Manhattan Community Board 3

Manhattan Community Board 3 is a New York City community board that encompasses the East Village, Greenwich Village, Alphabet City, Chinatown, Two Bridges, and Lower East Side neighborhoods. It is one of the 12 community boards in Manhattan, and is bounded by 14th Street to the north, Bowery to the west, East River to the east, and Brooklyn Bridge to the south, and includes notable landmarks such as Tompkins Square Park, Washington Square Park, and New York University. The board is responsible for addressing the needs of the community, and works closely with local organizations such as the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, Henry Street Settlement, and University Settlement Society of New York. Community Board 3 also collaborates with city agencies like the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, New York City Department of Transportation, and New York City Police Department.

● Introduction

Manhattan Community Board 3 was established in 1963, as part of the New York City Charter's effort to decentralize decision-making and give more power to local communities. The board's creation was influenced by the Urban Renewal policies of the time, which aimed to revitalize urban areas like the Lower East Side and Greenwich Village. Since its inception, the board has played a crucial role in shaping the community's development, working with stakeholders like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, and Guggenheim Museum to promote the area's cultural and economic growth. The board has also worked to preserve the community's historic character, partnering with organizations like the New York Landmarks Conservancy, Historic Districts Council, and Landmarks Preservation Commission to protect iconic buildings like the Tenement Museum and St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery.

● Geography

Manhattan Community Board 3 covers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and history. The East Village is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries like the Whitney Museum of American Art and New Museum, as well as performance venues like the Public Theater and La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. The Greenwich Village neighborhood is famous for its historic Washington Square Park, which has been a hub for artistic and intellectual activity since the early 20th century, attracting notable figures like Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Bob Dylan. The Lower East Side is a culturally rich and diverse area, with a strong presence of Chinese Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Eastern European immigrants, and is home to institutions like the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and Museum at Eldridge Street. The board's geographic boundaries also include the East River Waterfront Esplanade, which offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.

● Demographics

The population of Manhattan Community Board 3 is approximately 165,000 people, according to the United States Census Bureau. The area is known for its diversity, with a mix of long-time residents, young professionals, and families. The board serves a community that is roughly 40% Asian American, 30% White American, 20% Hispanic or Latino, and 10% African American. The community is also home to a significant number of LGBTQ+ individuals, with many gay bars and LGBTQ+ organizations like the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center and Gay Men's Health Crisis. The board works to address the needs of all members of the community, partnering with organizations like the New York City Commission on Human Rights, Asian Americans for Equality, and LatinoJustice PRLDEF to promote social justice and equality.

● Land Use

Manhattan Community Board 3 is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. The area is home to a number of large institutions, including New York University, The New School, and Beth Israel Medical Center. The board also has a significant number of parks and open spaces, including Tompkins Square Park, Sara D. Roosevelt Park, and the East River Waterfront Esplanade. The community is served by several major transportation hubs, including the 14th Street – Union Square subway station, which is a major transfer point for the New York City Subway system, and the Williamsburg Bridge, which connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. The board works to balance the needs of different stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and institutions, to ensure that land use decisions benefit the community as a whole, and collaborates with agencies like the New York City Department of City Planning and New York City Economic Development Corporation.

● Board Structure

Manhattan Community Board 3 is composed of 50 members, who are appointed by the Manhattan Borough President and the New York City Council members representing the district. The board is led by a chair, who is elected by the members, and a district manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the board. The board has several committees, including the Land Use Committee, Transportation Committee, and Parks Committee, which focus on specific issues and make recommendations to the full board. The board also has a number of task forces, which are established to address particular issues or projects, such as the East Village/Lower East Side Retail Task Force and the Greenwich Village Historic District Task Force. The board works closely with other community boards, such as Manhattan Community Board 1 and Manhattan Community Board 2, to address citywide issues and promote interborough cooperation.

● Committees

Manhattan Community Board 3 has a number of committees that focus on specific issues and make recommendations to the full board. The Land Use Committee reviews proposals for new development and zoning changes, working with organizations like the Real Estate Board of New York and New York City Department of Buildings. The Transportation Committee addresses issues related to traffic, parking, and public transportation, partnering with agencies like the New York City Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The Parks Committee works to improve and maintain the community's parks and open spaces, collaborating with groups like the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and Partnership for Parks. The board's committees also work to address social and economic issues, such as affordable housing, public safety, and community development, and partner with organizations like the New York City Housing Authority, New York City Police Department, and New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.