Annual Meeting: JANUARY 30
Reminder: the co-op’s annual meeting takes place on Monday, January 30, at 7PM at the International Seafarer’s House, 123 East 15th St. second floor (take the stairs to the right of the entrance for easiest access).
Summer in the Square has kicked off with Thursday night events. See the list here.
How do you feel about Union Square. The Union Square Partnership does an annual opinion survey to find out. Some thoughts from the results:
FOSTERING A THRIVING ECONOMY IN USQ
USP asked respondents to share the types of businesses
they would like to see in Union Square. Half of respondents
would like to see more cultural institutions (50%),
followed by art galleries/exhibitions (48%), and cafés/
coffee shops (47%). Many respondents mentioned wanting
to see more local businesses — including small, curated
stores, non-chain coffee shops and eateries, and specialty
grocery stores. This feedback highlights a strong community
interest in maintaining a vibrant retail environment in
Union Square rooted in unique, local offerings.
ENHANCING LIVABILITY IN USQ
USP is committed to keeping Union Square clean, safe, and
beautiful. The majority of respondents are satisfied (very
satisfied and somewhat satisfied) across key metrics of
USP’s work enhancing livability. Respondents reported the
highest levels of satisfaction with the landscaping of Union
Square Park (87%), planter landscaping (87%), Broadway Plaza
maintenance (85%), and public seating areas (77%). While
most respondents remain pleased with the district’s upkeep,
some expressed a desire for extended hours and seasonality
for the public seating areas as well as improved lighting,
especially in Union Square Park and surrounding streets.
Following USP’s 2023 launch of the Public Safety Officer
(PSO) program, perceptions of public safety improved by
15 points in the 2024 survey. The 2025 survey results show
that this perception has largely stabilized, with 87% of
respondents noting that their perception of public safety
in USP’s Core Services Area (CSA) has improved or seen
no change over the past year. Moreover, the percent of
respondents reporting concerns around public safety within
the CSA decreased by 15% in 2025 compared to 2024.
Here’s a guide to food and fun.
A news flash about the Zen Palate site on Union Sqare East, and it’s decidedly downmarket:
“The Riese Organization just purchased 34 Union Square (between 15th and 16th), formerly home to Zen Palate and plans to install a TGI Friday’s and a bonus Tim Horton’s in the space. Its been vacant in the two years since Zen Palate vacated due to “astronomical and non-negotiable increases” in their rent, a rent that has dropped 40% in the last six months. Choice quote: “…while many chefs in the district purchase food from the popular green market there, T.G.I. Friday’s will not join them, says Mr. Riese. ‘We are not that type of restaurant…'” Indeed.
The lastest neighborhood store to shutter is Environment 33, the high-end home furnishings boutique on University at 10th. Seems like it was a bad time, economically speaking. to be in the business of selling expensive knicknacks.