A 140-bed homeless shelter is planned for W. 74th Street, between Amsterdam and Columbus, right in the middle of a residential block. The operator behind the project has a shaky track record, and this shelter looks like a cash grab by a for-profit private equity firm, not a thoughtful solution to help those in need.

While I wholeheartedly support compassionate solutions to homelessness, this rushed plan raises serious concerns about safety for kids and families in our community.

Learn more and join the effort to advocate for better alternatives: https://www.friendsofuws.org

Let’s demand transparency, accountability, and solutions that work for everyone.

Update

I did some digging on Bayrock Capital, the private equity firm that owns this project, and here’s what I found.

•	Legal Troubles: Bayrock has faced multiple lawsuits alleging fraud and financial misconduct. Notably, a 2010 lawsuit accused the company of being “substantially and covertly mob-owned and operated,” with efforts to conceal the criminal background of its executive, Felix Sater. 

•	Questionable Partnerships: The firm co-developed the Trump SoHo project, which became embroiled in legal disputes over deceptive sales practices and undisclosed criminal affiliations of its executives. 

•	Allegations of Misconduct: Bayrock’s former finance director claimed the company engaged in embezzlement, tax fraud, and extortion involving threats of violence. 

Our community deserves better than private equity coming in to run a sham shelter.

There is a stray lost dog in the lawn of Fredrick Douglas Housing building at W 104th and Columbus. I couldn’t get him & it’s getting freezing, snowing already. If you’re close and can help out please go help this dog!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is there a rescue group I can call????

Hi I live on UWS and as I was leaving my building tonight a man trying to get in behind me as the doors were closing. He was wearing a grey puffer jacket, jeans, and a red(ish) beanie hat. He is at least 6 foot and maybe eastern European or Middle Eastern (not sure). He claimed his friend lived in the building so I told him he should ring for him and walked away. From down the street I saw him waiting around the door pacing (looking like he was waiting for someone else to come out so he could get in). About 30 minutes later when I was returning I saw him on 83rd again in front of another building. Has anyone else noticed this man doing the same thing? Be safe. Make sure you only let people you know in to your buildings.

Anyone else’s WiFi not working today? Mines not working and I can’t access my account. Is there an outage??

Hi everyone! My wife and I welcomed our son into the world last month and are beginning to think about trying to do a do a dinner out with him (on the earlier side when it's less busy).

Are there any restaurants that you'd recommend that you've found better to dine with newborns at? Any other tips/suggestions are welcome too.

Hi everyone, Looking for recommendations for a good dental office for my annual cleaning. Ideally, they should accept Aetna insurance.

Last year, I went to a place on 72nd Street, but the cleaning was only about 10 minutes, and the dentist just seemed to be scraping my teeth the whole time. Would love to find somewhere with better service that does an actual cleaning.

Hey, I’m considering moving to UWS and wanted to get a vibe check from any queer people on how they like living in the neighborhood.

I’ve been in the city 12 years, living in both the WV and Chelsea, but I’m now late 30s, married with a dog so I’m looking for more space and quiet. Don’t need gay bars or nightlife but also don’t wanna feel too out of place. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Xxo

hello UWS! I am in need of some new glasses and wondering if you all have recs for eye doctors or eye glasses stores that can make glasses somewhat quickly. I have a high prescription so I know there is usually delay with the lenses. Let me know!

can anyone recommend a well-priced window repair service? I have several panes that need replacing in various interior doors

thank you in advance!

Hi! I need to print some tax documents and don’t feel comfortable printing them somewhere I have to upload them to a website (such as Staples, CVS). Does anyone know anywhere locally I can print directly off my own email? Thanks!

I normally get my tree at Whole Foods since they’re significantly cheaper but they only get them on 2 Thursdays this year and those days don’t work for me. Any recommendations?

I am a journalist working on a story gauging Upper West Sider's opinions of the Smart Curbs pilot program. What do you think of it, have you personally been affected by it, how do you think the rollout is going? Let me know!

https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pr2024/smart-curbs-program-launch.shtml

The Smart Curbs program is a city initiative to better utilize curb and street space. It'll take many forms: new loading zones, bike parking corrals, more planters and seating areas, etc. The area of implementation is 72nd to 86th between Broadway and Central Park West.

Does anybody have a go-to thrift store for menswear? It doesn’t have to be on the UWS, but great if it could be. I’m looking for classic, like cords, casual jackets, shoes, etc.. Not necessarily tailoring, but outerwear yes!

I am fed up with Walgreens/Duane Reade and thinking of moving my prescriptions to Thomas Drugs. There are some negative as well as positive reviews on Yelp. Opinions anyone?

Update: Thanks for your responses. Joseph Pharmacy and Wellness Pharmacy, both on 72nd st., seem to be owned by the same guy. Is there a difference between the two? Plus or minus?

https://preview.redd.it/1rldx6jmcg4e1.png?width=1394&format=png&auto=webp&s=6e2a139963cef38288c4aee277d959799fd7fa84

Hey UWS, I am looking for buildings that have cool looking building lobbys displaying a Christmas Tree during the holidays? I like to photograph them. Here is a shot I took in the UWS last year. So far most buildings it seems have not put up the trees yet. Probably by this weekend. If anyone knows of a building with a nice looking tree and lobby let me know!

Looking for monthly memberships that are less than $240 preferably. Any ideas?

Can anybody recommend a piano teacher that meets clients on UWS? I’m interested for my 6-yo who has never played before. We have an electric keyboard in our apartment, so would be interested in anybody who teaches lessons in the client’s home. I’m sure there’s a music student at Julliard that does lessons on the side — anybody know for sure or have someone they can recommend?

Anyone have someone who does GREAT Brazilians? I did but the last one I got was not great and now I’m looking for someone new. You know, professional, quick, careful, good grow out… would settle for someone who is great at bikini wax in general… thanks!!

I keep seeing "scorched earth" signs for him. does anyone know the issue?

Hi folks of UWS!

I am looking for some advice here. I live in the UWS and have a neighbor (building next door) who is constantly throwing out their leftover food right in front of our buildings. When I say throwing it out, I mean literally opening containers or bags of food and dumping it onto the ground. It is nasty food that ends up attracting a bunch of birds and rats. I have already confronted this neighbor twice while catching them in the act (have a video too) and they still do it! They say that they do not care and that they live there and it is their right to do so...WILD...anyway the super of the buildings has been aware of the situation for a while now and is also upset about this.

Is there anything that can be done about this? I feel like the two times I have confronted them will not change their behavior to be honest. It is confusing and a shame to see a tenant in these buildings that we live in dump their old food right in front of our buildings that we walk in and out every single day. Thanks yall for hearing me out!

I am pregnant for the first time and seeking a female doctor on the UWS for prenatal care and eventually delivery. Any recommendations?

GO! (pls and thank you 🥰)

Hi neighbors. New to the area and looking for the best of the best. Would love recommendations for neighborhood favorites and insider details i.e. best cup of coffee, must-have memberships/subscriptions, nearest run clubs or yoga studios

Open to every and any suggestion!

For reasons I didn’t get my customary day after Thanksgiving sandwich and am wondering if there is a place offering such a thing this weekend that is in or delivers to the upper west side.

I stumbled upon an UES place that has “Thanksgiving sandwich” on the menu, but with no description and a pretty high price.

For the record, I’m talking roast turkey (not deli meat), dressing and cranberry sauce.

https://nypost.com/2024/11/30/us-news/nycs-uws-rocked-by-surging-crime-including-carjackings/