Will Union Square Go Pedestrian?

Huge news as The New York Times reports on plans to pedestrianize the block of Broadway above Union Square as well as 17th St. in front of Barnes and Noble. Opinions are divided on this one. What do you think?

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  • 65 University Place Is Built Like a Brick ———

    65 University Place, between East 10th and 11th Streets, is very much on the rise, with its pricey 28 residential units above. The project represents Indian-based developer Bsafal’s first foray into the United States. The firm, in partnership with Argo Real Estate, purchased the site for $30 million in July 2019 and in February 2021, demolition permits were filed to take down the nondescript four-story commercial building at 64-66 University Place. While the offices on upper floors were long vacant, the ground-floor retail tenant, gourmet grocer Agata & Valentina, had announced plans to close following a dramatic rent increase at the end of 2019.
    While designer Kohn Pedersen Fox‘s New York City portfolio includes such skyscrapers as Two Waterline Square and 111 Murray Street, the new building is rising to a more moderate scale of 125 feet high. Renderings depict a context-sensitive structure that holds University Place’s strong streetwall and faces its main facade with oversized arched windows framed by corbelled brickwork.
    One can only guess at what the condo prices will be.
  • Water Alert!

    Dear Board Members, Residents, & Building Staff,

    While we are enjoying the nice rain-free weather lately, New York experienced truly little rainfall in October. In fact, it is the second-longest dry spell we have seen in 155 years. This means we are potentially facing water shortages if either the weather does not change and/or we do not cut back on water usage. This past Saturday, Mayor Adams asked city agencies to implement “water savings plans” and suggested that New Yorkers consider cutting back at the tap. While his announcement does not mandate any restrictions on water use, we want to be mindful of the situation. And as we manage hundreds of properties in the five boroughs, we feel it is important to pass along this message. For New Yorkers living in AKAM managed properties interested in doing their part, please consider the following water-saving measures:

    In the Bathroom:

    • Taking shorter showers will save 5 to 7 gallons a minute.
    • When taking a bath, fill the tub only halfway and save 10 to 15 gallons.
    • Install water-saving toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators.
    • Place a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank if you cannot switch to a low-flow toilet.
    • Turn off the faucet while shaving, washing your hands, or brushing your teeth. Faucets use 2 to 3 gallons a minute.
    • Do not use the toilet as a wastebasket, and do not flush it unnecessarily.

     

    In the Laundry Room/ Kitchen:

    • Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Save even more by using the short cycle.
    • Install faucet aerators.
    • Turn off the water while washing dishes. Kitchen faucets use 2 to 3 gallons a minute. Filling a basin only takes 10 gallons to wash and rinse.

     

    Outside:

    • Use a self-closing nozzle on your hose.
    • Sweep your sidewalk or driveway instead of using water.
    • Water plants before 9am or after 7pm and do not overwater them.

    Other:

    • Repair leaky faucets and turn taps off tightly. A slow drip wastes 15 to 20 gallons each day.
    • Do not open fire hydrants.
    • If you see a leaking or running fire hydrant, please report it to 311 or fill out this online form so we can follow up.