This rather fascinating report on pedestrian foot traffic in the area reveals that sidewalk crowds are up 53% in the past five years. If you’ve ever walked past Whole Foods at 6 PM, this will come as no surprise. In fact, Whole Foods is probably mainly responsible for the surge.

Curious about how the renovation of Union Square is proceeding? The Villager has all the details here. The bottom line: on schedule.

Click here to find out all about the many events in the Summer in the Square series that will take place in Union Square over the next few months. There is lots to do.

Parks & Recreation, the Union Square Partnership and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has unveiled a brand new fountain at the dog run in Union Square Park. The ASPCA donated $30,000 to the Union Square Partnership for the creation, installation, and future maintenance of the fountain, which can be used by both dogs and their owners. Drink up.

What used to be a fur shop is now Petco. Somehow appropriate.

Walk through Union Square to learn more about spending your summer down the shore. The New Jersey Tourism Board has opened a promotional office, complete with sand,  just south of Union Square on Broadway.

Here’s one problem we haven’t had in our bulding (yet): a bee swarm. Bee experts had to be called in last week to collect a swarm of bees at 4th Ave. and 14th. St. Weird.

Here are the details:

Saturdays 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Union Square Partnership has teamed with Big Onion Walking Tours to create a free 90-minute walking tour. The tour explores the social and political history of the Union Square neighborhood through discussions of the people, history, architecture, and forces that have shaped this community.Location: Union Square Park: Meet at Lincoln Statue by 16th Street Transverse, Union Square Park

More Information:
(212) 460-1200
Union Square Walking Tour

Did you know that 5.7% of NYC’s residential waste is textiles, yet they are 100% recyclable? Recycle your unwanted textile materials at the Union Square Greenmarket every Monday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Acceptable donations include used clothing, shoes, boots, hats, jackets, towels, bedding, and linens. Council on the Environment of New York City will provide receipts upon request for those who may want to use their donation as a charitable contribution. Visit www.cenyc.org to obtain up to date information on the status of the Material Mondays textile collection program. Now Saturdays too!

A jewelry store called The Missing Link will take half the space formerly occupied by Spice at University and 10th.