Because We Need More Sneakers in Union Square

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.

Reminder: The annual shareholders’ meeting will take place on July 22nd at 7PM – 9PM at the usual place: The Seafarers and International House at 123 East 15th St. on the second floor.

Here is the summer newsletter from the New School giving all sorts of info about the new building. Let them eat cake!

First it was the mysterious India Pavillion, which survived for many years even though no one ever ate there. Then it was Mauricio for a couple of years. Now Da Andrea is thriving in the spot on West 13th formerly occupied by those two long gone establishments. People sure seem to like it.

In response to community concerns about the time in the evening we end our concrete placing, DOB has granted our request to start placing our concrete at 6am, which will allow us to finish this work earlier in the evening. We have 8 more instances like this until we finish our superstructure in early June.

Therefore next week (April 16 to April 20), Superstructure work will continue at the 13th and 14th floor levels. Wednesday, April 18th, we will have an identical pour with a 6 am start time and similar end time, weather permitting. Deliveries for the internal systems of the building have been ongoing and will continue, although they should not greatly affect the flow of pedestrian and road traffic.

The following week (April 23 to April 27), we will continue superstructure concrete and slabs on the 15th and 16th floor levels. Deliveries for the internal systems of the building have been ongoing and will continue, although they should not greatly affect the flow of pedestrian and road traffic.

This weekend the site will be open on Saturday, April 14st for superstructure related activities between the work hours of 7AM and 5PM as permitted by the City. To control noise levels within the site, work activities will be limited to the placement of formwork and concrete, plumbing and electrical work, rebar for concrete placement, using the crane and equipment to support all activities. Safety horns are used, and required by law, to coordinate lifting with the crane and to alert the workers of the danger overhead. We have directed the operators to limit the use of horns to one short sounding and to use the crane later in the day so as to avoid any excess noise.

In addition to the normal work on the job site, the 14th St. Con Ed Vault utility connection street work will continue per DOT Permit granted for weekends only.

One of new stores moving into the old Spice space at University and 10th will be Recess, which promises coffee, chocolate, frozen yougurt, and a new cafe paradigm. Should be interesting.