I’m incredibly excited about the ‘Coolest Block’ initiative in the Lower East Side! Attending the information session this past February at the Sixth Street Community Center, presented by the LES Ecology Center, truly reinforced my enthusiasm for these new city-wide efforts to combat climate change.
As a dedicated caregiver for a street tree on the north side of East 11th Street in the East Village, I’ve observed firsthand the challenging conditions our urban street tree beds face daily. I’ve personally encountered numerous rat holes, evidence of drug use, and an abundance of dog waste. These pervasive issues are not merely aesthetic problems; they pose significant public health risks on our streets and hinder the long-term well-being of our vital street trees.
It’s clear that we urgently need to do more to actively support and improve these essential urban green spaces. Their health is directly linked to the health of our community.
Learn more about the initiative here
Howard Brandstein, center, was until recently the director of the Sixth Street Community Center.
Community is a central part of my mission. I encourage everyone to get involved  in their community — because everything we do should contribute to a better world. We build a better world by building better communities.
Some recent events in my East Village community reminded me that we all need to play a part in helping our communities. The events led to what has been called a “midnight coup” — the director of a local community center, Howard Brandstein, was fired and locked out of Sixth Street Community Center. I make my products in the facility’s professional kitchen.
I’ve been talking to many people about how to heal this rift, the exact details of which are unclear. I am hopeful that people will come together to discuss the issues in order to find solutions. It pains me because the center has been such an important part of the community for many years. I have included some pictures from its long history. You can read more — and see more pictures — here:  https://citylore.org/places/sixth-street-community-center/
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