Recently, the Union Square Partnership (USP) joined the Village Alliance, Council Member Margaret Chin and other community members to honor Norman Buchbinder for his commitment to neighborhood improvement, with the unveiling of Norman Buchbinder Way at the corner of 8th and MacDougal Streets.
The late Norman Buchbinder was co-founder of Buchbinder & Warren, a real estate brokerage and management firm. He was one of the original pioneers in the early 1980’s whose vision and passion for the betterment of the Union Square area culminated in the creation of Manhattan’s first Business Improvement District (BID), which today is known as the Union Square Partnership. In addition to serving as a founding board member of USP’s BID, in 1993, Buchbinder led the creation of a BID for 8th Street and founded the Village Alliance.
“Norman Buchbinder had a strong passion, vision and commitment to New York City, and through his tremendous contributions, he played a critical role in the revitalization of Union Square,” said Jennifer Falk, Executive Director of the Union Square Partnership. “His mark on Union Square is evident in this district’s vibrant, bustling spirit, and we are proud to continue to build upon his legacy through our signature programs and services well into the future.”
“Norman was an outstanding community leader who devoted his life to revitalizing our neighborhoods for current and future generations of residents and visitors,” said Council Member Margaret S. Chin. “Through his efforts, the Village and Union Square areas enjoy privileged status as world-renowned hubs of diversity, creativity and cosmopolitan energy. Through Norman Buchbinder Way, this incredible civic leader’s legacy can live on to inspire more New Yorkers to beautify and revitalize neighborhoods across our City. I thank the Union Square Partnership, the Village Alliance, and community advocates for their efforts to honor Norman’s life and work.”
“Norman Buchbinder was the major driving force behind the formation of the Village Alliance BID transformation of West 8th Street in the early 1990s,” said Martin Dresner, President of the Alliance, “His pride in community and robust attention to every aspect of neighborhood preservation and revitalization are the reasons we are honoring him today.”
“Our father was passionate about 8th street, Greenwich Village and Union Square – from the people and culture to the businesses and buildings, his vision of thriving, dynamic communities that characterize these neighborhoods today has been fulfilled,” said Lori Buchbinder. “We are thrilled that his legacy is being honored in the dedication of ‘Norman Buchbinder Way.’”
Since its inception in 1976, USP has supported the Union Square-14th Street district, creating partnerships that benefit the community, supporting local businesses, investing in the beautification of Union Square Park, and advocating on behalf of the neighborhood. Over the last year, USP invested in the maintenance and beautification of Union Square Park, the Broadway Pedestrian Plaza, and the surrounding streetscape along 14th Street by working with local property owners to add 80 new trees to median malls along Union Square East, and replace lighting to increase safety in Union Square Park and its plazas at night. The Partnership has also enhanced the district with new public bistro seating – including 200 tables and 400 chairs – as well as sanitation efforts, Wi-Fi, new park lighting, holiday lighting and more.
As Union Square’s business community continues to grow, USP expanded its programming to highlight its neighborhood partners. In 2016 Harvest in the Square showcased more than 50 renowned restaurants; Union Square Sweat Fest connected audiences to more than 60 Union Square-based businesses, showcasing the district’s health and fitness sector; and Citi Summer in the Square returned this season, highlighting a vibrant mix of various local businesses, from health and fitness, to entertainment, to eateries and more.
About the Union Square Partnership
The Union Square Partnership is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization that works to ensure the Union Square district’s continued growth and success by providing a wide-range of services and programs including sanitation, public safety, economic development, marketing, and events like Summer in the Square, Sweat Fest, Holiday Kick-Off, It’s My Park! Day, and by investing in the beautification of Union Square Park. Learn more about our 40 years of community partnerships at unionsquarenyc.org
