More than 50 members and guests attended NoHo-Bowery Stakeholders 2017 Annual Meeting on Monday, April 24th, 2017 at the Landmarked, and seminally NoHo, Astor Center – The host, Andrew Fisher, a longtime NoHo activist and owner of the DeVinne Press Building.
Lisa and Andrew Teiger, of CuisinEtc outdid themselves with their culinary creations paired with wine and prosecco chosen by Astor Wine’s sommeliers.
Among NoHo-Bowery Stakeholders 2017 Annual Meeting guests were Charlie Anderson, Chief of Staff for NYS Assemblymember Deborah Glick; Andrew Chang, Liaison for Borough President Gale Brewer; Paul Leonard, Chief of Staff for Councilmember Margaret Chin; Terri Cude, Chair of Community Board 2 Manhattan; Carter Booth, Co-Chair CB#2 State Liquor Authority Committee (and NoHo resident) and Carlina Rivera, former Chief of Staff for Councilmember Rosie Mendez and current candidate for City Council District #2 – no discussion of her candidacy occurred in accordance with our nonprofit status.
We previewed the NoHo-Bowery Stakeholders Survey. The plan is to adapt this survey to all residents, businesses and institutions in NoHo. We will announce it soon.
Here are some preliminary highlights:
- 80.9% of respondents were residents.
- 90.4% of respondents live above street level
- Among the factors most liked about living in the neighborhood, local transit options came in first at 85.7%; second were restaurants at 76.2%; third was dominance of art, entrepreneurial offerings at 61.9%.
- Are you a currently registered artist with the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs – 33.3%.
- Do you live in an AIR/IMD building – 71.4%
- Do you live and work in your property – 47.6%
- In what profession are you engaged? – Retail/Entertainment 23.8%; Media/Technology – 23.8%; Fine Art – 19.0%
- How long have you lived, worked, invested in NoHo 47.6% responded 20+ years; 33.3% for 10-20 years.
Among the major topics of discussion were the possible encroachment of the NoHo BID; taking advantage of City programs for grafitti removal and waste management – including organic waste collection – as a means of cleaning our blocks; and a lively discussion of AIR/IMD rights and statutes.
Members were interested to know the prospects for the East 4th St. Water Tunnel site. Paul Leonard, Chief of Staff for Councilmember Margaret Chin was able to confirm that the site has been officially handed over to the Parks Department. Next step will be a hearing at CB#2 regarding the use and configuration of the site.
There were numerous other discussions regarding the condition of the Cooper Square Plaza and its current condition. NBS will be forming a committee to approach DOT, Parks and Grace Church High School regarding a more sightly, neighborhood friendly and efficient NoHo Plaza.
