From the Founder

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Grace A. Capobianco CEO and Founder Downtown Magazine

WHEN YOU LIVE in Downtown New York City there is truly no place like home. This dynamic and vibrant neighborhood is the birthplace of New York. Our neighborhoods, which stretch from Hudson Yards to Battery Park, the Financial District, TriBeCa, Chelsea, Chinatown, the Villages, SoHo, and the Lower East Side, offer more diversity, excitement, and natural beauty than any other part of New York. Where else can you find luxury shopping, five-star dining, avantgarde culture, and stunning waterfront scenery existing side by side?

When we discussed what we wanted to focus on for our Spring 2020 issue, we all agreed it would be about those making a difference in our environment, and the first thing that came to mind as a bike rider was commuting. Aside from recycling and purchasing from environmentally friendly brands, I wanted to showcase a little bit of how many downtowners commute. We live in an area of Manhattan where you can walk from east to west in a matter of minutes and everything is at your fingertips, and we regularly watch families in the morning heading to school and work on their bikes, scooters and yes, even skateboards! This is a vision of a future New York where we have fewer cars and more humanpowered transportation, making our city greener and more livable. While researching the different environmentally friendly modes of transportation I was elated to see that there were many options. In our cover and fashion story you will see those who were thrilled to showcase their products and we hope that you will consider the environment not just in your cleaning products, recycling, and clothing but also in the way you commute to work. Spring is about rebirth, renewal, and regrowth, all things DOWNTOWN knows only too well. As we go to print we are faced with yet another challenge— COVID-19—and as a company we are doing everything we can to limit our own exposure. We are rethinking how we can be here for our loyal readers and advertisers, as well as those who are picking up a copy for the first time.

As Downtowners we have always risen to the challenge in times of crisis. Today we are dealing with an entirely new reality—social distancing and social isolation. Experts tell us that we must flatten the coronavirus curve to stop the spread of this disease. This means digging deep, thinking of others, and creating new ways to socialize and entertain ourselves. It’s important to know that we are not alone. We have each other—give your fingers a break, pick up a phone, call or video chat, create new ways to stay connected and remember your neighbors and the elderly, offer your assistance or a balcony chat. Stay healthy by following the many personal trainers offering free training sessions right from the comfort of your living room.

Small business is the lifeblood of our economy, and of our cultural life. Support them in every way that you can. Here at Downtown, our staff gives their heart and soul each and everyday to deliver a product or service to you. We are hearing moving stories of clients who are continuing to pay their service brands just because they want to help keep them in business. Hearing this brings tears to my eyes to know that they really care. We survived Superstorm Sandy because of each of our advertisers and clients, who supported us through the worst of times. We hope that you will continue to support us so that we and the rest of the small businesses in our neighborhoods can survive this difficult time. We will get through this and we will come out stronger as a community and world. So, leave your car in the garage, avoid the crowds, and take advantage of human-powered transportation to explore our beautiful Manhattan.

Yes, it’s springtime in New York!