This piece was first published on March 11 of this year, shortly after the City announced its proposal to pedestrianize portions of Broadway as of this past weekend.

When Washington Square Park was closed to traffic in 1959, prominent residents of Greenwich Village, including Jane Jacobs and Eleanor Roosevelt, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting and by burning a car in effigy. Their ceremony marked the conclusion of a decade-long fight with Robert Moses, who had insisted that the park must be traversed by cars in order to ease the city’s traffic congestion. New Yorkers today are reaping the rewards of Jacobs’ victory. Moses’ predictions of traffic coming to a halt proved false, and Washington Square Park is one of the city’s best-known and best-loved public places.

Today, we are on the precipice of a historic moment in reclaiming our streets for people instead of cars. Mayor Bloomberg and the Department of Transportation have announced an ingenious plan to reclaim part of Broadway — at both Times Square and Herald Squares — for pedestrians. Like the closing of Washington Square Park in 1959, their common-sense plan is also one of those rare instances when what is best for the pedestrian is also best for the driver. Continue Reading>>

MAS testified last week before the Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee of City Council in opposition to the Dock Street project in DUMBO. The proposed 18-story building would be located directly adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge, and, if approved, will alter views of the Bridge from DUMBO’s streets and block views of the East River, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge from the Brooklyn Bridge’s public walkway.

The Brooklyn Bridge is an indisputable icon of New York City, and protecting it from encroaching large-scale development is of utmost importance to MAS. No ordinary historic structure, the Brooklyn Bridge has been afforded the highest level of recognition and protection in the United States, National Historic Landmark status. MAS therefore asked the Council Members to reject the zoning changes which would allow this development. Continue Reading>>

MAS was delighted to host Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan on Wednesday night for the premiere presentation of the city’s first truly comprehensive set of guidelines for street design, Designing Streets in New York City. David Burney, Commissioner of the Department of Design & Construction, Adrian Benepe, Commissioner of the Department of Parks & Recreation, and Amanda Burden, Chair of the New York City Planning Commission, were also in attendance.

Constituting 26% of the total area of the City, the streets and sidewalks are by far its largest public space, and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new manual represents a rethinking of the way city government works with regard to this vital resource. Continue Reading>>

 

 2008 YGCPA Winner Jeanne DuPont talks to Lacey Tauber: Play Now | Play in Popup

Ahead of this year’s Yolanda Garcia Community Planner Award (YGCPA), MAS’ Lacey Tauber talks community activism in the Far Rockaways with last years’ YGCPA winner, Jeanne Dupont, Executive Director of the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance.

MAS is accepting nominations for this year’s award through Friday, May 29 (2009). For more information, and a copy of the nomination form, click here.

MAS congratulates long–time board member and President of Jujamcyn Theaters, Rocco Landesman, on his recent nomination as the next Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). His appointment, which is expected to be officially made by the White House today and later confirmed by Congress, signals a new direction for the arts community throughout America.

“Rocco brings fantastic energy and enthusiasm to everything he does,” said MAS President Vin Cipolla, “I am convinced that through his great entrepreneurial experience and savvy, and thorough understanding of the nonprofit world, the arts in America stand to gain enormously.”

Mr. Landesman has been President of Jujamcyn Theaters since 1987, and during his tenure, the company has successfully co-produced or presented numerous productions, including the critically-acclaimed Angels in America, The Producers, Doubt, Urinetown, Caroline or Change, Proof, and many others. Continue Reading>>

The LPC’s agenda today is full of projects MAS has been following.  This morning, the agency addressed the St. Vincent’s hospital and new residential development projects, and this afternoon the Commissioners are scheduled to vote to make Fillmore Place in Williamsburg a historic district. More designations and calendarings are taking place this afternoon too - keep reading for details.

In another split vote, the LPC today voted to approve a “notice to proceed” with the demolition of St. Vincent’s 1960s O’Toole building and the construction of a new hospital on the site. This was the final step of the hardship process, which started about a year ago, allowing the project to move forward to seek other required land use and State Department of Health approvals. Despite its name, the “notice to proceed” does not allow for the immediate demolition of the Modernist icon. Continue Reading>>

Last night, deep in the heart of Alphabet City, some of the best minds in New York City joined MAS and hosts, Greg Young and Tom Meyers, (hosts of the very popular Bowery Boys podcast) for our second NYC Trivia Night event.

The teams were truly put to the test last night; the questions were not for the faint of heart. Like, “The Coney Island ice rink is named after a former Brooklyn politician and former suitmaker, whose original shop was next to Ebbet’s Field. Name him.” or “Name one of the two men who were mayor of New York City during the 1920s.” (Click here to see last night’s questions and answers.)

The team names were as colorful as ever, and included “MTA Bailout”, “Bagel and Lox, Hold the Capers” and “Lords of Midwood.” Ultimately, the “Art Deco Society” (pictured above, Left to right: Jeff Kroessler, Tony Robins, Kathy Hausman, Peter Derrick, John Tauranac) prevailed and took home the grand prize: the eight DVD set of New York: A Documentary Film by Ric Burns. Congratulations to all who joined us!

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden at 29-19 24 Avenue in Astoria, Queens was nominated to the Census of Places that Matter for serving up Czech culture by the pitcher.

In 1906, the Sovak family, together with the Bohemian Citizens Benevolent Society (which had been founded in 1892), purchased three parcels of farmland along 24th Avenue in Astoria, Queens. Designed by Frank Chmelik, the modest, two-story Bohemian Hall was completed in 1911.

From the very beginning, a collection of lots that adjoin the Hall were used as an outdoor gathering space.  In the 1930s, this land was donated to the Society and it was officially put to use as a beer garden.  During the first half of the century, the courtyard at Bohemian Hall was just one of many European-style picnic parks. Continue Reading>>

Find out just how well this Monday night, May 11, when hosts Greg Young and Tom Meier of the wildly popular NYC history podcast, The Bowery Boys, will lead the next lively, fun and fast-paced evening of NYC Trivia. Put together a team of experts (up to four to a team), give your team a name, and join us tonight to match wits with MAS members and your fellow New Yorkers. 

A lightning-fast speed round determines the winners. The triumphant team takes home the eight DVD set of New York: A Documentary Film by Ric Burns (a $130 value!).  Just $5 to play, free for MAS members.

Be sure to come early. Our last Trivia Night was standing room only! Purchase your tickets in advance or call 212-935-2075.
PLACE: The Musical Box, 219 Avenue B. Just take the L train to First Avenue, then walk two blocks east. MAP.

Last Wednesday’s Preservation Lobby Day, which took place on the steps of City Hall, drew the largest crowd in the annual event’s three year history.  Over a hundred people from all five boroughs rallied to urge the City Council and the Mayor to support the Landmarks Preservation Commission and to endorse the Citywide Preservation Platform.  Joining preservationists and neighborhood advocates on the steps were several Council Members, including Jessica Lappin, Bill DeBlasio, and Tony Avella, as well as a representative from Alan Gerson’s office.

In the past, Preservation Lobby Days have helped to increase the budget of the Landmarks Preservation Commission and allow the agency to establish a survey department.  As a result, in recent years, the LPC has dramatically increased its survey and designation work.  Continue Reading>>