Series IV. Organizational Records, 1961-2010 (bulk 1970s-1990s), inclusive

The Parks Council was an independent organization dedicated to the creation, conservation, and enhancement of New York City's parks, open space, and waterfront for the use and enjoyment of the public. Subseries IV.A. contains correspondence, brochures, newsletters, reports, publications, and research files related to Eugenia Flatow's role as president. Materials in this series cover matters concerning the future of the urban environment, including park policy, open space development, and funding for recreational and educational programs. This subseries also contains records of the Committee on City Waterfront and Waterways, which worked to further the interests of waterborne service for both people and commerce and advocate greater access to the waterfront for the people of the City of New York.

Established in 1980, the Neighborhood Open Space Coalition (NOSC) was developed to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers by expanding and enhancing the city's parks and open spaces through research, planning, and advocacy. In 1992, Friends of Gateway (FoG), an advocacy and service organization, joined with NOSC to protect, improve and enhance public awareness of, and access to Gateway National Recreation Area. Subseries IV.B. contains correspondence, studies, agendas, financial documentation, minutes, memorandums, proposals, and reports mostly from the period before NOSC and FoG merged. However, there is also a considerable amount of material related to the Gateway National Recreation Area and the Gateway Citizens Committee.

The bulk of Subseries IV.C. contains correspondence, minutes, newsletters, and financial documentation for the Environmental Policy Forum (EPF). Formerly known as the New York City Citizens Advisory Committee on Environmental Policy (NYC CAC/EP), the Environmental Policy Forum began in the 1970s as the official advisory committee to New York City's planning for wastewater and coastal management. It evolved into an independent organization committed to the principle of citizen involvement in public solutions to urban environmental problems. Flatow served as Vice President and Vice-Chair for Coastal Management.

The Coalition for the Bight was a public/private partnership created to stimulate a regional constituency to develop consensus on a management plan for the use and restoration of the Bight, better the approach to resolving problems affecting the Bight, and improve the use of scientific information in policy decision-making. The records in Subseries IV.D. include correspondence, project plans, essays, symposium proceedings, proposals, and newsletters that echo these goals and represent the work Eugenia Flatow performed as coordinator of this organization, much of which involved project planning and research.

Subseries IV.E. includes drafts, reports, correspondence, proposals, maps, and minutes for the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program (HEP). Established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1987, the goal of the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary Program is to establish and maintain a healthy and productive ecosystem with full beneficial uses. Flatow served as a member of the Management Committee and Co-chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee, which represents the public in all HEP dialogue and debate. This subseries also contains a considerable amount of documentation concerning the Citizens Advisory Committee and the HEP's Habitat Workgroup.

Subseries IV.F. consists of correspondence, minutes, reports, financial records, and documentation related to the development of the by-laws of Manhattan Community Board #9 (MCB9). The purpose of MCB9 is to ensure that New York City services are accessible to residents, organizations, and institutions in the neighborhoods of Hamilton Heights, Manhattanville, Morningside Heights, and West Harlem. MCB9 has several committees responsible for researching issues, developing goals, planning activities, and conducting public hearings for their respective subject area. Eugenia Flatow was chair of the Public Services Committee, which no longer exists.

Subseries IV.G. contains correspondence, reports, maps, publications, and other materials related to Jamaica Bay and the Jamaica Bay Task Force. The Jamaica Bay Task Force (JBTF) was established in 1983 at the end of the first Jamaica Bay Conference held at Queens College. The JBTF served as a conduit of information among several different public and private organizations. One of these organizations was The National Harbor Estuary Program (HEP), in which Flatow played a prominent role. The HEP was a major forum (through its Citizens' Advisory Committee and committee structure) to investigate issues associated with Jamaica Bay.

The City Club of New York is an independent, not-for-profit organization with a long history of civic action for government reform and raising issues that impact the lives of the people of New York City. The Club serves as a nonpartisan "watchdog" of the New York City government, working to make it more effective, honest, ethical, and responsive to its citizens. Flatow was heavily involved in this organization, serving as Trustee, Treasurer, and Chair of its Environmental Committee. Subseries IV.H. primarily contains budgetary, banking, and tax documentation, which reflect her role as Treasurer. There is also a substantial amount of material regarding the NYC Watershed Council -- a coalition of 24 major civic, scientific, environmental, housing, and business groups committed to guaranteeing a safe and plentiful water supply for millions of users.

The NYC Soil and Water Conservation District (NYCSWCD) was formed in 1991 to promote the conservation of soil and water through working with citizens, non-governmental organizations, elected officials, and sister agencies. It evolved into an agency that facilitates projects to foster clean water and biodiversity, control and prevent soil erosion and sediment damage, and educate the youth on urban conservation techniques. Eugenia Flatow was a long-time chair of the Board and one of the individuals who advocated for the establishment of the soil and water conservation district. Subseries IV.I. largely consists of correspondence regarding all aspects of NYCSWCD activity, including research, event planning, soil surveys, conservation work, and environmental education for people of all ages. For images of NYCSWCD events, see Series VII. Photographs.