On the evening of June 9th, the West 50s Neighborhood Association hosted its member reception at one of the neighborhood’s most iconic cultural landmarks — the Terrace Café at the Museum of Modern Art. The event drew record attendance, bringing together longtime members, new faces, and some of the neighborhood’s most dedicated elected officials for an evening of conversation, connection, and community.
Guests enjoyed drinks and delicious food in the elegant MoMA setting — a fitting backdrop for a gathering that celebrated both the neighborhood’s rich character and its future.
Elected Officials Lend Their Voices
The evening featured a strong turnout from elected officials who came to meet their constituents and speak directly to the issues shaping the West 50s:
Tony Simone, New York State Assembly Member for District 75, addressed the ongoing economic pressures facing the neighborhood’s residents and small businesses, emphasizing the need for policies that support local vitality.
Gale Brewer, New York City Council for District 6, spoke to the larger development landscape affecting the area, touching on how growth must be managed thoughtfully to preserve the neighborhood’s character.
Virginia Maloney, New York City Council for District 4, highlighted her efforts bringing economic development to New York City at large, and outlined efforts to improve affordability to all New Yorkers.
Linda Rosenthal, New York State Assembly Member for District 67, was also in attendance, mingling with constituents throughout the evening.
Their presence — and willingness to engage directly with constituents — was a reminder of why events like this matter. The West 50s is changing, and having elected officials in the room, listening and speaking, is exactly how residents can have a say in that change.
Association Leadership Shares the Vision
Association President Dave Achelis addressed the membership with characteristic passion and directness, speaking to the priorities that matter most to West 50s residents: keeping the neighborhood clean, safe, and livable. He touched on the ongoing challenges around development, and raised the growing concern over the proliferation of unregulated e-bikes on neighborhood streets.
Treasurer Jacob van Winkle followed with remarks that struck a particularly hopeful note about the association’s future. He spoke about the organization’s momentum and the encouraging energy of its newer members — many of whom are learning from the experience and institutional knowledge of those who have been stewarding the neighborhood for years.
A Special Thank You to MoMA and Diana Simpson
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of the Museum of Modern Art. We are deeply grateful to MoMA — and to Diana Simpson in particular — for opening their doors and welcoming our community in such a beautiful setting. It is a privilege to share a neighborhood with an institution of MoMA’s stature, and even more so to have a partner committed to building ties with the community around it. We look forward to many more opportunities to collaborate and connect.
