From Gothamist: Reverend Billy climbed to the roof of the Pavilion building in Union Square last night around 6:30 p.m. to hang a banner reading: Not For Sale. While he was up there, he gave the passersby a lessn on why the historic free speech structure cannot be turned into a private, upscale restaurant; reminding people that the first Labor Day in 1882 took place there, and that one “shouldn’t have to buy a $15 appetizer to have access to this building.” Catch the nutty video.
The stubby little building at 31 East 17th St. on the northern border of Union Square Park next to Barnes and Noble sits on a plot of land that has a very interesting history. Read all about it here.
What the heck happened to University Place between 13th and 14th? As part of the reimagining of 14th St., it appears that this block is now all but impassable to cars, and we have doubled down on Citibikes. Wow.
According to transit data from MTA and Citi Bike, Union Square continues to be one of the City’s top destinations for employees, residents and visitors alike. While subway ridership remains low across the system, currently 20% of normal use, turnstile activity at the Union Square-14th Street station has tripled since April.
Similarly, bus ridership on the M14A/D busway is gaining momentum as average daily bus ridership has tripled since its low point in late March, reaching nearly 60% of pre-COVID daily ridership levels. For those visiting the district by Citi Bike, Broadway and 17th Street remains one of the City’s top 10 destination stations and ridership is up 45% since April. Another popular end station, Broadway and East 14th Street has experienced a 57% increase in use since April.
Other indicators are up too. Union Square’s public Wi-Fi use is up to 42% from 15% at the start of the pandemic, signaling an uptick in outdoor activity. The district’s active public realm can be attributed to the draw of the Greenmarket, the expansion of outdoor dining activating sidewalks and roadways, and the reopening of local business that attracts steady foot traffic across the district.
Union Square’s zip codes (10003, 10010 and 10011) make up 16% of Open Restaurants applications in Manhattan with the City’s highest number of applications located in 10003! Within Union Square-14th Street, nearly two thirds of businesses are conducting storefront activity and this number continues to grow as additional businesses and cultural institutions are making exciting plans to open their doors with events and programming as soon as it is safe to do so.
The NYPD 6th Precinct Community Council Meeting
will take place in-person Wednesday June 26th, 7:00 PM
Location: Northwell Lenox Health Greenwich Village,
30 7th Avenue at 13th Street,
Conference Center Room 643
As part of the planned 2024 enhancements to our regular monthly meeting programs, this June meeting will include a panel of guest speakers from the NYC Department of Homeless Services and integral partner agencies: Chris Gonzalez, DSS Chief Strategy Officer, Kevin Perdomo, DHS Assistant Commissioner for Street Homeless Solutions, Tamara Felix, Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) Community Outreach Coordinator. They will address the Homeless Crisis and how they are tackling this important issue in our neighborhood and what information our Community residents and businesses should know.
Join the leadership of the 6th Precinct, your neighbors and local businesses for an update on community affairs. Take this opportunity to listen or to voice your thoughts in an open and informative session. We encourage you to tell/bring a neighbor and be a part of your Community’s voice.
Coffee and treats to be provided by
Marie Blancère French Café & Bakery 301/303 6th Ave., New York
