Welcome to the Manhattan 75
The West 75th Street Block Association - From Park to Park
Making a Difference in the way we live — from Central Park West to Riverside Drive
Join our Community
We're proud to be a 2025 NYC Service Love Your Block grantee! ❤️
Upcoming Events
Events:
  • Sept 20: Block Beautification Day (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
Block Planning Meetings
  • July 17, 6 p.m. - Block association planning meeting (location TBD)
  • August 1, 3 p.m. - AI working group session (point person Bethany Crystal)
  • August 21, 6 p.m. - Block association planning meeting
  • September 18, 6 p.m. - Block association planning meeting
Block Cleanup Days
(point person: Jim Lyles)
We invite anyone to join our monthly block cleanup days. An ideal time to walk the block, pick up any debris, and get to know your neighbors!
  • July 12, 9 a.m.
  • August 16, 9 a.m.
  • September 20, 9 a.m.
  • October 18, 9 a.m.
  • November 15, 9 a.m.
  • December 13, 9 a.m.
Email Manhattan 75's President, Bethany Crystal at west75ba@gmail.com for invites to these upcoming events.
Love Your Block

We're proud to be a 2025 NYC Service Love Your Block grantee! ❤️
The Manhattan 75 has been awarded a Love Your Block grant from NYC Service, a division of the Office of the Mayor focused on volunteerism and service in NYC. Along with the $3,000 grant, the group will receive direct assistance from City agencies to help make a lasting impact on 75th Street from Central Park West to Riverside Drive.
“We’re excited to join over 400 other NYC groups that have already made their mark through Love Your Block,” said Manhattan 75 President Bethany Crystal. “A huge thank you to all the volunteers and neighbors who helped make this possible. Stay tuned for ways to get involved!”
Our grant priorities are clear: cleaning, greening, and protecting our block from rats—and we need your help to get it done. With this grant, we're focusing on:
  • Tree bed restoration and planting to beautify our sidewalks and support pollinators.
  • Regular clean-up days to remove litter and discourage rats from nesting.
  • Rat mitigation strategies including sealed trash bins, deterrent planting, and collaboration with NYC's Rat Czar.
💪 Ready to roll up your sleeves?
We’re looking for block residents and friends to help us dig, sweep, plant, and protect. If you’re interested in volunteering, click here to send us an email at west75ba@gmail.com.
No experience necessary—just a love for our block! Let’s work together to make West 75th cleaner, greener, and rat-free.
Our Mission
Our mission at Manhattan 75 is to create a vibrant, welcoming community on West 75th Street by celebrating our NYC roots, beautifying our shared spaces, and bringing neighbors together. Whether you're new to the block or a longtime resident, we invite you to join us in making our street a place where everyone feels at home.
What We Do
1
Rooted in NYC
We’re here to keep the soul of our block alive and vibrant. Every brownstone, every sidewalk corner—each has a story, and we’re here to keep them going.
2
Sprucing Up our Streets
Who says concrete can’t bloom? With tree plantings, flower beds, and green spaces, we’re bringing the beauty to our block, one planter at a time.
3
Connecting with Community
From rooftop gatherings to park picnics, we’re all about turning neighbors into friends.
4
Looking Out for Each Other
We look out for each other. Safety, cleanliness, and a sense of pride drive everything we do.
Community Engagement
Coffee at the Curb
Morning meetups to foster connections. Neighbors chat over locally roasted coffee and other treats.
Block Parties
We hope to bring back our annual summer block party street fair for families and neighbors alike!
Local Meetups
We invite block residents to offer any type of meetup or event, small or large!
Local Partnerships
Upper West Side Coalition
We're founding members, uniting for broader community impact. Together, we tackle larger urban challenges.
Business Alliances
We are actively seeking to expand local partnerships with business on the block to support our neighborhood economy.
Shared Events
We coordinate with nearby blocks for bigger celebrations. Our reach extends beyond 75th Street.
Our Rich History
1
1960s Roots
Neighborhood activism shaped our vibrant block. Residents united to preserve community character.
2
Decades of Growth
We've nurtured strong ties through events and initiatives. Our community spirit has flourished.
3
Modern Initiatives
Today, we continue our legacy with beautification projects and safety advocacy.
Grassroots in Action: The Manhattan 75 Story
Reviving a block association isn’t easy—but it’s worth it. From tree bed cleanups to late-night rat strategy emails, we’ve been putting in the work to bring new life to West 75th Street.
If you’re curious about how it all started, the bumps along the way, and the small victories that keep us going, read our president Bethany Crystal’s blog, Hard Mode First. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how neighbors become organizers, how city grants like Love Your Block empower grassroots action, and why we believe our block deserves the best.
June 2, 2025, Coffee at the Curb, Brewing Momentum for a Block-by-Block Revival on the Upper West Side
February 5, 2025, Be Like a Rat, Leadership Lessons from the Streets: What NYC's Rat Czar Can Teach Us
Join Our Community
Your membership supports tree planting, community events, and more. Join us in making West 75th Street extraordinary!