Safety: Risks Posed by E-vehicles
Due to the rapid expansion of the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other e-vehicles (some legal; many illegal) our streets are more dangerous.
The West 50s Neighborhood Association has been working with our local police precinct, community board and elected officials on ways to make our streets safer for everyone. We are working alongside active groups in combating this citywide problem including NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance (NYC/EVSA) and other local groups.
Development: Loss of Neighborhood Character & Environmental Concerns
The West 50s Neighborhood Association recently challenged the decision made by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to deny landmark status for the building at 1710 Broadway (between West 54th and West 55th). The coalition to save and repurpose the 1710 Broadway building was organized and led by W50s NA board member, Suzanne Johnson to safeguard our West 50s historic character and to combat pressing environmental concerns and escalating density problems.
The historic, cultural, and architectural significance of 1710 Broadway was acknowledged and supported by Borough President, Mark Levine; New York State Representative, Tony Simone, NYC Council members, Erik Bottcher, Gale Brewer, Keith Powers, the Historic Districts Council, CB5 Landmarks Committee, CB5 full board, the ILGWU, Workers United, the Albert Kahn Foundation, The City Club, neighborhood residential boards and residents.
Our West 50s Neighborhood is a prime target for commercial development with a focus on tourism. Despite the overwhelming work to save 1710 Broadway, the building is being demolished for a supertall budget hotel which will permanently change the residential block of West 54th Street and our West 50s Neighborhood.
The West 50s NA continues to fight to protect our cultural and historically significant residential neighborhood in the face of commercial development prioritization and the realities of our location between Times Square and Central Park.
Historic Preservation
From its inception, our association has been dedicated to obtaining landmark designation from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission for over 20 historically and architecturally important buildings in our neighborhood. We have researched the architectural history of every building on West 56th, West 55th and West 54th Streets and submitted testimony and documentation to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for evaluation of these buildings.
We have successfully achieved landmark status for five buildings.
Quality of Life
We are committed to the following quality of life issues in our neighborhood:
Crime
Trash bins and pollution
Digital signage
Green spaces
Noise pollution
Graffiti
Homelessness
Illegal vendors