Welcome to the Union Square Partnership!
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organizationExecutive Director’s Message
Whether you're looking for the latest news about what’s hot in Union Square, information about the district's world-famous Greenmarket, or just want to know more about USP's direct services and programs, you'll find it all here.
Visit often to find out what's new in the neighborhood, and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to have the information delivered directly to you. Help make our new website Union Square’s one stop location for the very best and latest information about our community by submitting upcoming events, and alerting us to district deals.
Your thoughts, questions and volunteer service are always welcome so please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
The Union Square Partnership Team
PS - for the latest on the North End Project, check out In The News for media coverage of our new play space, and visit the project mini-site the most recent construction update.
Square Happenings
- Big Belly's Greening Union Square
USP is the first business improvement district in New York City to pilot the use of the Big Belly solar-powered trash compactor. Three units were placed at some of the Union Square district’s busiest corners at 14th Street & Broadway, 14th Street & University Place, and 17th Street & Broadway to gauge their effectiveness. The compactors have already made a huge impact by reducing garbage collection frequency by nearly 70% at these corners. Due to the success of the initial three units, an additional five were added for use in Union Square Park, complimenting the NYC Department of Sanitation's existing recycling pilot program.
- New School's Construction Info Website
The New School launched a brand new website regarding the new University Center and other capital projects happening at the campus. Construction is set to commence in 2010 creating a distinctive and unifying centerpiece for the university's urban campus.
- 2010 USP Sponsorship Opportunities
USP has a multitude of ways for neighborhood businesses to market themselves within the district. Look up above and check out our winter lamppost banners supported by our partners at Best Buy, Filene's Basement, SushiSamba and Buchbinder & Warren.
Or give us a call to discuss our 2010 Summer in the Square series, which takes place on Thursdays from June 17th thru August 12th. The free community program offers a vibrant mix of fitness activities, children's entertainment and musical performances on the park’s South Plaza, and attracts thousands of families, area employees, shoppers, students and tourists each week.
For more information about these and other opportunities, contact Carin Cardone at 212 460-1200.
- USP Opinion Survey Results Announced
USP's 2009 neighborhood opinion survey was conducted this past summer with respondents giving us their thoughts on core sanitation and security services, park improvements, and quality of life issues such as congested sidewalks.
USP thank you for the over 300 responses we received from residents and businesses that represent a range of neighborhood constituencies. Please follow the links to view 2009 results on neighborhood issues and pedestrian volumes.
- 2010 NYC Restaurant Week Extended
This winter's NYC Restaurant Week marks an all-time high with more than 260 restaurants offering prix-fixe menus now thru February 28th with a blackout date on February 14th. Meals at eateries remain $24.07 for three-course prix-fixe lunches and $35 for three-course prix-fixe dinners not including beverages, tax and gratuity.
The promotion is not offered on Saturdays and restaurants have the option to offer the program on Sundays. Visit local Union Square establishments like Blue Water Grill and Rosa Mexicano to partake in this annual event.
- Go Local: Shopping in Union Square
NYC & Company unveiled its latest promotional campaign NYC Extreme Local, Thanksgiving day weekend. NYC encourages holiday shoppers to check out special events, stores and restaurants in 15 neighborhoods, including Union Square. Sponsored by American Express and AT&T, the campaign is showcasing 650 businesses and cultural attractions, including Union Square Cafe, Italian Wine Merchants and Rothman’s to name a few.
- Be Counted: 2010 Census Coming Soon
USP reminds you that the U.S. Census will be distributed this March and it’s easy, safe and super important to complete!
The census is a count of everyone living in the United States including citizens and non-citizens. With just 10 questions, the 2010 questionnaire will take only a few minutes to complete. So fill it out and send it back in the prepaid envelope and know that all responses are kept strictly confidential.
Census data is impacts how more than $300 billion in federal funds gets distributed each year so make sure you’re counted so New York State gets its fair share.
- NYC Offers New Resources for Local Biz
Did you know? NYC Business Express is the one-stop online tool for information and applications for licenses, permits, taxes and incentives for any business in NYC.
By using the tool, entrepreneurs can answer questions in order to set up a business scenario. NYC Business Express then generates a customized list of licenses, permits, taxes, and regulations that are typically needed for that business scenario, as well as links to application materials and information about where to apply.
For some business licenses, permits, and certifications, business owners can apply directly through the site. The NYC Business Express Incentives Estimator can even help businesses determine the City, State and Federal incentives for which they may qualify.
The Square Blog
Gearing Up for Spring Cleaning & Street Tree Planting February 24, 2010 1:23 PMEven though it's cold outside, USP is busy preparing for the district’s spring cleaning and the coming warmer months. Repainting street furniture from lampposts to mailboxes, graffiti removal and power washing are all set to begin in early April as is the additional park Clean Team. Landscapers are busy tagging plants for spring planting and new bistro tables, chairs and umbrellas as well as trash receptacles and lamppost planters on are order for this season. More
Spring Weather & Events Are Just Around The Corner! February 18, 2010 1:26 PMThe cold winter months can make us forget that spring doesn't just bring flowers, it is also the start of the busy summer season in Union Square. Don't miss out on the exciting (and free!) happenings in and around the park including annual events like the NYC Grows Festival (Sunday, April 25th). If volunteering is more your thing, roll up your sleeves on Saturday, May 15th for It's My Park! Day, which includes raking, planting and other beautification activities with the USP Team. More
New Union Square Playground Getting Rave Reviews January 20, 2010 9:00 AMFrom The Villager: The new, expanded Union Square Park playground opened two weeks ago... [and] word got around quickly to children and parents, who flocked to the space at the north end of the park... “We couldn’t be more thrilled that the Union Square Park’s expanded playground is open,” Jennifer Falk, executive director of the partnership, said. “The kids have given it a huge thumbs up and parents and caregivers have been overwhelmingly positive.”
Spring Weather & Events Are Just Around The Corner! February 18, 2010 1:26 PMThe cold winter months can make us forget that spring doesn't just bring flowers, it is also the start of the busy summer season in Union Square. Don't miss out on the exciting (and free!) happenings in and around the park including annual events like the NYC Grows Festival (Sunday, April 25th). If volunteering is more your thing, roll up your sleeves on Saturday, May 15th for It's My Park! Day, which includes raking, planting and other beautification activities with the USP Team. More
New Union Square Playground Getting Rave Reviews January 20, 2010 9:00 AMFrom The Villager: The new, expanded Union Square Park playground opened two weeks ago... [and] word got around quickly to children and parents, who flocked to the space at the north end of the park... “We couldn’t be more thrilled that the Union Square Park’s expanded playground is open,” Jennifer Falk, executive director of the partnership, said. “The kids have given it a huge thumbs up and parents and caregivers have been overwhelmingly positive.”


