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Bus Shelter Planned for W. 72nd Street After years of waiting for a solution from the Department of Transportation (DOT), bus riders will finally have a bus shelter again on West 72nd Street and Broadway. The original shelter was removed in 2010, when the stop for the M5, M57 and M72 bus routes was moved to accommodate the construction of a Trader Joe's. Since then, however, there has not been a place for the regular riders of the line, many of whom are elderly, to wait for the bus. Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal and State Sen. Tom Duane badgered the DOT on behalf of their constituents and finally got word that a new bus shelter will be installed. "A bus shelter is critical to this demographic, who cannot stand for long periods of time to wait for their bus. I know that the community will be pleased that the shelter will finally be restored," said Rosenthal. Duane thanked the DOT as well as the intrepid local resident who persisted in getting the shelter back. "I also appreciate the efforts of Ed Bartosik, executive director of the Council Senior Center, which is located across the street from the bus stop, for bringing attention to this issue," he said. The delay resulted from the fact that the DOT had to obtain-and was inexplicably denied-permission from the owners of the property at 214 W. 72nd St. to install a shelter in front of the building. Their creative solution will place the shelter 30 feet from the actual bus stop marker (most are only 5 to 10 feet away)-still an improvement over the big lot of nothing that's been there. Free Lunchtime Tunes Al Fresco The Lincoln Square outdoor concert series returns on Wednesday, July 4 with lunchtime performances by The Yaz Band and William B. Johnson's Drumadics for the "American Soundscape" themed afternoon from 12-2 p.m. Concerts will be held every Wednesday through Aug. 29 in Richard Tucker Square, on West 66th Street between Columbus Avenue and Broadway. Music lovers are encouraged to bring their lunch and will also be able to work out mid-day kinks with free stretching sessions by Yoga Works between music sets. Visit lincolnsquarebid.org for the full listing of musical acts. Catch the Fireworks Macy's will continue its Independence Day tradition of lighting up the Hudson River with fireworks this year-if you're planning on seeing them, a game plan is mandatory. Thousands of people will flock to the West Side's designated viewing areas to get prime spots. Macy's recommends that patriotic attendees head over to 12th Avenue below 59th Street at access points every few blocks along 11th Avenue. Parking will be severely limited. There will be no access at the Hudson River piers or the Hudson River Park promenade or bike path between 59th and West Houston Street. DeWitt Clinton Park is reserved for people with disabilities. Plan to arrive at any of the viewing spots by 5 p.m., and don't try to bring lawn chairs or large objects with you. The 25-minute show of 40,000 synchronized fireworks begins around 9 p.m. and will be set to performances by Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney. Free History for Kids The New-York Historical Society and DiMenna Children's History Museum are offering free admission to history buffs under 18 on Wednesday, July 4. Kids can learn about what life was like in revolutionary times and how New Yorkers of yore contributed to the War of Independence. Storytellers will share the tale of how the Hudson River played an integral role in winning the war and freeing the country. There will be a presidential scavenger hunt for kids ages 4 and up and patriotic-themed arts and crafts projects for everyone. For of-age chaperones, the Empire Brewing Company will be holding beer tastings at 2 and 4 p.m. in the beer hall adjacent to the museum. Tickets for the tasting and museum admission are $35, $20 for members. Regular adult admission is $15. The museum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 170 Central Park West at 77th Street. Duane Endorses Hoylman for Senate As several candidates have emerged to run for State Sen. Tom Duane's seat, the senator has officially endorsed his longtime friend Brad Hoylman to replace him in January. Duane announced that he will be retiring at the end of this term, finishing a 14-year legislative career that will be remembered for its track record of support for LGBT rights and access to health care. Hoylman, who just stepped down as the chair of Community Board 2 to focus on the campaign, is expected to pick up the torch where Duane left it on many issues. "I am certain that Brad will provide strong leadership on not only preserving but also strengthening New York's rent regulation and tenant protection laws, as well as increasing the creation of affordable housing for all New Yorkers," Duane said in a statement. "He will also be a powerful voice for the LGBT community in Albany-whether it's carrying on the battle for GENDA or standing up for people with HIV/AIDS struggling to make ends meet." Duane mentioned that he has witnessed Hoylman's success in negotiating tough local issues, which would help him in Albany. Hoylman has been endorsed by five state Assembly members and labor leaders. He will face several challengers, however. Politicker reports that Tommy Greco, owner of The Ritz bar in Hell's Kitchen, fundraising chair of the Jim Owles Democartic Club and executive vice president of the McManus Midtown Democratic Club, is strongly considering a run. Martha Speranza has registered a campaign committee, and Tanika Inlaw has announced her intention to run as well.