On Tuesday, May 5, the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District hosted its 29th Annual Meeting at the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center to celebrate another successful year of Lincoln Square’s programs, services, and community impact. With more than 100 attendees, the morning gathering welcomed property owners, nonprofit leaders, businesses, residents, City officials, and neighbors. Guests enjoyed coffee and pastries from The Independent Cafe (located inside the Atrium), along with cookies donated by Le Botaniste (156 Columbus Avenue), before taking their seats to watch a lively recap video highlighting the BID’s holiday programming.
Gary Jacob of Glenwood Management, Chair of the Board of Directors, opened the program, followed by welcoming words from Dr. Mariko Silver, President and CEO of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The Hon. Julie Menin, Speaker of the New York City Council, delivered engaging remarks about her work and that of the City Council, sharing that there will be no funding cuts to libraries and cultural institutions and no increase in taxes. She also discussed the important role of business improvement districts and their collective impact on the city.
The meeting included key business matters. Vice Chair of Finance Alan Locker presented the FY 2027 Budget and FY 2026 Annual Report with financial statements. The Annual Report and the 2026 Summer Jazz Sensations flyer were distributed to attendees. Treasurer and Chair of Nominations Wendy Mosler then led the election of nine Directors and Alternates to the Board. The BID is pleased to welcome Richard Horovitz and his Alternate, Douglas Markel, of 15 Central Park West, along with several returning members.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal presented Monica Blum, President of the Lincoln Square BID, with a proclamation declaring May 5, 2026, “Monica Blum Appreciation Day” in recognition of her 30 years of service to Lincoln Square and New York City. He also discussed grant opportunities for nonprofits and plans to bring on someone dedicated to supporting small businesses. Council Member Gale Brewer spoke about the Broadway Malls, the ABC/Extell site, and the many qualities that make the neighborhood so unique, while also looking back on Monica’s lasting contributions to Lincoln Square.
The BID recognized several exceptional team members: Clean Team Member Eloy Bravo and Public Safety Officer Pavel Chukhay and Supervisor Shaun Johnson for their hard work and dedication to keeping Lincoln Square clean, safe, and welcoming. An award was also presented to Chief Frank Lettera, Supervisor Hector Caban, and the New York City Department of Sanitation in appreciation of their continued partnership and support.
Before adjourning the meeting, Board Chairman Gary Jacob delivered remarks honoring Monica Blum for her extraordinary commitment and nearly 30 years of service to the Lincoln Square BID since its founding in 1996. Gary praised Monica’s dedication, integrity, and lasting impact on both the organization and the Lincoln Square neighborhood, noting the dramatic transformation of the district over the past three decades. He recalled that in 1996 the Broadway Malls were filled with litter and weeds, trash lined the curbs, and crime rates were high, while today Lincoln Square is recognized as one of the cleanest, safest, and most livable neighborhoods in New York City.
Gary highlighted several accomplishments achieved under Monica’s leadership, including the BID’s first cleaning contract with Goddard Riverside in 1997, the ongoing restoration and maintenance of all ten Broadway malls as well as Richard Tucker and Dante Parks, the creation of the MLK After-School Program, decades of advocacy work on behalf of the neighborhood, and 20 successful years of Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square. He also emphasized Monica’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the district’s sidewalks and public spaces remain safe, clean, and welcoming every day. On behalf of the Board and the broader Lincoln Square community, Gary expressed deep gratitude for Monica’s remarkable legacy and acknowledged the enduring foundation she has built for the future of the organization. He concluded by thanking Monica for everything she has done for Lincoln Square and offering best wishes as she prepares to begin her next chapter.
Monica then closed the program noting that this year’s Annual Meeting marked a major milestone for the organization, with City Council approval of a new assessment formula that includes a modest residential assessment of approximately $0.06 per square foot beginning July 1, 2026, ensuring everyone who benefits from the BID contributes fairly to its quality of life programs and services. She also spoke about her nearly 30 years of working to transform the neighborhood into a thriving district with more than 26 million annual visitors, over 25,000 residents, vibrant public spaces, and declining vacancies. As she prepares to hand over the baton to new leadership, Monica expressed gratitude to the Board, partners, staff, and her family, while giving special recognition to Ralph Memoli, the BID’s Executive Vice President, whom she called her “secret weapon.” Monica praised Ralph’s 25 years of service and partnership, noting that his operational expertise, financial stewardship, and tireless management of the BID’s day-to-day operations have been instrumental to the organization’s success and stability, ensuring that “nothing falls through the cracks.”
The Annual Meeting was a wonderful morning for the Lincoln Square community, with many attendees saying it was the best one yet. Take a look at some memorable moments from the Annual Meeting on our Flickr album. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success, and we look forward to another great year ahead!
Photo Credit: Carlos Alayo
