Today, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, together with Congressman Charles Rangel, State Senator Bill Perkins, State Senator Thomas K. Duane, State Senator Eric T. Schneiderman, Assemblymembers Gottfried, O’Donnell and Rosenthal, Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, Councilmember Inez E Dickens and Community Board 7 members, led an Upper West Side town hall in the Goddard Riverside Community Center. Elected officials and residents had the opportunity to discuss pressing issues for Upper West Siders including the proposed development of Riverside Center, school overcrowding and general education issues in the Community School District 3, Columbus Avenue bike lanes, and the class-action lawsuit against The Pinnacle Group.

The Upper West Side Town Hall was an excellent forum for residents to voice concerns and achievements and for the Borough President to present updates on ongoing issues. 

Regarding Extell Development Corporation’s proposed development of Riverside Center, residents expressed unease about the percentage of affordable residential housing units, the proposed public school’s accommodations and size, and impacts on local infrastructure, among other concerns. The installation of protected bike lanes along Columbus Avenue from West 96^th to West 77^th Street was also a fairly contentious issue for community members. However, the discussed opening of PS 452 is a progressive step toward relieving school overcrowding in the area.

At the town hall, Borough President Stringer provided updates on the ongoing Pinnacle lawsuit, MTA budget cuts, and seniors’ funding cuts.

Encouraging residents to testify in the Pinnacle lawsuit, Borough President Stringer said, “We need tenants to take charge – abusive landlords will keep this up unless they learn that tenants know their rights and are willing to fight.”

Borough President Stringer voiced his commitment to safety on the Upper West Side. “Kiosk & booth operators are the eyes & ears of the subway. In a post-9/11 New York, we cannot compromise safety – even during a budget crunch.”

Additionally, Borough President Stringer promised seniors his support. “This is the generation that guided New York through the 20^th Century,” he said. “We are not going to stand by while their resources are slashed.”