Julie Menin Postpones UES Inauguration Amid COVID-19 Spike

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — The planned inauguration event for incoming Councilmember Julie Menin is the Upper East Side's latest casualty from the rise of the omicron variant.

Menin, who takes office Jan. 1, told Patch she was scrapping the Jan. 7 event that was slated to be held at the 92nd Street Y's Kaufmann Concert Hall. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer was expected to swear Menin in, with other attendees including three members of Congress, Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

But the event, which was expected to draw nearly 500 guests, seemed unwise as COVID-19 cases spike on the Upper East Side and around the city.

"With the rampant spread of the COVID-19 virus, it has become clear that hosting an Inauguration in an enclosed space with hundreds of people at the 92nd Street Y could present a serious public health risk," Menin said in a statement. "I have decided to postpone my Inauguration ceremony given this critical moment in the fight against COVID our city faces."

Students from Talented Unlimited High School were also planning to give a jazz performance at the event, according to Menin's office.

The cancellation of Menin's inauguration comes two days after Mayor-elect Eric Adams said he would postpone his own Jan. 1 inauguration ceremony, which was also planned for an indoor space: Brooklyn's Kings Theatre.

Ceremony or not, Menin will assume office in the new year in District 5, taking over for term-limited Ben Kallos.