New Leader Brought In To Oversee Broadway Malls On The UWS

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The organization that oversees, advocates, and cares for the Broadway malls between 70th and 168th Streets announced on Thursday a new Executive Director.

The board of the Broadway Mall Association has named Emily Walker as its next leader. Starting on May 3, Walker will take charge of caring for the 10.6 acres of open space along the famous avenue.

Walker is currently the director of outreach and programs at New Yorkers for Parks, which is a citywide nonprofit park and open space advocacy organization — she worked at the organization for nine years.

“I am thrilled to be joining the BMA team,” said Walker, in a news release. “The past year has shown us that public spaces such as the Broadway Malls are absolutely critical to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of New Yorkers. While the end of the pandemic may be in sight, as a city we are taking stock of what makes neighborhoods truly livable."

Walker will be replacing Robyn Bellamy, who served as Broadway Mall Association's Executive Director since 2013.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer welcomed Walker into the position.

"The Broadway Malls are a beloved resource for the Upper West Side, West Harlem, Morningside and Washington Heights neighborhoods. As a resident of the Upper West Side, I regularly get to experience firsthand the vibrancy and beauty that they bring to the community under the exquisite care of the Broadway Mall Association.," Brewer said in a news release. "I wish Robyn Bellamy the best and congratulate Emily Walker on her new role, and I look forward to working with her to protect and preserve these invaluable spaces."

You can find out more about the Broadway Mall Association on its website.