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 A view of Sheridan Square in the early part of the 20th century.
excerpt Central Village Block Association Newsletter — September 2005
The Central Village Block Association is a forum for residents of Barrow, Jones, Cornelia, Leroy, Bleecker, West 4th Streets & Sheridan Square
3 Sheridan Square #16A, New York, New York 10014-6839 E-mail: RIGHTQUIET@AOL.COM
Proposal for an economic study of
central Greenwich Village
Proposal for an economic study of central Greenwich Village
February 16, 2004Purposes
1. To halt and reverse the decline in the business diversity in the central area of Greenwich Village in New York City [see map following] be halted and reversed.
2. Decrease the number of area commercial space vacancies.
3. Increase area employment opportunities.
4. Improve area quality of life.
Background
Increasing rents during the last decade have driven out “mom and pop” shops that once served local residents. On Bleecker, West 4th and surrounding streets the new shops cater to the needs of teenagers and young adults that visit the area. They sell low-end, high markup items such as Tee shirts, cheap jewelry, fast food, tattoo services and sex paraphernalia that
1. do not provide for the needs of local residents
2. attract a clientele that does not, as a rule, frequent the remaining restaurants and shops, further adding to the economic decline of the area
3. negatively impact the area’s quality of life as litter, prostitution, drug dealing and assault rise out of control.
The Study
The study should determine the following:
1. Has an identical or similar study been done before in this area or elsewhere?
2. What existing businesses that serve local residents must do to increase their viability? This may include one or more of the following:
a. Brain storming amongst themselves.
b. Cooperation with local business organizations, such as the GVCCC.
c. Improved and coordinated advertising.
d. Greater visibility of law enforcement, i.e. uniformed officers on foot patrol.
e. Improved implementation and enforcement of sanitation regulations.
f . Hire consultants to advise on how to make storefronts more inviting.
g. Research the area’s heritage and make it visible and enchanting, e.g.: historic plaques, historic street lighting and infrastructure, holiday theme banners, etc.
h. Create area business guides/walking tours and distribute to visitors via hotels, tour companies, and information kiosks.
i. Make the area attractive to mature visitors during the evening as well as the day.
j. Identify public and private financial tools that can be used to achieve the goals for the area.
k. Identify an individual or group that will coordinate and oversee the plan for near and long-term change.
3. What new businesses will be viable in the area? These may include:
a. Art galleries [painting, sculpture, ceramics] with work slanted particularly toward Village scenes and heritage.
b. Craft shops with hands-on demonstration/teaching programs visible from the sidewalk to encourage sales.
c. Versatile Programming in existing theaters (Axis and so-to-be renovated Waverly) that goes beyond their current formats, e.g.:
i. Readings; the Byron Society, or the like, might sponsor an all day, drop-in reading of Byron’s or some other author’s works.
ii. Music festivals related to the history of the area, such as an all Bob Dylan festival.
iii. Outdoor performances in the area’s open spaces, e.g.: Christopher Park, Father Demo Square, etc.
4. What must be done to attract viable new businesses and their customers?
See 2b-j above.
Sincerely,
Rosemary C. Bella Aline Ridings
Exec. Vice Pres. Vice Pres. Operations
Ruby Dreyer Peter Zimmer
Treasurer Board member
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