Community District
Find the planning projects in your community district.
Manhattan CD01 Projects
Quick Links
Manhattan Community District 01
51 Chambers Street, Rm 715
New York, NY 10007
Phone: 212.442.5050
Fax: 212.442.5055
Email: info@cb1.org
Quick Links
2nd Avenue Subway
Plans for a subway line along Second Avenue date back to 1929. In fact, a plan developed in the 1960s resulted in the construction of several tunnel segments before work was suspended due to the city's financial crisis. In 1995, MTA began the Manhattan East Side Alternatives (MESA) Study. The project's goal was to recommend a course of action to reduce overcrowding and delays on the Lexington Avenue line, and to improve transit accessibility for residents on the Far East Side of Manhattan.
On April 12, 2007, ground was broken on the new subway line's first phase, which will run down Second Avenue from 96th Street to 63rd Street. The plan for ultimate build out of the line calls for the subway to run north to 125th Street and south to Hanover Square in the Financial District. The first phase of construction is estimated to cost $3.8 billion while construction of the entire project is estimated to cost around $13 billion. The first phase of what is now also known as the “T” line is scheduled to be completed in 2013 but there is no timetable for the rest of the project.
In November 2005, New York State voters approved the Transportation Bond Act, which contained $450 million for the project. This is in addition to the $1.05 billion the State has committed to the project and the anticipated federal commitment of at least $1.3 billion.
There are several sources of concern about the project. Some local residents are concerned about the relocation of residents in 60 residential buildings along the planned route. Partnership for New York City, a group of business executives, has published a study that, while not opposing the new subway, found that other projects, including a $6 billion rail link from lower Manhattan to Kennedy Airport, or the $2.1 billion No. 7 subway extension, would bring greater economic development. In addition, questions remain regarding financing of much of the rest of the line after the first phase is complete with full build out estimated to cost another $10 billion.
Recent headlines
Environmental Review Will Delay Components of 2nd Ave Subway Construction
July 31, 2008
NY1
U.S. Senate Provides $250 Million for Second Avenue Subway
July 11, 2008
NY1
Major Projects on Hold As Cement Truck Drivers Strike
July 2, 2008
New York Times
Quick Links
Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center
Downtown JFK-LIRR Link
In June 2007, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority expects to release a feasibility study for a proposed rail link between Lower Manhattan and JFK. Proponents say the project, which would cost approximately $6 billion, would allow workers from Long Island to reduce their commute times to lower Manhattan by 40% and create a “one-seat” trip from downtown to Kennedy Airport. Schumer has pledged $2 billion in unused 9/11 tax credits toward the estimated $6 billion price tag.
While groups which support the project cite the importance of transit access to Lower Manhattan’s revitalization, several organizations, such as the Straphangers Campaign and the Fiscal Policy Institute, have expressed concern that the rail link would come at the expense of more pressing transit priorities such as the Second Avenue Subway and East Side LIRR Access. Gov. Spitzer has expressed only tepid support of the plan and has insisted other transportation initiatives remain a priority.
Recent headlines
Senate Committee Approves $2B Financing for Downtown-JFK Link
September 25, 2007
Brooklyn Eagle
Final Funds for JFK Rail Link Approved
June 21, 2007
New York Sun
Downtown-JFK Rail Link In Jeopardy
May 21, 2007
New York Sun
Quick Links
NYC Department of City Planning
Property Shark- East River Waterfront Study Map
New York City Economic Development Corporation Project Description
East River Waterfront
In 2003, the Mayor's Office, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the Department of City Planning, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation began the East River Waterfront project. After completing a one-year study on the area, DCP and EDC released the Concept Plan for the project in 2005. The plan details a series of short-term projects and long-term strategies that aim to reconnect the financial district, the South Street Seaport, Chinatown and the Lower East Side neighborhoods to the East River waterfront. Improvements will include enhanced access to the water, new amenities and uses, and increased open spaces for visitors along a two-mile stretch of waterfront. The projects, which are to be funded by $150 million of federal money administered by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, are slated to be completed in segments between 2010 and 2015.
On February 26, 2007, the City Planning Commission certified the ULURP application for site selection and disposition of city property, actions deemed necessary to implement the waterfront plans. The planning process has not been without controversy, with local Community Boards voicing concern over the disposition of land and provision of adequate park space.
SHoP Architects and Ken Smith Landscape Architects – who were involved in the development of the concept plan, have been retained by EDC to work on detailed designs for the esplanade and piers project. To date they have released preliminary plans for the redevelopment of Pier 15, which were received with mixed reviews. Mayor Bloomberg recently announced plans for the New York City Waterfalls public art project to be installed in the area. The $15 million project, to be paid for with money from private donations, is expected to bring $55 million in tourism.
Recent headlines
East River Waterfront Plans Move Forward with Revised Pier Design
August 8, 2008
The Tribeca Trib
Updated Plans for East River Waterfront Released
July 24, 2008
Downtown Express
Public Art Project, Waterfalls, Set to Open Tomorrow
June 25, 2008
Gothamist
Quick Links
Project Page on LowerManhattan.info
3D/4D Model Application Report (Stanford University)
Fulton Street Transit Center
Begun after the tragedy of September 11th, the Fulton Street Transit Center was designed to be a grand transit station in the heart of Lower Manhattan. The facility is to connect 12 subway lines and make room for 23,000 square feet of retail space within a soaring glass dome. In addition, it will help make the individual stations and trains served by the center less congested, as well as make their connections less circuitous and more accessible to those with disabilities. The project received $750 million of the $20 billion that was pledged towards the recovery of Lower Manhattan by the Federal Government. In order to proceed, numerous properties were acquired by the MTA and 145 businesses were displaced, some by eminent domain.
The current budget for the project, however, is now over $900 million, reflecting an increase in construction costs as well as increased costs to acquire the necessary real estate. In addition, the scheduled completion of the project has been pushed back several times, and is now uncertain. Several of the underground portions of the project are near completion and the MTA requested bids for the last several pieces of the project in 2007, including the glass dome and the remaining underground work. However, when bids were due in early 2008, only one bid was received, which was more than double what the agency had anticipated. The MTA rejected the bid, and MTA CEO Lee Sander ordered a review of the project to identify where the budget could be scaled back and how the MTA could contain costs. Likely outcomes of this re-evaluation include an issuance of several RFP’s that break the remaining tasks into smaller projects as well as scaling back of the grand design plans for the above ground station building.
However, many in Lower Manhattan are not happy with discussions of scaling back the Fulton Street station. Groups such as the Alliance for Downtown New York and Manhattan’s Community Board 1 are urging the MTA to fulfill its promise to deliver a world class transit center to Lower Manhattan. They claim that the region needs the facility in order to remain economically competitive. In addition, many believe that the MTA needs to build a grand transit center since that was the promise made to Lower Manhattan, which has had to deal with several years of construction impacts, a large vacant plot of land, and several condemnations. For his part, Sander has stated that the MTA is committed to the Fulton Street center and that stopping work on the project is not an option. While plans may have to be scaled back or slightly delayed, Sander has stated that he is not in favor of stopping work on the project.
Recent headlines
Potential Changes May Be Made to World Trade Transit Hub
August 27, 2008
New York Times
MTA Commits to ‘Elegant’ Entrance for Fulton St Transit Hub
August 3, 2008
New York Daily News
Schick Proposes New Location for WTC Performing Arts Center
April 10, 2008
New York Times
Quick Links
Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation
RFP for the Preservation and Redevelopment of Governors Island
Wired NY Forum- Governors Island
Globe Theater Proposal and G.I. News & Info
Governors Island Newsletters (PDF)
Governors Island
On April 1, 2002, President George W. Bush, Governor Pataki, and Mayor Bloomberg announced that the United States of America would sell Governors Island to the people of New York for a nominal cost, and that the Island would be used for public benefit.
The federal, state and local governments agreed to deed restrictions that required it be redeveloped for recreation, education and limited commercial activities. Twenty-two acres are already designated National Park Land. Of the remaining acres, at least 40 must be for parks, at least 20 for educational uses, and 30 acres for "public benefit uses." That leaves over one-third of the land above water for other, possibly commercial, uses.
At this early stage in the planning for Governors Island, Governors Island Preservation & Education Corporation (GIPEC) and its design team are seeking broad public input on the potential uses for the island. On November 13th, 2006 GIPEC tossed out all proposals from developers vying to turn the former military base into a tourist attraction, including cable TV giant Nickelodeon's plan to create a children's theme park on the island.
Recent headlines
Brooklyn Residents Lament Lack of Access to Governors Island
August 15, 2008
New York Times
RFP Put Out for Governors Islands Future
August 13, 2008
Crain's New York Business
Tourism Success on Governors Island
July 2, 2008
NY1
Quick Links
Hudson River Park Ruling-NY State Dept. of Conservancy
Hudson River Park
Plans call for the partially completed Hudson River Park to run for five miles along Manhattan’s Hudson River front, from Battery Place to West 59th Street. When completed, the park will encompass 550 acres, including 13 old maritime piers that are being converted into public parks. Of the park’s six segments, two have been completed, one is currently under construction, and the remaining three are in development stages. Over $350 million in public money has gone into the park, of which approximately one third each came from the state and city, with the remaining third coming from a variety of sources.
The development of the park has been marked with controversy, especially from within the environmental community, some of whom joined the Hudson River Park Alliance to support most of the park planning and others of whom remained critical of the project. The latter group has been particularly critical of the plan to support the maintenance of the park with funds from commercial developments within the park itself, arguing that a simpler park could be maintained entirely through public funds. Critics also decried the adverse environmental effects of the park, especially on the native fish habitat. The park’s supporters maintain that allowing certain piers to decay naturally will protect those fish, and that utilizing funds earned in the park is the only way in which to maintain a park of this magnitude.
Plans for Pier 40, located just off Houston Street, have also been at the center of controversy. Pier 40 is one of the City's largest recreational facilities heavily used by the local community and youth sport’s leagues especially. The Hudson River Park Trust issued an RFP in August 2006. Initially there were two proposals being considered: Camp Group's "The People's Pier", including educational space, a part-time day camp, and boutique retail and Related's "Pier 40 Performing Arts Center," involving Cirque du Soleil, a multiplex cinema, and rooftop recreation. Neither proposal has received full support from the community or local officials even after modifications. While many are eager to see much needed renovations and improvements, some community residents express fear of increased costs and overcrowding possibly resulting from these proposals. Concerns have also arisen about the financial feasibility of “The People’s Pier” and the need for both proposals to extend the 30-year lease mandated by the Hudson River Park Trust.
In January 2008, a late entry proposal was made by the Pier 40 Partnership, a community-based parent’s group, for the pier to be revitalized with new artist space, a public high school and continued use of protected sports fields, the bike path, and other recreational space. This plan has been endorsed by the Pier 40 Working Group and Community Board 2’s Waterfront Committee; making it a valid contender for the redevelopment of the Pier. A meeting of the Hudson River Park Trust is expected at the end of January 2008 to reach a consensus and move forward so as not to delay or set back the project any further.
Recent headlines
Riverside Park Almost Complete
August 20, 2008
Other
New Plans for Pier 40 Presented to Community Board
July 23, 2008
The Villager
New Park on Tribeca Waterfront
July 23, 2008
New York Times
Quick Links
Lower Manhattan Development
Post September 11, 2001 residential development has grown in the Lower Manhattan area. Many attribute this growth to an array of city, state, and federal policies intended to spur development in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. In addition to massive rebuilding efforts at Ground Zero, residential and commercial development is evident across the downtown area. The Alliance for Downtown New York reports that the inventory of hotel rooms in Lower Manhattan will double by the end of 2007. In the wake of steady growth in both the downtown residential and office markets, leaders have begun to question the necessity of using tax-incentives to entice major commercial institutions to build in the area.
Recent headlines
New Goldman Sachs Building Rises in Lower Manhattan
August 24, 2008
New York Times
Possible Construction Delays at City College Building in Lower Manhattan
June 1, 2008
New York Times
Beekman to be Tallest Residential Structure in NYC
June 1, 2008
World Architecture News
North Tribeca Rezoning
In 2006, the City Council rezoned 4 blocks in Tribeca, currently zoned for manufacturing, to allow residential and commercial uses. The area bounded by West, Washington, Watts and Hubert Streets. The move was prompted by a development proposal put forward by the Jack Parker Corporation to build residential towers on one of the four blocks. The proposal, however, encountered widespread community opposition based on the proposed scale of the development and the effect that it might have on the character of Tribeca.
In the last hours before the City Council vote on the rezoning with the outcome of the vote very much in the air, the Jack Parker Corporation, local Councilmember Alan Gerson, and residents groups reached a compromise that called for limited building height and other changes to the design in exchange for community support before the City Council. With the deal in hand, the City Council approved the zoning change.
Recent headlines
Compromise Reached for Tribeca Rezoning
August 29, 2006
The Villager
Housing Debate At Wealthy TriBeCa
August 14, 2006
New York Sun
North Tribeca Rezoning Proposal Approved
July 18, 2006
Downtown Express
South Ferry Terminal Project
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and MTA New York City Transit have developed plans for an improved South Ferry Terminal for the No. 1 subway line, to be located underneath Peter Minuit Plaza in Lower Manhattan, adjacent to Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
The $400 million project will correct existing physical and operating deficiencies, which limit train capacity and reduce subway reliability for millions of customers each year. Improvements being made include: a new straightened platform, eliminating the need for retractable floor grates, an elongated platform to provide access for all 10 train cars instead of the previous track accommodating only 5 cars, the creation of 2 new entrances/exits to the station with ADA accessibility, and the expansion to loop tunnels used for turning trains around and train storage. Most notably, the new station will reduce customer travel times and will offer a new free transfer between the 1 line and the R and W lines at Whitehall Street.
During the construction process areas of Battery Park have been disturbed, however the MTA has been working with the Parks Department to preserve all the trees and shrubbery and replant them in their original location upon project completion. The MTA is also committed to provide improvements the Parks Department has suggested for the area. In February 2008, construction on the elevators and escalators has begun to provide access into the new station. Originally the MTA expected the project to be finished by the end of 2007, however the time-frame for completion has been pushed back to December 2008.
Recent headlines
MTA Projects Over Budget and Behind Schedule
February 27, 2008
NY1
Costs of Staten Island Ferry Up; City Looks to Federal Government
March 7, 2007
NY1
Retail below Expectations at Staten Island Ferry Terminals
March 2, 2007
New York Daily News
Quick Links
Lower Manhattan Development Corp.
Gotham Gazette's Rebuilding NYC page
IBO Report on Office Space Demand at Ground Zero
World Trade Center Redevelopment
Almost immediately after the attacks of September 11, 2001, plans began for the redevelopment of the 16 acre site of the former twin towers. Just months before the attack, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), the owners of the site, reached an agreement with developer Larry Silverstein for a 99 year ground lease of the site. This agreement technically left Silverstein with the right to develop the site in the wake of the attacks. However, shortly after 9/11, New York State created The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) as a subsidiary of the Empire State Development Corporation. LMDC was charged with coordinating the reconstruction of the World Trade Center site and administering the bulk of the public sector funding allocated for recovery. In addition, LMDC was tasked with engaging the public with regards to the commercial and memorial developments on the site.
Daniel Libeskind’s master plan was selected through a design competition organized by LMDC for the site in 2003. Together with Silverstein’s architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, a development plan for the site emerged in 2004, which included the 1776 foot tall Freedom Tower. Also in 2003, LMDC sponsored a design competition for the World Trade Center Memorial. The winning design, “Reflecting Absence” by Michael Arad and Peter Walker, was chosen in January 2004.
Construction at the site stalled for several reasons. The most basic was the competing visions for the site that were held by the various stakeholders – victim’s groups, Mr. Silverstein, the Port Authority, the Governor’s office, and LMDC. Many victims groups thought more money and attention should be spent on the memorials than was proposed. Many of the stakeholders, including PANYNJ and some in LMDC, saw the design as a chance to improve upon the condition of Lower Manhattan by reintroducing parts of the street grid and constructing a world-class transportation facility. Some, including Mayor Bloomberg early in the design process, thought that the design should have placed more emphasis on housing and community facilities, instead of office space. They claimed that Lower Manhattan actually had a glut of office space and that even before the attacks, many former office buildings were being converted to housing, reflecting the needs of the current market.
In 2006, the Port Authority reasserted its dominance in the reconstruction process and was able to reach a deal with Mr. Silverstein in which full construction of Mr. Silverstein’s buildings would be completed in 5 years. Before the 5 year clock could begin, however, the Port Authority had to complete the excavations for several sites. Originally scheduled to be complete by the end of 2007, PANYNJ could not finish the excavation work until February 2008 and was forced to pay Mr. Silverstein a fine for the delay. As part of the agreement, Mr. Silverstein ceded rights to develop the Freedom Tower and Tower Five (which will be located on the site of the Deutsche Bank building) in exchange for financing from the sale of Liberty Bonds for towers Two (200 Greenwich St), Three (175 Greenwich St), and Four (150 Greenwich St), which are considered to be the most marketable properties of the site.
Another reason for delay at the site was that the New York City Police Department requested modifications to the Freedom Tower’s design to improve security. Further delay was caused by the refinement of the design and cost of the memorial. Originally designed as a more barren plaza, the current design includes vegetation as well as additional cultural buildings. This process pushed back the anticipated completion of the memorial to 2011 from 2009. The lack of a comprehensive insurance settlement from the attack further frustrated construction. Though several insurers had paid a cumulative $2.55 billion, the outstanding insurers, that owned the most liability, did not reach a settlement until more than 5 years after the tragedy. In May 2007, with the help of the State Insurance Commissioner and the Governor, the outstanding insurance claims were finally settled for another $2 billion. With that major piece of the financing taken care of, the pace of construction activity quickened at Ground Zero.
In late 2007, Westfield, a company specializing in retail development, signed an agreement to develop a major portion of the retail at the WTC site. While some of the retail will be inside, a large portion of it will be at street level. This is in marked contrast to the former development in which most of the retail was located underground. Having active street level retail was a goal of many residents of the community. In addition, the City and State are in negotiations to lease out major portions of the new facilities’ office space. By agreeing to leases now, before construction is complete, the governments hope they can secure favorable lease rates. Such pre-leases would also benefit Mr. Silverstein who would have some guaranteed leasing income.
While these developments were occurring at the WTC site, several other linked projects were also underway. In 2006, Mr. Silverstein completed construction of 7 World Trade on land controlled by him and not the Port Authority. A temporary PATH station, largely following the layout of the original, has reopened and is serving approximately 80,000 riders per day during the massive construction project. This temporary station will be replaced with a permanent World Trade Center Transportation Hub, which is being built by PANYNJ, and is scheduled to be completed by 2011. Spanish Architect Santiago Calatrava, designer of the station, said the new station will resemble a bird being released from a child's hand.
Another related project is the demolition of the Deutsche Bank building, immediately across the street from the WTC site. The building was deemed not suitable to reoccupy, or even rebuild, due to the damage and the high level of contamination it incurred after the attacks. Remediation of the contamination there has been delayed. The delays were due, in part, by the sensitive recovery of human remains as well as operations by contractor, Bovis Lend Lease, and subcontractor, Galt. Budget overruns and serious safety problems slowed the clean up process for the contractors. These safety problems culminated in a fire in August of 2007, in which two firefighters were killed. Bovis and Galt were fined almost half a million dollars for safety-related infractions as a result of the fire. Work was allowed to resume at the site with a new subcontractor, LVI, taking over the work.
There are several strands of criticism of the redevelopment project. Some view it as poorly designed for corporate tenants and far too costly overall. Others are critical of the slow pace of the project, which some contend is putting upward pressure on the project’s overall costs. In addition, there are still concerns about the safety of the site and the nearby neighborhoods. Some residents are concerned about the air quality and fear it is being negatively impacted by construction at the site and by dust and dirt being tracked through their neighborhoods by construction trucks. PANYNJ agreed to new dust and dirt control measures as a result of this criticism and insist that air quality measurements show levels of contamination are still below EPA guidelines. However, many residents and workers in the area are still skeptical about the air quality. This skepticism is partly fueled by the feeling among many that immediately after the attack, the EPA did not sufficiently safeguard public health for dangers related to air quality in the surrounding neighborhoods or on ‘the pile’ itself.
Recent headlines
Potential Changes May Be Made to World Trade Transit Hub
August 27, 2008
New York Times
Numerous Failures Led to Fatal Fire at Deutsche Bank
August 20, 2008
New York Times
Port Authority Puts Limit on Contribution to 9/11 Memorial
August 15, 2008
New York Post