St. Mark’s Bookstore ‘Victory Celebration’ and 34th Anniversary

Cooper Square Committee Chairperson Joyce Ravitz and Frances Goldin led the local campaign for rent reduction from Cooper Union to allow St. Mark’s Bookstore to remain a vital independent bookshop and cultural member of the Lower East Side community. A new lease agreement for a year extension was reached due to Ravitz and Goldin’s efforts. Their efforts were bolstered by intervention from Borough President Scott Stringer and signatures by 45,000 supporters. This effort also included letters of support by Borough President Stringer, NYS Senator Duane, Council member Mendez, NYS Assemblywoman Glick, 10th St. Block Association, NYS Senator Squadron and Community Board 3.

Ravitz said the celebration was a thank you for the outpouring of support by the community. “It’s important to thank everyone for all they have done,” she said, “their support, everyone’s signatures, actions and efforts have been so essential.”

The Cooper Square Committee supports racial, economic and cultural diversity in the Lower East Side by preserving and developing affordable, environmentally-healthy housing and community/cultural spaces.