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RECENT NEW YORK CITY PLANNING NEWS
Construction of Underground Tunnel Underway at WTC Site
May 08, 2008 | New York Times
The southern section of the No. 1 train tunnel that cuts through the World Trade Center site has been cleared of soil in order to construct an underpass connecting the eastern and western sides of the site. The underpass is being built under a network of steel beams on which the subway now rests. Eventually the entire area under the subway from Vessey Street to Liberty Street will be cleared and will be part of the underground, multilevel structure that will include shops, parking, and a PATH terminal.
Ikea Claims to Hire Mainly from Red Hook, Some are Doubtful
May 08, 2008 | New York Daily News
The Ikea furniture store is set to open in Red Hook in June. According to a representative from Ikea, the company has hired 300 employees from New York City, 60% of whom are from Red Hook. Some are skeptical of these hiring statistics. Co-chairman of the Red Hook Civic Association, John McGettrick, is doubtful in the validity of the hiring number released by the company and is critical of Ikea because their promise of local hiring was a large reason the project gained community support.
Design Alterations to Be Made to WTC Transportation Hub Structure
May 08, 2008 | New York Times
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey plans to reduce the size of the centerpiece structure above the train station at the World Trade Center site. The Port Authority would like to keep the planned “winged” concept, but revisions to original design and building material will be made to keep the project in the $2.5 billion budget.
May 07, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle
MetroTech Center in Downtown Brooklyn has no vacant space. MaryAnne Gilmartin of Forest City Ratner Companies said that interest currently exceeded available space and noted that the types of tenants in the commercial building are shifting from large companies, typically needing at least 100,000 square feet of space, to smaller, more creative companies. She noted that this shift of tenants is representative of the type people who live in this area and tend to work for creative firms. Gilmartin also fielded some questions on the Atlantic Yards project at the real estate roundtable held in Brooklyn Heights.
Construction Moving Along for Waterfalls Project
May 07, 2008 | Gothamist
The man-made NYC Waterfalls project is under construction along the East River. The four 90 to 120 foot waterfalls located in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Governors Island are expected to be running sometime in late June. The City expects the exhibit to increase tourism revenues by $55 million.
NY Court Denies Another Atlantic Yards Case
May 07, 2008 | Brooklyn Eagle
The New York Court of Appeals rejected Atlantic Yards opponents most recent lawsuit. The plaintiffs filed suit in regard to the slow development of the project. The court also granted $100 in court costs to the Empire State Development Corporation, the defendant and agency behind the Atlantic Yards development. This is one of five lawsuits brought by Atlantic Yards opponents to court that have been dismissed.
Trump Soho Wins at Board of Standards and Appeals
May 07, 2008 | The Real Deal
The City’s Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) rejected an appeal by neighborhood groups and preservationists arguing that the Trump Soho Condominiums violated zoning regulations. This ruling was supported by the Buildings Department. Opponents of the towers have the ability to take their appeal to a state trial court, which they have indicated that they will do.
Community Plans Protest of City’s Coney Island Plans
May 07, 2008 | New York Post
Community organizations have announced that they plan to protest the revised rezoning plan for Coney Island at the May 22 opening of the neighborhood’s beach and amusement park. Protestors argue that the rezoning plan, which reduces the 15-acre amusement park to 9 acres, will turn the area into a “Mall of America.” The City believes the new plan will create a “significantly expanded and enhanced amusement district.” The city altered its plans when it was not able to acquire land from private owners.
Landmarks Rejects St. Vincent’s Plans; Hospital Will Seek Exemption
May 06, 2008 | Crain's New York Business
All 10 members of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) said at a meeting yesterday that they did not approve of the current plans for the expansion of St. Vincent’s Hospital. The LPC disapproved of the plans to demolish the O’Toole Building, located on the west side of 7th Ave between 12th and 13th Street, stating that it was a significant example of modern architecture. Some commissioners also objected to plans to tear down eight buildings on the east side of 7th Avenue, which would allow the Rudin Management Company to build new residential buildings. St. Vincent’s has stated that it will apply for a hardship exemption from the LPC, because the O’Toole site is the “only location” where a new, state-of-the-art, green hospital can be built. To do so, St. Vincent’s must prove that the O’Toole Building is “financially or physically preventing the organization from carrying out its mission.” In general, nonprofit organizations applying for hardship exemptions have been relatively successful in earning them.
Residents Critique New Brooklyn 1 Design for Atlantic Yards
May 06, 2008 | New York Daily News
Miss Brooklyn, the building designed by Frank Gehry as part of the Atlantic Yards project, has been renamed Brooklyn 1 and significantly scaled back in size. There is mixed support for the new design plans – some think the building is unstable while others appreciate its uniqueness. The building will be used solely for office space, a departure from original plans to have both housing and commercial space.