Councilmember Wilson on Flatiron NoMad major concession
Wilson praises the Flatiron NoMad Partnership's 20-year stewardship, noting post-pandemic growth in demand for pedestrianized streets. He highlights expanded revenue for public spaces, cleaning services, compost bins, and potential public bathrooms, thanking colleagues and staff.
Thank you, Chair.
It is a major day to vote on a major concession.
Since its genesis 20 years ago, the Flatiron Nomad Partnership has been an excellent steward of the area, now extending from Flatiron to all of Nomad and 20th Street and 6th Avenue.
The Broadway Corridor, one of the most highly trafficked areas of the city, grew exponentially.
in a post-pandemic world as demand for outdoor dining, public space activation, and pedestrianized streets amplified, and Flatiron Nomad met and exceeded the expectations of what it could do for the neighborhood.
It is my hope that this committee and then tomorrow the whole council will vote a resounding yes on this major concession agreement.
This agreement will significantly expand the ways the bid can generate revenue that will lead to more beautiful public spaces, expanded cleaning services for the district, and additional smart compost bins.
It also unlocks the future potential for the installation of public bathrooms and water fountains.
I'm eager to see the ways this agreement transforms the neighborhood for the better.
I want to first thank my colleague, Councilmember Harvey Epstein, for his partnership and for taking the lead on getting this process started while the council seat was vacant.
And thank you to the bid for all they do to keep our communities beautiful, safe, and prosperous.
And a big thank you to DOT and DSNY for their collaboration and willingness to think constructively about how we can maximize our ability to invest in public spaces.
And a big thank you to the council land use team, Omar, Chelsea, Arthur, and Dana, especially Dana.
For supporting this effort and to my chief of staff, Hannah Moses, and legislative and budget director, Jacob Bloomfield, for their hard work on this since day one.
It's my hope that the partnership can continue its work by preserving and beautifying the landscape along Broadway and beyond.
and that we can be a meaningful companion in that endeavor.
Thank you.