Manhattan CB11 Executive Committee backs temporary circus installation
Big Apple Circus plans a winter stay near East Harlem playgrounds, with a $400,000 turf replacement promised before spring sports permits.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — big apple circus temporary installation at, discussion of possible letter supporting senator, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
The committee’s support came with a reservation: it learned of the signed circus agreement only after tickets were already on sale.
A circus is headed for a winter stay in East Harlem. Big Apple Circus plans to use space near Marx Brothers Playground and Stanley Isaacs Playground from mid-November to late January while Lincoln Center is renovated. Parks Department representatives told the Manhattan Community Board 11 Executive Committee that the circus would replace the turf field at a cost of $400,000 and pay a $10,000 fee to the city’s general fund. The new turf will remain in the park.
The Manhattan Community Board 11 Executive Committee learned of the plan by email the day before its meeting, after the agreement had been signed and tickets had gone on sale. The Chair questioned the short notice, the financial terms and whether a site near 97th Street would bring business to more of East Harlem. Parks said the circus would operate during winter and the turf would be ready for spring sports permits in April. Sports leagues would not lose access for a year.
Big Apple Circus producers promised $50,000 worth of free tickets, described as 750 tickets, plus discounted tickets valued at approximately $100,000 to $125,000. They described a schools program with $20 group tickets. After discussion, the Manhattan Community Board 11 Executive Committee approved a letter that hesitantly supported the agreement, citing the turf and ticket commitments while criticizing the process. Parks and the circus agreed to work with the community board and District Manager on distributing free tickets and other community activities.
Discussion of Possible Letter Supporting Senator Cleare Bill Regarding Bus Lanes on 116th Street (No Vote Taken)
The Manhattan Community Board 11 Executive Committee did not vote on a proposed letter supporting Senator Cleare’s bill regarding bus lanes on 116th Street. The Chair said a draft letter had been edited to address enforcement and traffic concerns, including the possibility of extensive ticketing by bus lane cameras. Committee members discussed how the proposal might affect parking, businesses and people who depend on the bus.
One member raised concerns about parking removal and metered spaces in residential areas, as well as access for churches and funeral homes. That member suggested limiting enforcement to weekday morning and evening peak hours rather than enforcing the lanes around the clock. Kylie said constituents had asked why 116th Street was selected and worried about driving restrictions, while acknowledging that the bus is slow and needs better transit infrastructure.
Another member argued that East Harlem residents who rely on public transportation need better cross-town service. The Chair said the Manhattan Community Board 11 Executive Committee had heard substantial concern about parking and business impacts, and that earlier community input had not been adequately reflected in implementation. He directed the relevant committee to continue its work and bring a proposal back at the next meeting.
Parks committee postpones positions on three bills
The Manhattan CB11 Environmental, Open Space & Parks Committee deferred decisions until December on bills concerning public participation near environmental justice communities, municipal parkland reporting and waterfront infrastructure reporting. Members wanted more time to review the language, including what counts as a “major” project under the public participation bill.
The bills could affect how East Harlem residents learn about nearby projects and the condition of public spaces.
Executive Committee hears plans for girls’ athletic facility
The Manhattan Community Board 11 Executive Committee heard Nightingale-Bamford School’s plans for a 64,000-square-foot athletic facility on East 108th Street, with completion expected in September 2027. The school said its financing agreement requires 100 hours of New York City-based community use; scheduling and neighborhood traffic questions remain open.
Community-use hours could give local groups access to athletic space, but the schedule has yet to be set.
Executive Committee reviews La Marqueta redevelopment plans
The Manhattan Community Board 11 Executive Committee heard NYC EDC’s concept for La Marqueta: a year-round market hall on Lots 5 and 6, a grocery store on Lot 7 and support facilities on Lot 8. The project aims to open in 2029; attendees asked about pests, parking and surveys in additional languages.
The plans would change where residents shop for groceries and how they use the market throughout the year.
Parks committee acknowledges Wards Island battery proposal
The Manhattan CB11 Environmental, Open Space & Parks Committee approved a letter acknowledging a presentation on two proposed 4.896-megawatt battery systems at the Wards Island wastewater facility. The developer described fire-safety measures, overnight charging and a construction schedule beginning in 2027; the letter did not approve the project.
The batteries would operate near Wards Island Park, making fire safety and noise concrete concerns for park users.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Manhattan Cb11 had 21 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEOpening Public Comment / Announcements from Attendees. During an early public comment/announcements moment, attendees promoted upcoming community events including a district legislative breakfast, a Union Settlement grocery-related session, and a Halloween festival.
- GOVERNANCENew business discussion: potential resolution supporting PS 38 regarding shared use of a public playground with a charter school. The committee discussed an ongoing dispute involving PS 38 and a nearby charter school regarding shared use of a public playground/handball court area near East 104th Street and Second Avenue. Members decided to table action until December to obtain and review the prior agreement and stipulations.
- GOVERNANCECommittee backs Second Avenue Subway bill as grant proposal develops. Senator Serrano’s office reported progress on Second Avenue Subway legislation and work on a small-business grant bill addressing construction-related harm. The committee approved a letter supporting the subway bill and proposed amendments; feedback on the grant bill was expected by mid-November.
- GOVERNANCEOld business: Community district cleanup events (Nov. 14 and Nov. 21) and purpose discussion. The committee discussed upcoming community cleanups, including a Nov. 14 meetup at East 102nd Street and Park Avenue tunnels and target blocks from East 104th through East 110th between Third Avenue and Park Avenue. Members discussed the initiative’s purpose, origins, and coordination with Sanitation for supplies and hotspot lists.
- GOVERNANCESummerStage seeks support for Central Park electrical upgrade. City Parks Foundation proposed replacing SummerStage’s temporary seasonal cabling at Rumsey Playfield with permanent underground electrical distribution and cabinets. The committee approved a letter supporting the upgrade after hearing details on cabinet locations, trees, and screening plantings.
- GOVERNANCERandall’s Island Park updates (events, staffing, ADA pathing project, permits) and Q&A. A Randall’s Island Park deputy administrator provided event announcements, noted seasonal staffing reductions, and described a new ADA-compliant paved pathing project on the southern side connecting a bus stop to soccer fields and the urban farm. The presenter also reminded the public about winter sports field permit applications and answered a question about the pathway surface.
- GOVERNANCEAnnouncements: NYC Commercial Waste Zone (CWZ) expansion notice. The chair announced the launch of the first commercial waste zone (CWZ) in Queens and stated the program would expand to parts of Northern Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan by December 2026. Businesses and private carters were said to be required to sign new contracts, with an information window of October 1 through November 30 and a city website provided.
- GOVERNANCEEast River Esplanade / Parks Funding Status Update (Phase Two). A parks-related update reported that sensitive funding discussions were underway to fill a gap for Phase Two of the East River Esplanade project, with an expectation of returning in January with a more substantive update and Phase One construction status.
- GOVERNANCEAdoption of Fiscal Year 2028 Statement of District Needs. The committee reviewed priorities in the FY2028 Statement of District Needs, including housing, public safety, sanitation, opioid treatment program moratorium, East River Esplanade funding gaps, and Second Avenue Subway small business support. The statement was adopted.
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