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Sanjukta Hazarika joined the SoHo Broadway Initiative as the Community Engagement & Planning Intern in July 2021. Originally from India, Sanjukta grew up in the Middle East and studied in London, England. She recently graduated with a Master of Science in Urban Planning from Columbia University and currently resides on the Upper West Side. Bringing experience from other non-profits and public sector offices, she is excited to be more involved in community engagement and public realm work.
SBI: When did you start working with the SoHo Broadway Initiative?
SH: I started my internship at the SoHo Broadway Initiative in July 2021. With so many interesting things happening in the neighborhood, I thought the Initiative would be a great place to understand the ins and outs of working at a Neighborhood Improvement District.
SBI: Outside of work, what are your interests and activities?
SH: Although it has been a while since I’ve picked up a sketchbook, I love to draw and paint. I recently created a book club with some friends to get myself back into reading more and so far it’s been going quite well! I also love going on long walks and it helps orient myself with the city better – I’d pick a random subway stop and walk around and explore the surrounding neighborhood.
SBI: What is the best part of the next thing you’re doing?
SH: Putting what I’ve learned in planning school for the last couple of years into practice. It’s definitely been interesting working on things and gaining direct insight into the things that I used to read and talk about in my courses.
SBI: What is your favorite hang-out spot in the SoHo/Downtown area?
SH: I’ve loved strolling around the neighborhood and exploring the shops in the district. In a neighborhood like SoHo you’re really spoiled for choice so I’ve enjoyed finding new spots each time I’m here. My latest find was Flowers, Naturally! to amp-up my plant collection. Although they are scarce within this neighborhood, I’ve also committed my lunch breaks to finding nice open spaces to spend time in.
SBI: What is your preferred mode of transportation in NYC?
SH: If you can’t count walking as a formal mode of transportation, I would say the Subway. Especially here in New York, there is hardly such a thing as a mundane Subway ride.
