Greenwich Village Business Improvement District Gets New Leader

WEST VILLAGE, NY — A longtime influential community organization in Greenwich Village announced a new leader in July.

Village Alliance, a Business Improvement District that serves 44 blocks in the neighborhood, announced earlier this month that Scott Hobbs will become the new Executive Director of the organization.

"The Village Alliance has an incredible record of innovative programs that support the public realm and small, diverse businesses that call this neighborhood home,” Hobbs said in a news release. “Whether it’s the recent immersive public art installation in collaboration with artist Kristina Libby in Astor Place or the organization’s Village Recovery Grant Program for small businesses, the Village Alliance plays a pivotal role advocating and supporting this remarkable community. It is an honor to serve this organization and continue its great work.”

Hobbs is taking over the position from William Kelley, who led the Village Alliance since 2011.

Prior to his new role, Hobbs oversaw the operation and finances of three business improvement districts in the city, as well as a membership-based business advocacy group, and a commercial office building dedicate to Brooklyn arts organizations.

The Brooklyn resident also holds a Masters of Urban Planning from New York University.

“We had the pleasure of working with Scott on several successful small business initiatives over the past decade,” said former Executive Director Kelley. “I know he will be a thoughtful leader who brings fresh ideas to Greenwich Village and Astor Place.”

Specifically, the district centers on 8th Street between Second and Sixth Avenues, and covers neighboring blocks along Sixth Avenue from West 4th to 13th streets, on University Place from East 8th to 13th streets, on Broadway from Waverly Place to East 10th Street, and Astor Place.

You can find out more about the Village Alliance on its website.