Con Ed Work is Nearing Completion. Con Ed has been working on a major undertaking in our block for some months — replacing the main gas line and branch lines. In some cases property owners needed new connections from their building to the new City line and required sidewalk trenches. Those of us with windows facing 11th Street have experienced very noisy days with jackhammers drilling, backhoe tractors excavating, loud beeping, etc. and noisy overnights with traffic driving over the yellow steel plates covering trenches in the street. We’re happy to report that the plates have been removed, trenches are filled and Con Ed’s work will be completed soon.
Next Steps. After Con Ed completes their phase, DOT will move in, mill (prep) the street and then resurface the street. We are hoping as the holidays near that we will return to a clean and peaceful block
Replacing Century Old Gas Lines. Con Ed workers told us they were replacing cast iron pipelines laid in the 1800s. In 1823, the New York Gas Light Co. became the first company to lay cast iron pipes and supply gas for lighting along Broadway, making Broadway the first street to be lit completely with gas.
Home Renovations. Work on the Greek Revival townhouses near University Place is progressing, and we look forward to welcoming new neighbors.
Tree Well Prep for Fall Bulb Planting. Cartons of bulbs have arrived for fall planting. While it remains warm, we are cleaning and preparing the tree wells. Once it turns colder, the bulbs will be planted. Later in the season, a layer of mulch will be applied to protect the bulbs over the winter so we can all once again enjoy our usual impressive display of spring blooms. And for those plant lovers, we vary the bulbs we plant— 2 types of tulips, 2 different daffodils, crocus’ etc. hoping to get six weeks of spring blooms and colors.
Summer Tree Watering/Fall Pruning and Soil Amendments. The East 11th Street Block Association arranged for tree watering over the summer months. That was fortuitous as we had a very dry October. Once the street is open again, we will arrange for Urban Arborists to check trees for any fall pruning needed for the health and safety of our trees and for soil amendments as needed.
Holiday Decorating. Once cleaned up and our street newly paved, following our Block Association’s 20-plus year tradition, we will once again festoon the block for the holiday season. A tree and wreaths are on order. We are grateful to neighbors/volunteers who bring the holiday wreaths to us and help us with decorations and our tree lighting.
Asking for Your Support. As 2024 comes to an end, we hope that you will consider donating to the East 11th Street Block Association to help us continue our work to care for our trees, keep our streets clean and safe and generally enhance the quality of life in our community.