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Save the Union Square Pavillion

Posted on | April 1, 2009 | No Comments

Since moving back to Denmark from New York City in February 2008, I’ve followed the public debate of the Union Square Pavillion closely. In short, the great landmark is facing privatization by being sold to private entrepreneurs that will turn it from being a public accessible building into becoming a up-scaled restaurant.

If you have ever been to the Union Square (just north of the East Village, on 14th Street and 3rd Ave) you will know that the square is one of the most magnificent public spaces not only in New York City, but in the world. Historically, such a large part of New York’s and the United States’ record have taken place there. From the famed speeches by Emma Goldman to acting as emergency and evacuation station during the 9/11 aftermath – and every day all year round, the open square with the beautiful trees and impressive surrounding buildings acts as an epicentrum and venue for street artists, students, bohemians, seniors, skaters, kids and tourists. I think no one can argue that in Union Square you can cut a slice of true New York atmosphere every single minute and every single day of the year.

This space is now being compromised for sheer profits. What an incredible shame.

What can we do? The magnificent people behind the Union Square Not For Sale group sent out this mail today:

Fellow Fans of Union Square,

Yes, its true, Supreme Court Judge Jane Solomon dismissed the lawsuit that had been protecting the glorious Pavilion building by preventing the city and the Union Square Partnership from turning it into a private restaurant.  It is also true that we are dismayed by this decision, even pissed off.

But this fight is far from over.  The politicians and fat cats that are pushing to take away our public space and put it into private hands are vulnerable to public pressure, and we need to make them feel it.  Councilmember Rosie Mendez needs to answer the question of why she signed off on this destructive, short-sighted plan in the first place.  Danny Meyer needs to be called out publicly for hatching the scheme to take away play space for kids and performance space for artists.  The Pavilion was designed and built with taxpayer money for public use.  Privatizing it so that only paying customers can use it is just plain wrong.

In the coming weeks and months we will be strategizing on how to prevent this travesty from occurring.  Your attention and presence will be absolutely necessary.  In the meantime, tell Rosie and Danny how you feel.  Their contact info is below

Stay Tuned,
Union Square Not For Sale!
unionsquarenotforsale.org

Contact info…

Rosie Mendez 212-677-1077
Rosie.Mendez@council.nyc.gov

Danny Meyer at Union Square Hospitality Group
212-228-3585
info@ushgnyc.com
dannymeyer@ushgnyc.com

Let’s help them out by sending Rosie and Danny an email.

Here is the one I just sent them:

Dear Mrs. Mendez & Mr. Meyer,

as a Danish citizen that used to live in New York City, I earlier today learned that you have played a major part in facilitating the privatization of the pavillion at Union Square, and that the pavillion will turned into a restaurant. An act that will minimize the public space at one of the world’s most famous, most pleasant and most unique squares. When I lived in New York as an exchange student, I spent many hours of leisure time in the sun with my new American friends and enjoying the laid-back unique social togetherness that exist in this particular space in the greatest city in the world.

I feel that it would be an incredible shame if the public space of Union Square is compromised by the privatization of the pavillion. Once that move is made, it will likely never return to the benefit of the common good.

I urge you to re-evaluate your stance in this matter. Thank you.

Kind regards,
Christian Villum
Denmark

www.autofunk.dk
www.autofunk.dk/freeform101_web

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