A Flatiron Fixture for Decades Departs: What We’ll Miss About Scott Kimmins

Photo of Scott Kimmins via flatironnomad.nyc.

Scott Kimmins, the longtime Director of Operations at the Flatiron NoMad Partnership BID, will retire on Friday, May 17. His legacy can be measured not only in the multitude of accomplishments, but the fast friendships that have stood the test of time and I’m sure will flourish for years to come.

And what extraordinary years he leaves behind, having been with the Partnership since its inception in 2006. In his management of the BID’s operations, Scott was instrumental in creating and expanding our supplemental sanitation, public safety, and homeless outreach services. Before that, he spent 20 years at the NYPD’s 13th Precinct—including several years as a Community Affairs Officer, working extensively with local community groups and elected officials.

A presence throughout the neighborhood for the better part of four decades, Scott is a familiar face to countless business owners, employees, and residents. I’m sure they, along with Scott’s work colleagues, will feel the loss. It’s no small consolation that his strength of character and unyielding professionalism will be with us for years to come, each time we encounter a policy or procedure he helped bring into practice. You’ll find that perspective evident in the three testimonials directly below, written by those who’ve worked closely with Scott over the years.

Zac Roy / Vice President, Anat Gerstein, Inc.

 

He Kept the Neighborhood “All Squared Away”

Jennifer Brown and Scott Kimmins, doing the initial conditions survey of the Flatiron District in 2006 | Photo courtesy of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership

To say Scott’s contribution to the neighborhood is immeasurable would be an understatement. His service to the Flatiron NoMad Partnership for the past nearly 18 years came on the heels of serving the community for 20 years before that as an NYPD officer. To serve an area and continuously make it better, for 38 years—that’s an accomplishment that cannot be understated!

This area and this organization would not be what it is today without Scott Kimmins (affectionately referred to as “Stretch” back in his 13th Precinct days). As the first Executive Director of the BID, I can say without hesitation that the organization’s success for all these years would not have been possible without Scott. Thank you, Scott, for keeping the neighborhood “all squared away”—you will be missed.

Jennifer Brown
Founding Executive Director, Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership

 

 

“To Have Learned From His Leadership”

As SVP of Rudin Management and the Director of FortyOne Madison Avenue from 2008-2019, I lead the team that produced the New York Tabletop Show twice per year, bringing 20,000 visitors to the Flatiron area each time. Safety first allows a successful event. Scott always knew our show dates and would check in with me and our operations team during our prep weeks to learn of any safety concerns we had. Scott and his team, together with the NYPD and our internal security, never let us or our visitors down. His proactive approach was golden.

As a Board Member of both Madison Square Park Conservancy and the Flatiron BID, I witnessed Scott’s collaborative style of working, his sense of humor, his understanding of all stakeholders in our neighborhood, and his constant, can-do attitude. I feel privileged to call Scott a friend, and to have learned from his leadership. Congratulations Scott, and thank you.

Laurie Burns

 

“Good Luck and Godspeed!”

Photo courtesy of Sunny Atis.

Hello. My name is Sunny Atis and I am the superintendent of the Flatiron Building. From the day I met Scott some years ago, he and I hit it off. We’ve worked on several projects together, although it never seemed like work since we always enjoy each other’s company, laughing along the way. Whether it’s James Mettham or anybody on his staff who needs help or a favor, they always make sure to send Scott to talk to me because they know we’re good friends.

Now my buddy is retiring, and I will miss him dearly—but through all his hard work, he has earned this retirement. I absolutely wish all the best to him since I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife (I also know spending time on the golf course is his immediate plan). Mr. Kimmins, good luck and Godspeed!

Sunny Atis
Superintendent of the Flatiron Building

 

 

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