The most iconic holiday market in New York, the Union Square Holiday Market, returns on Thursday, November 18th. Over 150 vendors will showcase a dynamic mix of global cuisines, original art, handcrafted accessories, and more through Friday, December 24th. Come experience one of the City’s most beloved traditions!
In this article, an NYU rep fires back at Village preservationists.
Akam informs us that we have a new managing agent, taking over for Anthony Grimaldi.
She is Inna Odesskaya, 212-986-0001 ext 142, or iodesskaya@akam.com.
The whole city is going green! Several New York City Agencies and NYC advocacy groups, as well as USP, have launched a number of efforts to build a more sustainable future for the City of New York. Explore details on NYC’s foam ban, the Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board’s new Residential Recycling and Reuse Guidelines, and USP’s recent zero waste and sustainability efforts.
Beginning January 1st, 2019, the City’s Foam Ban goes into effect. This means certain expanded polystyrene (EPS) items will be banned from sale, distribution, or use in New York City, including foam cups, containers, dish ware, and packing peanuts. Business owners can find more information from the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) here, to fully understand the law and get help transitioning to new materials to replace foam products.
Following the announcement of the ban, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “New York City’s ban on styrofoam is long overdue, and New Yorkers are ready to start using recyclable alternatives. There’s no reason to continue allowing this environmentally unfriendly substance to flood our streets, landfills, and waterways.” USP is eager to see the positive effects this ban will have on our community and the larger NYC area.
Not that the area needed another high-end coffee pourer, but here comes Blue Bottle Coffee, on University between 12th and 13th.
The 4th Quarter Union Square Partnership Business Report, available here, has some interesting updates:
Union Square finished the year strong, with storefront occupancy in the BID1 reaching 91% in Q4 2025 (compared to 85% in Q4 2024). This growth reflects continued confidence in the district and demand from both national operators and emerging local players. Around Union Square Park, five long-vacant corner storefronts are slated to welcome new business openings in 2026, including global apparel anchor UNIQLO as well as Flight Club and Voodoo Doughnut, both new to NYC.
60 businesses opened in Union Square in 2025 (11 more than in 2024). Q4’s 16 openings ranged from top retailers like Pacsun, Ulta Beauty, and Aritzia (which expanded into a new space three times its previous size), to more intimate establishments like Maison Welles and Stars. Nespresso debuted its 13,000+ SF flagship that merges traditional retail with multi-sensory coffee tastings, interactive masterclasses, and a speakeasy. While Nespresso leads in scale, smaller coffee-forward openings include unique experiences this quarter, including Ioannis Coffee Chef’s “farm-to-cup” workshops and luckin coffee’s tech-driven model. With rising occupancy and a robust tenant pipeline, Union Square enters 2026 primed for an exciting year.
Are you aware of the proposed MTA/DOT “L” train closure plans?
The MTA/DOT plans include a vehicular ban on 14th Street (between 3rd Ave & 9th Ave) for 16-21 hours a day:
The ban will seriously impede the daily activities of thousands of 14th 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 13th 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: 14th Street Coalition), join the 14th Street Coalition on Facebook for links to sample letters to send to our elected officials,
Email us at 14thstcoalition@gmail.com for more information.