Small steps to build a better city
Between a summer of punishing heat, the stress of spending more and getting less for the privilege of living here, a mayoral race that promises to be one of the nastiest in recent history, ominous ICE agents everywhere and the passage of a One Big Beautiful Bill that is anything but for New York City, we New Yorkers have every right to feel more cantankerous than usual, more besieged and more bewildered about the future of our city and our place in it. In short, we have the jitters.
Myriad factors determine what makes our city more or less livable, and we face daunting challenges that require stepped-up political and civic leadership, collective will and money wisely spent. But we can all do our part to ease the anxieties of these polarizing and stressful times, and to make life a little more pleasant and hospitable for all who call New York City home.
These suggestions are eminently doable and require little more than lifting your eyes from your phone, noticing those around you and acknowledging that you are part of a beating heart that is the greatest city in the world — a place that needs a bit of civility and consideration to thrive. Try to take on at least a few.
- Say hello to the people you pass by in your neighborhood — or at least smile at them.
- Say thank you to the people who make it possible for you to live here: the transit workers, store clerks and public servants, whether in uniform or not, who offer courteous service, and the cleaning staff in offices and workers in residential buildings who take out your garbage and clean up after you.
- Don’t block the subway doors or bus exit when people are trying to get out. Thank the people who step outside the trains or buses to let you out.
- Don’t shove or elbow people aside while climbing or descending subway stairs. The 30 seconds you save might be harrowing for the person you pushed past.
- Offer help to people who are carrying strollers and shopping carts up and down subway stairs. There are far too few elevators — but plenty of helping hands.
- For God’s sake, offer your seat to a visibly pregnant woman, parents and caregivers juggling small children and babies, people with canes and the elderly. They can always refuse your kind offer, and you will both feel better for it.
- Don’t use public spaces as your private domain. No one wants to hear about your date last night, your latest business deal or whatever nonsense you choose to talk loudly about on the bus, in the park, walking down the street or in any other public space. If you must take a call, keep it down.
- Having a phone doesn’t mean your eyes must be incessantly glued to it while walking down the street. Why should everyone else have to get out of your way because you are screen-obsessed? Take a look around, you might catch some amazing sights and discover something wonderful that you hadn’t noticed before. (You’ll also help protect yourself from getting hit in the process.)
- Bikers, e-bikers and scooter riders — obey traffic signals! Pedestrians have the right to cross the street without constant fear for their safety.
- If you can afford DoorDash or GrubHub, you can afford a nice tip. I know the fees are high, but most of those don’t go straight to the deliveristas who are rushing to bring you your tacos or sushi.
- Don’t litter. Every piece of trash, bottle and can you drop is making life more unpleasant for the rest of us. The same goes for dog poop that isn’t picked up.
- Visit your branch library, browse the shelves, meet the staff, or even a neighbor. Get a library card, download a free pass to a museum of your choice and enjoy the incredible cultural riches of our town.
- When November rolls around, vote! The June Democratic primary saw record total participation topping 1 million, but that still represented only about 30% of registered Democrats — and around a fifth of all registered voters in the city.
In short, be a good neighbor and engaged citizen. It may bring as much delight to you as it will to your fellow New Yorkers.