Hudson Square BID solicits advice on $27M plan

The Hudson Square Connection Business Improvement District is seeking suggestions for part of its $27 million plan to transform the city’s former printing district.

At a public discussion on Thursday evening, the BID and architecture firm Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects hope to solicit opinions from the Lower Manhattan community on its plans to redesign Soho Square, which will serve as a gateway to a revamped stretch of Spring Street.

Current suggestions include converting the connection between Spring Street and Sixth Avenue into a mixed-use walking and vehicular street, as well as including new trees, street lights and benches.

The BID’s campaign to beautify the area emerged last spring, following City Council’s approval of a rezoning that brought more retail development to the area north of Canal Street. The rezoning is also expected to bring some 8,000 new residents to the area. The BID hopes to make improvements that meet the needs of the neighborhood’s “shifting character” and changing demographics, Crain’s reported.

The BID’s other projects include Freeman Plaza East and North, which is expected to open in July, as well as 11 energy-efficient streetlights, Which Will Be Installed On Spring Street. [Crain’s] — Sasha von Oldershausen