Union Square Celebrates Obama

The Times has an article about the arcane and contradictory rules governing what can and can’t be sold in the Union Square farmer’s market. Bottom line: it’s a mess.

Certified OPEN

Sad! Joe Jr.’s diner on 6th Ave. at 12th St. is dying after 35 years. Here are all the sad details.

Here’s a wonderful historical photo tour of 14th St. from end to end.

Dominique Ansel is opening a third bakery in Manhattan. The French pastry chef, famous for inventing the cronut in 2013, has signed a 15-year lease n at 64 University Place, between East 10th and 11th streets. The new bakery is located on the ground level of that yet-to-be-completed 11-floor luxury apartment complex.

USP received valuable feedback on streetscape elements and public space amenities around the neighborhood, including priorities for infrastructure improvements on surrounding streets and within Union Square Park.

Street trees (91%) and City Benches (87%) received the highest rates of satisfaction among City-operated elements, and seasonal plantings (95%) and bistro tables + chairs (92%) received the highest rates among USP-operated amenities. Respondents expressed a desire for additional trees and seating districtwide, as well as bike racks, protected bus shelters, and investments in the park to enhance landscaping, lighting, public restrooms, and the dog run.

The survey also revealed top priorities for public realm investments, which align with the Union Square-14th Street District Vision Plan. The transportation improvements rated with the highest level of importance include safer pedestrian crossings (97%), pedestrian streets (92%), and an ADA-accessible subway (87%). 90% of respondents would like Street Seats implemented around the district. USP is incorporating this feedback into the next phases of Vision Plan planning and design efforts.