January 2019

Chick-fil-A is negotiating a lease for a Union Square location formerly occupied by popular restaurant Bluewater Grill. The fast-food chain, known for its chicken sandwiches and controversial support of antigay groups and issues, is likely to open an outpost at 31 Union Square West. Tthe landlord had been asking for nearly $2 million in annual rent, which is what drove Bluewater Grill to close. It isn’t clear whether Chick-fil-A will take the entirety of the roughly 11,000-square-foot vacancy and what the Atlanta-based chain is agreeing to pay in rent.

• USQ-14th Street Community Forum | Monday, January 28
• Union Square Sweat Fest | Thursday, February 7 – Tuesday, February 12
• USP Annual Meeting + Networking Reception | Monday, May 6
• It’s My Park! Day | Saturday, June 1
• Summer in the Square | Every Thursday, June 13 – August 8 (closed on July 4)
• Harvest in the Square | Thursday, September 19
• Happy Pawlidays Holiday Kick-Off | Sunday, November 24
• Holiday Market by Urbanspace | Thursday, November 21 – Tuesday, December 24

CAMP | 110 Fifth Avenue
Camp is now in session! Bring the whole crew for this family fun experience – it’s a store, a play space and a canteen store all in one! Stop in on Fifth Avenue for activities in the campitheater, rotating events, and only-in-usq treats from Milk Bar.

Gupshup | 115 East 18th Street
From Bombay to the Big Apple, this dramatic new Indian hangout eatery is bringing a 70’s flair to Union Square. Step into this decked-out space to try Indian fusion dishes like lamb shank with rogan josh sauce and roasted bone marrow with 5 spice naan.

Filson | 876 Broadway
Established over 120 years ago, Filson is the leading outfitter and manufacturer in high quality outdoor goods. At their new flagship NYC location on Broadway, find camping, hunting and climbing gear, all with a guaranteed lifetime warranty.

A huge change of course for the proposed L train shutdown. Even though traffic on the northernmost block of University Place has been reversed, and even though the 13th St. bike lane is in full effect–and constantly blocked by trucks, of course–it now appears that none of this may have been necessary, and the upcoming 14th St. busway may not be implemented at all. Very very confusing. The MTA is ridiculous.

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.

Spacious,

the co-working space, has opened a large new facility at 34 Union Square East, former home of TGI Fridays.