Aging New Yorkers Questionnaire

The New York City Comptroller’s office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust and secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers. To help focus on the issues that matter most to aging New Yorkers, Comptroller Brad Lander wants to hear from you directly! Please fill out this brief questionnaire to inform the Comptroller’s priorities.

Complete the Aging New Yorkers Questionnaire by clicking here

 

ONGOING THIS SEASON:

Brookfield Place Events. Click for details about public art, activities, programs, and more throughout the Brookfield Place complex.

In-Person Classes and Tech Help @ Senior Planet NYC

Senior Planet in Chelsea
127 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10001

– Minimum age to participate in Senior Planet NYC programming is 60
– Questions may be directed to (646) 590-0615, Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM; or by email: reception@seniorplanet.org

More news from Senior Planet:

New Report Shows Transformational Social Outcomes

During Digital Inclusion Week, OATS released a new report, “Fly Like an Eagle: Measuring Transformational Social Outcomes Among Seniors Using Technology” at a media event at the Senior Planet center in NYC (see photo above). The report details how access to technology devices and innovative training programs can yield transformational social outcomes for older adults and provides a blueprint for cities and communities looking to implement their own digital inclusion programs. Read more here.


BPC RESILIENCY 
SBPCR PROJECT COMMUNITY CONSTRUCTION LIAISON:

The South Battery Park City Resiliency Project (SBPCR) is underway with completion scheduled for Sprin 2025. Questions & feedback about SBPCR can be sent to:

Katie MacDougall
Community Construction Liaison
(917) 624-5409
sbpcrinfo@bpca.ny.gov

 

BPC RESILIENCY — NWBPCR PROJECT

The combined North/West Battery Park City Resiliency Project (NWBPCR), now in design, will create an integrated coastal flood risk management system from First Place, north along the Battery Park City Esplanade, across to the east side of West Street/Route 9A, and terminate above Chambers Street at a high point on Greenwich Street. Work will proceed through a progressive design-build effort.

Questions about the NWBPCR Project may be sent to:

             – E-mail: nwbpcrinfo@bpca.ny.gov
      – Mail: Claudia Filomena, Director of Capital Projects, 200 Liberty Street, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10281


YOUR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Congressman Dan Goldman (Phone: 202.225.7944)
– Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine (Phone: 212.669.8300)
– NY State Senator Brian Kavanagh (Phone: 212.298.5565)
NY State Assembly Member Charles Fall (Phone: 718.442.9932)
– NYC Council Member Chris Marte (Phone: 212.587.3159) 

This site is dedicated to Ruth Ohman 1930 – 2016, whose leadership helped advance programming and services for seniors in the Battery Park City Community.

BPC Programs & Events​

Click here for a list of upcoming events in Battery Park City

 

USEFUL LINKS & RESOURCES

Battery Park City Authority
Office: 212-417-2000
Email: info.bpc@bpca.ny.gov

Allied Universal BPC Security Services
BPC Ambassador Services: 212-945- 7233 (SAFE)

New York State Office for the Aging

NYC Department for the Aging

Notify NYC:
Sign up for New York City’s official source for information about emergency alerts and important city services. Enroll for free here.

Senior Resource Guide
Available here, courtesy of Assembly Member Deborah Glick.

NYC 311

NYPD 1st Precinct

Manhattan Community Board 1