August 7, 2020

The Turtle Bay Association is forwarding to our Turtle Bay neighbors the Vanderbilt Y’s notice to its Members (below), in which it outlines their current situation regarding its economic position, and the impact of its closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we felt we needed to bring to your attention their announcement that because of the circumstances, the Y has entered into a 6 month contract to establish a 220 bed, transitional housing homeless shelter on the 6th thru 10th  floors of the Y building located at 224 East 47th Street.

To the Association’s knowledge there has been no community consultation regarding establishing the shelter at this location, and because of that, many questions and concerns have arisen as to the facility’s operation and mission. Therefore, along those lines, the Turtle Bay Association is, with other community groups, working to establish on an emergency basis, a Community Advisory Board—to deal with the question of the impact of the shelter’s location and operation in the Turtle  Bay neighborhood.

We understand that the establishment of a shelter facility in the neighborhood is of immense importance to both the residents and businesses of Turtle Bay; and not only will we work to keep you informed about the situation. We encourage you to send your comments to our email at office@turtlebay-nyc.org.

Board of Directors, Turtle Bay Association

Dear Vanderbilt Y Family, Thank you for your membership and loyalty at the Vanderbilt YMCA. As you know, we continue to wait for state guidance on when the YMCA can begin reopening our branches. At the same time, we’re also doing everything we can to help the city recover and serve the needs of our communities, including providing child care for emergency workers, expanded housing support, and remote services for teens, immigrants, and seniors. That’s why starting this Friday, August 7, the Vanderbilt Y is partnering with BRC, the Bowery Residents’ Committee, to provide housing for approximately 220 homeless New Yorkers. These are some of New York City’s most vulnerable residents, and we believe it is our civic duty to expand our housing program and use our assets to give these individuals the care and support they deserve. It will also bring in needed revenue to ensure the organization can continue to operate during these difficult times and return ready to serve our members and communities. So far, since we closed in mid-March, the Y has lost nearly $50 million in revenue from membership, programs, camp, and more. We don’t know when we’ll be able to reopen our branches – or what demand will be like when we do. That’s why we’re exploring all options to use our facilities to serve our communities and bring in more revenue. This will impact the reopening schedule for our Vanderbilt Y members. We are entering a six-month agreement with BRC and, during that time, we will test our new procedures before considering resuming membership services. As soon as we begin reopening other branches in the city, you can use your city-wide membership at any open Y branch. During this time, you can also participate in our outdoor group exercise classes at select Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island branches, and continue to access our virtual fitness options. We will update you when we know more. The YMCA is here for all New Yorkers – to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. From our founding in 1852 we have been helping New Yorkers in need – from housing the homeless during the Great Depression to welcoming new immigrants on Ellis Island to aiding rescue workers following 9/11. Today, our city needs our help again and we are proud to offer our support and services. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to help New Yorkers in need. Warm wishes, Elizabeth Toledo Vice President, Operations