ABOUT USP
As the leading advocate for the Union Square-14th Street community, the Union Square Partnership (USP) works to enhance the neighborhood’s quality-of-life by creating a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable environment. With our vibrant community continuing to evolve and grow, the Union Square Partnership’s role is now more important than ever.
USP is a community-based, non-profit organization working to ensure the best possible neighborhood for its residents, businesses, and visitors. USP’s work includes clean + safe program, and economic development and marketing services, as well as investments in the beautification, and maintenance of Union Square Park, the district’s crown jewel.
Read more about our work and services below. Our district map can be viewed here.
Public Improvements + Capital WORK
USP spearheaded the north end project in Union Square Park, which brought new trees planted along the perimeters of the park; repaved public plazas; the rehabilitation of the historic Pavilion; a new playground (triple the size of the former play space); new comfort stations; and electrical and water connections for the Greenmarket farmers. To the north, USP furnished the DOT Pedestrian Plaza with plantings, bistro tables, chairs, and umbrellas. Along Union Square East, the median malls have been designed with 80 new trees and a fresh new landscaping design.
Marketing & Business Development
Whether it is surveying public opinion, tracking pedestrian volumes, producing marketing materials, providing District Deals, or hosting public forums on topics of interest, USP is constantly engaging the community, providing resources and research on the Union Square neighborhood.
Community Programming & Special Events
USP hosts free community events including our Annual Meeting, park volunteer days, small business forums, networking opportunities, and Summer in the Square, our nine-week entertainment series in the park. Our signature event, Harvest in the Square, is NYC’s premier food and wine tasting event, showcasing over fifty renowned local restaurants while raising funds to support our efforts in Union Square Park.
WORKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
Working closely with our partners in law enforcement, our Operations Team ensures that the Union Square-14th Street district continues to be a safe and welcoming environment. As the eyes and ears of the district, they can address district quality-of-life issues as they occur, reporting on unlawful activity, connecting those in need with services, and providing information and assistance to passersby. We truly appreciate all that the Clean Team and Operations Team do for our district.
Park Beautification
USP works closely with the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation to upgrade, beautify and maintain Union Square Park. Through this successful public/private partnership, USP coordinates closely with the city agency to set benchmarks to meet the growing demands of our bustling park. In addition to the North End Project, USP’s largest capital project to date, we also invest in targeted projects and programs to create a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable park experience. The services provided are only made possible through the generous contributions of our community members. We invite you to show your support of Union Square Park and make a difference in the community.
Streetscape Beautification
We are committed to keeping Union Square clean and safe. USP’s dedicated Clean Team is hard at work scouring and scrubbing the district seven days a week. The team empties trash bins, removes graffiti, keeps street furniture in tip-top shape, does power washing, and clears the district’s sidewalks and intersections of snow and ice.
Public Plaza Maintenance+ LandScaping
USP also enhanced our public spaces by providing and maintaining seating areas furnished with 600 bistro tables, chairs, and umbrellas. We also collaborate with City partners to participate in programs such as Art in the Park and “It’s My Park! Day,” where volunteers come out to celebrate one of NYC’s great public spaces.
Support our work
Show off your district pride - support our neighborhood by donating. Your financial support allows USP to sustain programs to benefit Union Square- 14th Street.