Dear Neighbors,

Happy Fall! Shorter days, cooler weather and the turning color of leaves are here.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, I thank you for your support in planning and joining the Fall Fest. There were more residents from the block who participated this year and neighbors from the surrounding areas. From the reports and comments received, everyone enjoyed the event.

The Association held its scheduled meeting on September 10th and following are highlights:

• Strivers Row’s website is now up. Jake and Anita made a presentation and provided updates on content. It’s a great start that includes information about community events, photos, etc. We would like to include historic information about Strivers Row; the Association’s early beginnings, and notable accomplishments. Anyone with information and can contribute to this undertaking, please let us know. Your input is greatly appreciated. Additionally, we want to include information about public events, business, employment opportunities, etc. We welcome your feedback for the website.

• Thanks to Jake and Maryann V., they will organize Welcome Packets for new neighbors. We welcome our new neighbor, Warren Reed at 215 while we say goodbye to our Vice President, Len Burnett. The very best to both!

• Block issues addressed included problems with drainage on southside of the street and rodents. Majority of members present support the use of garbage cans. Follow-up will be made with the sanitation supervisor to discuss this matter.

• Outsourcing snow removal discussed as a service for members.

Members are encouraged to pay annual dues of $50.00 that covers the calendar year from January – December. Meeting ended with a celebration of Maryann Cooper’s Birthday and a cake baked by Anita!

A special thanks to Reuben for submission of the above meeting highlights.

Upcoming Significant Dates

October 26 – November 3, 2019: Early Voting Begins. For the first time, NYC registered voters will be able to vote during the week before Election Day. Early Voting site is the same as our regular voting location - PS 175 at 175 West 134th Street. For hours and further information, please go to www.vote.nyc.

October 31st: Street will be closed from 3:30 – 7:30 PM for our annual Halloween festivities. Parking is permitted but traffic will be blocked to any incoming traffic. Kids (and adults) come from surrounding areas and beyond to enjoy the festivities. So, with your basket of goodies we look forward to seeing everyone out on their stoop.

December 12th: Holiday Gathering at a local restaurant. (TBD)

Sincerely,
C. Virginia Fields
President

Dear Neighbors,

We have been advised that Sanitation will begin ticketing property owners for the improper placement of garbage that is adding to the increased rodent problems. If the problem is not brought under control we stand to lose the privilege of having our garbage picked up in the back.

Furthermore, extermination services that are being provided, are not working. The exterminator has informed us that as long as the rodents continue to have a “buffet” (all they can eat) from the garbage food, they won’t take the bait. Therefore, whether garbage is picked up in the back or front, the rodent problem will continue until attention to garbage disposal is better addressed.

Sanitation advises that garbage and recycling items should be put out after 4:00 PM on the evening before scheduled pick-ups. As a reminder, garbage and recycling pick-up schedules are as follows:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday - Garbage pick-up

Wednesday Only - Recycling pick - up

When a holiday falls on a day for pick-up, we are encouraging sanitation to provide next day services. We are also discussing with sanitation the use of tin trash cans as a deterrent to the rodents.

In response to numerous complaints, the Department of Health and Sanitation are scheduling a walk through within the next few weeks, to further assess the problem. 

Thank you kindly for your cooperation. 

Sincerely,

C. Virginia Fields
President
138th Street Strivers Row Landmark Block Association, Inc.