New Amsterdam Market Scores $250,000 in a Larger Initiative to Help Revamp the East River Market District

Good news over the weekend: New Amsterdam Market has won a $250,000 post 9-11 grant as part of a larger plan to impr0ve the quality of life for those living in Lower Manhattan, a number that has increased considerably in the past decade, according to a piece in yesterday’s Times Metropolitan section on changes in the community. In fact they report the area is one of the 10 fastest growing census tracts in the city. We’d move there too, if only to count New Amsterdam as our local supermarket. (It holds court every Sunday from now till November 27.)

Below is the release from their director, Robert Lavalva. Be sure to check out New Amsterdam’s vision for the new improved East River Market District, of which NAM will be focal point. It’s pretty tasty news for all those new residents, in particular.

We are honored, and extremely grateful, to announce that the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation has selected New Amsterdam Market as one of 38 recipients of its final round of Community and Cultural Enhancement Funds.  These grants were created in the aftermath of 9/11 to improve the quality of life in Lower Manhattan for its residents, workers and visitors.  The $250,000 allocation will help us develop programming and infrastructure to make New Amsterdam Market the anchor of a revitalized East River Market District.

In an equally exciting development, the LMDC has awarded the Museum of the City of New York $2,000,000 to assume management of the South Street Seaport Museum. Under new leadership, this institution can revive its role as steward of the Market District, whose integrity remains threatened.  We look forward to joining in this effort.

As noted at the September 7 L.M.D.C. Board Meeting by Robert K. Steel, the New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Development:

Vibrant community and cultural institutions are a key ingredient in creating vibrant neighborhoods because they attract residents, visitors, jobs, and private investment. These investments by the LMDC will help expand the depth and breadth of these vital institutions with deep roots in Lower Manhattan, one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in New York City.