Bard High School Early College proposes neighborhood tutoring and play

At 525 East Houston Street, a school wants more neighbors. Dr. Brian Q., principal of Bard High School Early College Manhattan, told the Manhattan Community Board 3 Health, Seniors, Human Services, Youth & Education Committee that the school has been isolated from the surrounding community. The public school, near Baruch Houses, is in its 25th year. Its 11th and 12th graders take college-level courses as matriculated Bard College students.

Dr. Brian Q. reported a 99.2% graduation rate last year, with about 90% of students completing an associate’s degree. He said 106 students now have individualized education programs, compared with none five years ago. The school has prioritized District 1 residents for admissions seats and testing days, part of an effort to reach more local families. He said the school needs to explain that priority more clearly and can add testing rooms if demand fills available sessions.

The principal proposed having older students tutor nearby middle schoolers in English language arts and math, including test preparation. He wants to open the schoolyard at scheduled times for games organized by older students and donate 10 Thanksgiving dinners, with the CB3 Health, Seniors, Human Services, Youth & Education Committee helping identify recipients. Dr. Brian Q. said the school is working with school safety agent leadership to choose days for yard access. He said community groups could use the yard, though its asphalt surface limits some sports. A nearby family shelter could be a tutoring partner.

Manhattan Cb3 heard a proposal for approximately 132 apartments at 324 East Fifth Street on land now under Department of Education control. The development team described the project as 100% affordable, with 30 supportive units and none priced above 80% of area median income. The exact affordability mix and financing are still being worked out.

Plans call for approximately 2,000 square feet of ground-floor community facility space run by Housing Works, with health services and possible programming for older adults. The proposal includes 25 NYPD parking spaces required by the request for proposals. The architect said the spaces would sit at ground level behind a masonry façade, with their entrance separated from pedestrian entrances.

The team wants a rezoning and expects to begin the public land-use review process next spring. Presenters described the meeting with Manhattan Cb3 as the start of community engagement, with a meeting for East 5th Street residents planned. Public commenters supported affordable and senior housing but asked about building height, affordability, trees, environmental effects and access.