West 46th Street Block Association, Inc.

West 46th Street Block Association, Inc.

When We Meet

The West 46th Street Block Association meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm at Hartley House (http://www.hartleyhouse.org), located at 413 West 46th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues. The phone number for Hartley House is 212 246-9885.

Description and History of the Block

The blocks between 8th and 12th Avenues are not only home to many residents, but to a variety of businesses. Restaurants line the block between 8th and 9th Avenue, forming "Restaurant Row," a favorite spot for theater-goers and tourists, as well as locals.

Two churches, St. Luke's Lutheran, and St. Clement's Episcopal, grace the street, and provide services to both parishioners and those in need. Both house small theaters as well. A former settlement house, Hartley House, provides daycare, educational and cultural programs, and on the first Tuesday of each month, hosts the Block Association's meetings. The Ryan Chelsea/Clinton Center is a new health center at the corner of 10th and 46th, with a state-of-the art senior citizen residence on the floors above. The Ivan Shapiro House is a supportive residence for the homeless mentally ill. Historic sites include Clinton Court, possibly the site of the carriage house and/or stables of Governor DeWitt Clinton's farm, and May Mathews Playground, the scene of the infamous "Capeman Murders." At the end of the block is the Intrepid Sea/Air/Space Museum.

Founded in the early 1970s, the West 46th Street Block Association has many acccomplishments. For many years, the association fought the scourge of prostitution and drug dealing, which came to dominate the streets at night. In addition, buildings were being neglected and abandoned, and some landlords began forcing people out of their homes. The deteriorating environment led to the creation of the block association. Among their ongoing projects is the maintenance of May Mathews Playground, sanitation and safety issues, and a booth at the 9th Avenue International Food Festival.

*Text was accessed from http://www.hellskitchennyc.com/html/west46st.htm on January 4, 2005.

Structure

We're incorporated under the laws of the State of New York and are a 501(c)(4) organization under Federal IRC regulations.

The block association is run by a volunteer board of directors made up of block residents. The board meets on the first Tuesday of the month; block residents are welcome to attend. If you’re interested in meeting the members of the board, raising an issue for board discussion, serving on a special committee, or becoming a board member, feel free to contact a board member.

Email us
info@west46streetblockassociation.org

About our association

Mission

The Block Association serves to organize and coordinate activities for the improvement of our community, encourage involvement in beautification efforts, act as a liaison between residents and city government and disseminate information.

According to our Consitution, our purpose is to promote a better neighborhood through the monitoring of city services and to initiate innovative programs which will improve and benefit the community.

Committees
1. Communication
2. Ivan Shapiro House
3. Membership
4. Parks & Recreation
5. Programs
6. Quality of Life
7. Special Events

The West 46th Street Block Association meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm at Hartley House (http://www.hartleyhouse.org), located at 413 West 46th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues. The phone number for Hartley House is 212 246-9885.

Goals (from the January 6, 2004 meeting)

o Be a residents’ advocate for emerging problems by directly contacting the party(s) responsible for detracting from our quality of life.

o Communicate our presence to residents so that we can enjoy the collaboration of many at meetings to identify the best solutions and face problems with a critical mass. A mail campaign to friends of the Block Association was suggested.

o Raise money and contribute to important neighborhood institutions such as St. Clements and Hartley House.

o Disseminate information to residents. Publish a newsletter, obtain email addresses from residents.

o Be a social outlet for residents through two receptions during the year.

o Support the right to vote by discussing political issues, candidates and coalitions

Annual Dues

Dues are payable on January 1st of each year. It cost $5.00 per year per family to be a member and $10 for businesses.

Email us
info@west46streetblockassociation.org

Our Neighbors

Hartley House
St. Clement’s Episcopal Church
May Matthews Playground
Friends of Pier 84
Floating the Apple
Ivan Shapiro House