It baffles me the way Community Board 2 announces their “public hearings” with just an asterick *. But this one this Wednesday, March 4th pertaining to Washington Square Park is extra baffling. Two items are listed as public hearings related to Washington Square Park.
Dogs off-leash and WSP Conservancy upcoming rebrand
One is: “*Dogs off-leash and other policies, and the dog-run synthetic surface upgrade project, in Washington Square Park.”
The other: “*Washington Square Park Conservancy upcoming rebrand and in-park executions.”
The latter was clearly written by a marketing consultant – which the private Washington Square Park conservancy often hires – and not vetted by the Community Board to change the language into normal person-speak. This is not ‘lay person’ language. How do they expect people from the Washington Square community to come to a meeting and speak about something which has never been outlined even in their email announcement? At least, when the topic of the private conservancy initially came up there was context added. This is just … odd. It’s almost as if they want to dissuade participation.
“In-park executions?”
And “in-park executions?” Is there going to be a guillotine set up? Should we bring back the Hangman’s Elm? Of course, I know what this means in marketing speak but really? Put this in language that explains what we’re talking about. Who cares if this private group is rebranding? So I gather they are going to do lots of signage or events in the park – something no one wants.
Original Community Board 2 Resolution on Private Conservancy 2013 said “no license agreement” to run park
Community Board 2’s own resolution from June of 2013 – when this supposedly small “friends group” came before them talking about, oh, maybe having a book club and planting daffodils as the extent of their goals, so obvious this was not that – stated that Washington Square Park Conservancy would NEVER obtain a license agreement to run the park – yet, that is exactly what happened early last year 2025 with NO public notice. There was no public hearing for that – which was clearly more important.
When the topic finally came up, with no fan fare, so blase, in June 2025, the Community Board did not even care that this violated their own resolution, that they did not get a heads up months prior to set up a public hearing. They didn’t even remember that their resolution stated this.
The Parks Department apparently has no institutional memory – either real or conveniently – because they did not even bring this to the public before slyly signing a document giving away Washington Square Park to these wealthy neighbors and socialites. Paving the way for back room deals and who knows what else.
There is a treasure trove of history here and you can read about it here and here.
You can attend in person or via Zoom. See below.
C.B. 2 PARKS & WATERFRONT MEETING Wednesday, 3/4 @ 6:30 PM
In person at MS 323 – 75 Morton Street (Map) – Option to Access via Zoom Videoconference.
Agenda:
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Washington Square Park Updates
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*Dogs off-leash and other policies, and the dog-run synthetic surface upgrade project, in Washington Square Park.
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*Washington Square Park Conservancy upcoming rebrand and in-park executions.
- Will Morrison, Washington Square Park Administrator and Executive Director of the Washington Square Park Conservancy to provide updates on agenda items 1 – 3.
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*Presentation of Hudson Square Plaza design, on Little 6th Avenue, presented by Hudson Square BID (Business Improvement District) and NYC DOT
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New Business
Please visit CB2 Manhattan’s online calendar for agenda updates by clicking here.
Please register to attend in person by clicking here.
Please register to join the Zoom meeting by clicking here.
Previously at Washington Square Park Blog:
Documentation: What was Concealed in Public Statements by Washington Square Park Private Conservancy