Reminder: Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Oct 12

Are you aware of the proposed MTA/DOT “L” train closure plans?

The MTA/DOT plans include a vehicular ban on 14^th Street (between 3^rd Ave & 9^th Ave) for 16-21 hours a day:

 The ban will seriously impede the daily activities of thousands of 14^th St. residents and businesses and will divert cars and trucks to residential side streets – with a 50% projected increase in traffic

The increase will be felt by the West Village, Village, East Village, Chelsea and the Flatiron Districts.

The proposed plans also includes a radical re-design of 13th Street with a two-way Bikeway:

MTA/DOT projects 2,000 – 5,000 cyclists DAILY on 13^th Street 

The bikeway, coupled with a 50% increase in traffic, will seriously impede residential, educational, and emergency services on the street placing pedestrians and bicyclists at risk

The 14th Street Coalition is a growing group of residents and business that was formed in response to the MTA/DOT plans.

We ask the MTA/DOT to balance residential and transportation needs in a more equal way. They MUST consider the impact that will be felt on the quality of life concerns including air pollution, noise, congested streets and increased risks to pedestrians and bicyclists. 

We understand that the Canarsie Tunnel must be repaired.  We seek a temporary solution that is EQUALLY fair to residents, businesses and commuters. 

It’s Time to Take Action – Sign our petition (go to www.change.org and browse: 14^th Street Coalition), join the 14^th Street Coalition on Facebook for links to sample letters to send to our elected officials,

Email us at  14thstcoalition@gmail.com for more information.

With rooms starting at $529 (rack rate), you probably can’t afford to stay at the new Hyatt Union Square when it opens, but perhaps you can check out one of its restaurants or bars:

THE FOURTH: The Fourth, an all-day American Brasserie serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch provides straightforward high-quality items with surprising accents. A chic European style espresso bar, located at its entrance, will offer a comfortable casual place to enjoy our signature coffee – Café Quatrième – pastries and nibbles. Soaring ceilings and wide open-air French doors allow streams of light to fill the room.

SINGL LOUNGE: A full service bar and lounge featuring an extensive single malt scotch selection and single vineyard wine by the glass selection. An exciting place to gather during the day and evening.

KITCHEN AND WINE GALLERY: A vibrant venue for your next gathering. This versatile space features an open kitchen and hearth connecting you and your guests to our team of chefs. This venue features a New York approach to South American Dining combining progressive Latin sounds with warm succulent scents. Glowing wine displays and decanting stations will enhance the beverage aspect of your experience. Cutting edge art throughout the space reflects the art scene of Greenwich Village and Union Square.

The Hell’s Kitchen restaurant Taboon, which has charmed diners since 2004 with its breads, pizzas and small plates, will soon offer a taste of the Middle East to the NYU crowd.

The owners of the eatery on 10th Avenue and 52nd Street will open a still-unnamed “quick-service” Mediterranean joint at 30 E. 13th St. within the next two months, the realtor for the space announced this week.

The 1,000-square-foot space previously held the Korean restaurant DoSirak, which moved across the street in September and changed its name to BAK Korean Kitchen & Craft Beer Hall.

Fans of Taboon, which New York Times food critic Frank Bruni said put “a deft, sophisticated spin on Middle Eastern food,” will find its new sister restaurant has a similar atmosphere, Kelly Gedinsky of Winick Realty Group LLC said in a statement.

This remarkable site from the Greenwich Village Society for Historical Preservation takes us on a lot-by-lot tour of Lower 5th Ave. from 8th St. to 14th St., telling the story of every building at every address over time. Layer after layer of history is revealed, with lots of photos. A remarkable effort!

The Union Square Partnership is teaming up with Mount Sinai Health System and Paragon Sports to offer FREE flu vaccinations to the Union Square-14th Street community. To take part, you must register in advance for an appointment on Tuesday, November 1st. No insurance is required. If you cannot attend the clinic, please visit the bottom of our webpage for information about how to get your flu shot at several Union Square-14th Street pharmacies. There should be no cost to you with most insurance. Please note: the clinic is not happening at a Mount Sinai location, but instead at Paragon Sports at the corner of 18th Street + Broadway.

Interesting fact. The new Best Buy at the corner of 14th and 4th will be open all night.