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Manhattan Community District 05
Diamond Tower May Be Industry Condos
NEW YORK DIAMOND TOWERMANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 05
The Extell Development Company has filed plans to turn its proposed Diamond Tower, located on West 47th Street, into commercial use condominiums. Commercial condos are rare in New York City, but might prove to be successful for those in the jewelry industry, whose space needs are often fixed in the long term. The spaces would be used for showrooms and other office space.
Developer Needs Funds to Meet West Side Yards Deadline
HUDSON RAILYARDSMANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 04 MANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 05
In May 2008, Related Companies won a bid to turn the 26-acre West Side yards into a $15 billion office and residential development. Related is supposed to enter into a contract with the Metropolitan Transportation Agency at the end of the month and pay $50 million in an initial deposit and fees.
Anger Over No. 7 Train Disruptions
NO. 7 LINE EXTENSIONMANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 04 MANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 05
QUEENS COMMUNITY DISTRICT 01 QUEENS COMMUNITY DISTRICT 02
Queens business owners and community leaders are angry that the No. 7 subway line is not running on weekends due to construction. They are calling on the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to provide shuttle buses from western Queens to Manhattan, as there is concern that Manhattan residents will not come into areas such as Long Island City.
Obama’s Stimulus Plan May Help Mass Transit; No. 7 Line Extension
NO. 7 LINE EXTENSIONMANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 04 MANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 05
New York City could gain $4 billion for mass transit as part of President-elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan, according to Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY).
Disagreement Over Union Square Park Renovation
UNION SQUARE REDESIGNMANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 05
Over the past 20 years, Union Square has grown to 3.6 acres. There is now disagreement over the park’s $20 million renovation, specifically the use of the Pavilion on the north side of the park.
Hudson Yards Park Moves Forward
HUDSON RAILYARDS NO. 7 LINE EXTENSIONMANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 04 MANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 05
The City is set to award a contract this week to demolish buildings on two parcels to make way for the Hudson Yards Park and Boulevard and the entrance to the Number 7 train station entrance. The parcels span from 10th and 11th Avenues between 34th and 36th Streets.
Plaza Hotel Mall Finds Few Patrons
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION PLAZA HOTEL REDEVELOPMENTMANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 05
The mostly-underground Plaza Retail Collection has opened at the recently renovated Plaza Hotel, but in its first month and a half of operation it has had few visitors. The mall is hidden partly because the Plaza’s façade is a landmark and external advertising is limited by law, but the dearth of customers is largely blamed on the failing economy.
Plaza Redesign Dissatisfies Public and Tenants
PLAZA HOTEL REDEVELOPMENTMANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 05
Renovations of the Plaza Hotel and efforts to transform it into one of the most in-demand condo buildings in the city have been met with complaints and lawsuits. Many people have been upset by the redesign of the Plaza. As of November 2008, construction of the retail space is ongoing and only half the stores have opened.
Panel Discusses Commercial Diversity in Union Square
UNION SQUARE REDESIGNMANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 05
The Union Square Partnership hosted a forum titled “Spotlight on Commercial Diversity in Union Square.” More than 75 residents and businesses attended the forum. Participants discussed Union Square’s growth and evolution from small mom-and-pop businesses to international businesses, and what policies should be adopted to control future growth.
Developers Plan Hospital Industry Center for Hudson Yards
HUDSON RAILYARDSMANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 04 MANHATTAN COMMUNITY DISTRICT 05
The Greater New York Hospital Association, Extell, and Israel Green hope to build the World Product Centre, a 60-story tower that would function as an international showcase and permanent conference center for the hospital industry. They say the building would open in 2013 and become an anchor building for the Hudson Yards. The project is estimated to cost between $500 million and $1 billion.

