BY SEAN EGAN | There was a sense of relaxed celebration in the air on the evening of June 30, when the Hudson Yards / Hell’s Kitchen Alliance held their first annual Business Improvement District (BID) meeting. Dozens of public officials and residents alike buzzed and hobnobbed around refreshments provided by local businesses before the meeting was called to order by the Alliance Executive Director Robert Benfatto. He introduced Kevin P. Singleton, the Chairman of the Alliance’s Board of Directors, to the standing room only crowd.
“You can tell we’re a new BID because we didn’t order enough chairs,” joked Singleton, pleased by the meeting’s high turnout. Formed in 2014, the BID — which is designed to help improve quality of life within its boundaries, through public projects — covers the area from W. 30th to W. 42nd St., and Ninth to 11th Ave. This was the first meeting where the Alliance could describe the goings-on of the BID to the public.
The evening was kicked off with remarks from the Honorable William Castro, Manhattan Borough Commissioner, NYC Parks and Recreation (“pinch-hitting” as he said, for Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, due to a scheduling conflict). Castro focused his speech on the continued improvement of the city’s parks — a specific goal of BIDs, and the Alliance in particular. He highlighted the work done in conjunction with the city’s Community Parks Initiative, which directs $130 million towards the improvement of parks, and spoke about parks increasing partnerships with business and organizations to aid in improvement. He also talked about the importance of events programming, citing Bryant Park as a notable example. “Positive use,” he noted, “drives out negative use.”
He continued, suggesting a few key areas of improvement to strive towards in residential parks — including maintenance, safety and community involvement. “When you have an organization like a BID that can that can focus on one park, great things can happen,” he commented.
After Castro’s keynote speech, Singleton and Benfatto presented Ann Weisbrod with the Alliance’s Visionary Award. Weisbrod was the former President of the Hudson Yards Development Corporation, and helped raise the profile of the district and laid the groundwork for the BID (Singleton describing her as the movement’s “matriarch” who you “don’t mess with.”). Weisbrod graciously accepted the award to warm applause, saying, “This award truly belongs to everyone in the room,” who helped to make the BID a reality.
Next up on the agenda, Paul Januszewski, the Alliance’s Corporate Secretary facilitated the election of directors. The voting slate was provided on the back of the meeting’s program, listing the members of the BID Board of Directors waiting to be approved. Januszewski jokingly warned the crowd to be careful when they raise their hands to vote, they “may be buying a very expensive piece of art” (the meeting took place at the Sean Kelly Gallery, at 475 10th Ave., at W. 36th St.).
New York State Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, a surprise guest, had playfully envious remarks about the speed and ease of the election process that preceded him. Gottfried emphasized his support of BIDs — of which his district encompasses nearly a dozen. Admitting that he was initially unsure of whether or not they would succeed, he noted, “I think the BIDs have been enormously successful.” He praised the great work they have done, and encouraged them to continue to do great work, and congratulated the Alliance on their first year.
Following Gottfried’s speech, Singleton took time to describe work the Alliance has done in the past year, and outline what they are planning for the future — most of which was included in a “Annual Report” brochure passed out upon entrance to the gallery.
Singleton announced that their budget for 2016 was approved by their Board of Directors, and was included in the Annual Report. Then he talked about the early stages of the Alliance, and how they have found a great staff (especially commending Benfatto’s contributions), a permanent office space, and established a web presence as well. “We’re doing stuff that makes an impact right away, that people can see,” Singleton said, noting that the Alliance has helped increase park maintenance, clean up graffiti on street furniture, remove derelict bikes, and plant and mulch hundreds of trees in the past year.
Looking ahead, Singleton talked about the imminent opening of the 7 train Hudson Boulevard station, and the development associated with it. A related item of particular interest (and excitement) for the Alliance is Mid-Block Park — a currently under-construction park located near that station (from W. 34th to W. 36th Sts., btw. 10th & 11th Aves.), which the Alliance will start managing this summer. It will have a playground, vendor kiosks, a fountain and free WiFi when all is said and done — though it does not yet have a name. “Lots of people have lots of opinions on that,” Singleton said with a laugh, “So we’ll get back to you in about seven years about that.”
Singleton also referenced issues that were on the Alliance’s radar. Notably, they are “Working to navigate our significant bus issues,” in reference to the high bus congestion that has caused problems in the area. “We love them and don’t love them…mostly don’t love them,” he joked. He was sure to note, however, that the Alliance would be working with Community Board 4 (CB4) on this problem going forward, and that a representative from the Port Authority was on their Board of Directors.
Singleton and Benfatto then opened the floor to questions. The first concern brought up was about tree pits in the district, which Singleton and Benfatto assured would be improved in the future. Another local resident expressed interest in the progress of the so-called “Block Four” of the Mid-Block Park. The park, though currently three blocks, was initially planned to be six, and attempts are being made to continue its expansion. Block Four is the next one up to be developed, and has involved the participation of CB4. Mark Spector of the Hudson Yards Development Corporation was called up to address the issue, saying that through zoning, they’re “working hard on a strategy to advance Block Four,” and are actively looking to make it work.
Soon thereafter, the meeting was adjourned, as Singleton encouraged attendees to continue to enjoy the food, and even take some home with them. Many obliged, and the good-natured chatting and networking that began the night resumed.
For more info, visit hudsonyardshellskitchenalliance.org or call 212-239-1619.
