PlanNYC: NYC 2012 Olympic Bid

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NYC 2012 Olympic Bid

Led by Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff, and the nonprofit group NYC2012, the city launched a $50 million dollar bid to host the Olympics. NYC's bid was denied on July 6th, 2005. The plan had significant citywide planning implications, from new stadiums to transportation demands to environmental cleanup.

Proponents of New York City hosting the 2012 Olympics cited economic benefits from tourism, the worldwide recognition the city will receive, and the hard development deadline (Summer 2012) that will foster more efficient public-private development partnerships. Opponents of the bid argued that it will cost city residents too much, hastily designed megaprojects won't fit into their neighborhoods and will drive others out, the Games will create transportation bottlenecks, and policy makers will be distracted from more critical problems like schools, crime, and jobs. New York lost its bid host the 2012 Olympics.

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City and State to Call for More Parking on the West Side

Friday, June 01, 2007 | StreetsBlog | Topic: Environment

Streetsblog is reporting that both Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Spitzer are interested in increasing the mandated amount of parking spaces for new developments in the area of Hudson Yards on the far West Side of Manhattan. The proposal calls for an additional 20,000 parking spaces, a figure retained during the planning stages of the failed Jets Stadium bid on the West Side. The call for more parking has angered some, including the Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood Association, who is filing suit against the city and the state for the proposal's alleged non-compliance with the Clean Air Act. Some believe that the call for parking seems to contradict the environmental sustainability goals of Mayor Bloomberg's 2030 strategic plan.

Catalyst for Growth: A Failed Olympic Bid

Sunday, March 18, 2007 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

New York's loss to London in its attempt to host the 2012 Olympics has steered the city onto a path of economic development and rebuilding, according to Crain's New York Business. The article details how many current development projects in New York, particularly those situated on prime waterfront property and suited for transportation sites and housing, are fruits of the failed bid. Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff, who worked with Yale urban planner Alex Garvin, engineered a plan to redevelop underutilized land in the city for the Olympics. The plan, according to Doctoroff, is now informing the city's sustainable growth plan for the year 2025.

Impact from Olympic Bid Still Being Felt

Thursday, May 11, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

New York may have lost its bid to host the 2012 Olympics nearly a year ago, but the effects of the planned developments surrounding the proposal are still being felt, especially in the outer borough areas where much of the development was proposed.

Failure in 2012 Means No Bid for 2016

Saturday, May 06, 2006 | Other | Topic: Politics & Government

In the wake of the failure to host the 2012 Olympics, Mayor Bloomberg says the City is not contemplating a bid for the 2016 Olympics at this point in time. The stadium issue would once again present a major obstacle as well as the embarrassing defeat from the previous bid efforts.

2016 Olympics? Not in NYC

Thursday, May 04, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: General

New York City is not on the short list of cities the United States Olympic Committee is visiting in preparation for bids for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Judge lets Jets lawsuit proceed accusing Cablevision of antitrust

Tuesday, October 18, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Land Use

A judge Tuesday let the New York Jets proceed with an antitrust lawsuit alleging Madison Square Garden's owner tried to sabotage the city's chance to host the Olympics in order to protect its control of major sports and entertainment events.

Failed Olympic bid hurts Newtown Creek cleanup

Tuesday, October 04, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Environment

Since New York's failed bid for the 2012 Olympics, critics have charged the city's government with failing on its promise to clean up Newtown Creek, which has suffered from industrial dumping since the 1940s.

Olympic bid may still result in development

Thursday, July 07, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

Despite the city's loss of the 2012 Olympics, other developments spurred by the Olympic proposal may go forward.

Mets and Olympic Stadium in 2012 Bid

Monday, June 27, 2005 | The Slatin Report | Topic: Politics & Government

The city responds to the nixing of the west side stadium plans by redirecting their Olympic stadium aspirations to the Mets stadium in Queens. In the NYC Bid for the 2012 Olympics, the new Mets stadium plan will be expanded to 80,000 seats and a state-of-the-art track-and-field facility.

Queens Olympic site getting attention

Monday, June 20, 2005 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

With the Olympic stadium now proposed for the Willets Point section of Queens, developers have taken a new interest in the area.

Loss of Stadium Hurts Bid for Olympics

Monday, June 13, 2005 | Other | Topic: Politics & Government

NYC's 2012 bid lost momentum when a state board failed to approve $300million in funding for the original Olympic/New York Jets stadium plan on Manhattan's West Side.

Gateway Center: economic development engine or a raw deal for small business?

Monday, May 30, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Economic Development

The New York City Economic Development Corporation estimates the proposed Gateway Center mall will create 5,000 jobs and that the project's developer will invest $300 million in the community. But 22 existing vendors at the Bronx Terminal Market have filed a lawsuit against the city in order to increase the city's $8 million relocation package to cover the costs of moving and starting over in new neighborhoods.

West Side Stadium vote delayed to June 2

Tuesday, May 24, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

Assemblyman Silver requested that the Public Authority Control Board vote be delayed and Governor Pataki approved it. The vote is now scheduled for June 2. A state judge is expected to rule on some of the stadium's legal challenges on the same day.

West Side stadium vote set for May 25

Thursday, May 19, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

The state Public Authorities Control Board vote will only be delayed one week. Pending additional postponements, the vote on the West Side stadium will take place on May 25.

West Side stadium vote delayed

Wednesday, May 18, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

Senate majority leader, Joseph Bruno, requested a one-month postponement of the Public Authorities Control Board vote on the West Side stadium. Bruno is concerned about financial and legal issues related to the stadium project. That could put the vote as late as June -- just one month before the International Olympic Committee chooses a host city for the 2012 Olympics.

West Side stadium protest

Sunday, May 15, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Politics & Government

More than 300 people gathered in McCaffrey Playground in Hell's Kitchen to protest the building of the West Side Stadium. Stadium opponents argue that public money would be better spent on "affordable housing, health care, and education" than a football stadium. Speakers included Rep. Anthony Weiner, Assemblyman Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, Councilwoman Christine Quinn, and Councilwoman Eva Moskowitz.

West Side Shelly vs. Broadway Joe

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 | Field of Schemes | Topic: Politics & Government

Neil deMause predicts: "The Public Authorities Control Board puts off a stadium vote at its May 16 meeting, citing pending lawsuits over the sale of land for the stadium. If the ruling in those cases, expected June 2, goes in favor of the Jets, that would leave one more PACB meeting in mid-June before the International Olympic Committee picks a 2012 Olympic host in early July."

Proposal to build a stadium on the West Side is meeting significant opposition in Albany

Tuesday, May 10, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

State Senator Joseph Bruno and, especially, Assemblyman Sheldon Silver are hedging their bets on the West Side stadium. Mr. Bruno seeks a deal that will bring an equal amount of investment to areas outside New York City. Mr. Silver worries that the focus on the stadium undercuts downtown rebuilding efforts.

In city's push for stadium, Silver's district reaps benefits

Monday, April 25, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

Mayor Bloomberg has been courting Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver in order to secure Mr. Silver's vote on the Public Authorities Control Board in favor of the West Side stadium. So far, the beneficiaries of the courtship are the residents of Mr. Silver's district.

West Side Stadium vote could be delayed

Tuesday, April 19, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Politics & Government

The Public Authorities Control Board might be prohibited from voting on the West Side Stadium before litigation is settled, State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno said Tuesday. The stadium must receive a unanimous vote from that body to go forward.

New stadium on Randalls Island

Sunday, April 17, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

A $42 million track and field stadium, Icahn Stadium, is set to open on Randalls Island this week. The stadium has seating for 5,000 spectators and is a part of the NYC2012 Olympic bid. It is a key development in the Randalls Island Sports Foundation's plan to make the island a regional sports and recreation destination.

In stadium fight, both sides wield the Environmental Statement as a weapon

Saturday, April 16, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Environment

The environmental impact statement for the West Side Stadium weighs in at over 7,000 pages. Even at that length, community groups see it as the project's weakest link and filed a lawsuit in December claiming that it is incomplete. As reported in this story, there is a tradition of challenging environmental impact statements in the city. And some challenges--like the one that derailed Westway--are successful.

State agency votes for Jets Stadium, but in legislature, obstacles remain

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

The New York Jets sent Sheldon Silver and Joseph Bruno a letter last week in an effort to prod them into action. The Jets need their Public Authorities Control Board appointees to vote in favor of the stadium project. Meanwhile, Jay Cross, the president of the Jets, wants to places an order for 17,000 tons of steel by the end of May.

State economic development board approves stadium

Tuesday, April 12, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Politics & Government

The six members of the Empire State Development Authority unanimously approved the proposal to build the West Side stadium. Given that the Authority members were appointed by Gov. George Pataki, this was not much of a surprise. The stadium plan faces a much larger challenge when it goes before the Public Authorities Control Board. That may be as early as May.

Alternate plans surface on No. 7 Line

Wednesday, April 06, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Transportation

This story comes from the new York Sun via NewYorkGames.org. Transit advocates are asking the MTA to reconsider alternatives to the No. 7 line extension that use existing infrastructure. One plan uses existing Long Island Rail Road tracks from Pennsylvania Station to the West Side rail yards for a subway shuttle that would reach the planned West Side stadium. Another idea is to use a track below Eighth Avenue and then connect west from Penn Station. Proponents say these plans provide a majority of subway riders with easy access to the far West Side for around $150 million, a fraction of the extension's current price tag of $2.1 billion. It would also allow the MTA to focus on the East Side Access project.

Win one for the gyppers

Tuesday, April 05, 2005 | | Topic: Finance

Does the city owe a debt of gratitude to Cablevision for having forced the Jets to more than double their original price? Says city budget director Mark Page, the Bloomberg administration's senior appointee to the MTA board, "You could say that." This article questions the business sense of the New York Jets' bid and wonders, given the Bloomberg administration's business horsepower, whether that might indicate other motives at work.

Combined pro- and anti-stadium lobby spends about $30 million

Tuesday, April 05, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Finance

A report released by the Lobbying Commission finds that, between Cablevision/Madison Square Garden, and the New York Jets, about $30 million was spent lobbying for or against the proposed West Side stadium in 2004. That figure includes campaign contributions made by the two groups.

Does Gotham need a glamour injection?

Sunday, April 03, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: General

In the future, "will New Yorkers be hailing the visionaries who lobbied and arm-twisted for [the West Side stadium] project, and reveling in the parks and housing it built? Will the vibrancy and tax revenues from the Super Bowl in 2010 and the Olympics in 2012 affirm the supremacy of their city? Or will a hulking glass shoebox of a stadium loom forlornly over the waterfront while crime rates and other variables exert a greater influence, one way or another, on the future of the West Side?"

Albany is next stop for Jets' bid

Friday, April 01, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Politics & Government

With the New York Jets' plan to build a 75,000-seat domed stadium approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the quest to develop the West Side rail yards moves north to Albany, where it faces an uncertain future at the Public Authorities Control Board. The PACB, as it is known, is controlled by Governor Pataki, who has been a champion of the Jets' plan, and by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, who have not. Unanimity of the three voting members will be needed for the plan to pass.

Neighborhood rubble or renaissance?

Friday, April 01, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: General

Imagine New York City wins the 2012 Olympics and the New York Sports and Convention Center is built. What will the Hudson Yards neighborhood be like in September of 2012 when the Olympic visitors have all gone home?

Jets win stadium battle by 2 touchdowns (the vote is 14-0)

Friday, April 01, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

The board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted unanimously yesterday to sell control of its West Side railyards to the Jets for about $210 million, after several members said the long-term gains from having a football stadium and convention center on the site outweighed a rival bid from Cablevision that offered nearly twice as much money up front.

West Side Stadium price rises

Friday, April 01, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Finance

In the past two months, the publicly disclosed budget for the Jets stadium has grown from $1.4 billion to $1.925 billion, according to statements by the team. After adding the cost of the platform, roof, Olympic conversion, adjacent park, environmental cleanup, and West Side highway deck, the total cost of the proposed West Side stadium could reach $2.5 billion.

MTA. approves Jets' $720 million plan for stadium

Thursday, March 31, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's board today unanimously chose the Jets' $720 million bid for the rights to build a stadium over the authority's railyards on the West Side, but in a stunning show of opposition, three non-voting members spoke out against it and said they would vote to oppose it if they could. The three non-voting members are James S. Blair for the MetroNorth Commuter Council, Ed Watt of the Transport Workers and Andrew Albert of the New York City Transit Riders Council.

MTA approves Jets' rail yard bid

Thursday, March 31, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Finance

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board voted unanimously in favor of the New York Jets' $720 million offer for rights to develop the site over the Hudson Yards.

Poll finds NYers still opposed to a West Side stadium

Thursday, March 31, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Politics & Government

A Quinnipiac University Poll found New Yorkers oppose the stadium 53 to 38 percent, a margin that has remained fairly consistent since January. Hispanic and black respondents were slightly more likely than whites to favor the stadium.

Jets plan for West Side Manhattan site gathers backing

Thursday, March 31, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Land Use

Given the choice between building a new neighborhood and constructing several thousand apartments in an established district, real-estate experts generally would prefer the latter. Applying that reasoning to the West Side of Manhattan, those experts said the New York Jets' bid for development rights at the MTA rail yards is superior to what Madison Square Garden outlined.

How not to develop the West Side

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 | City Journal | Topic: Economic Development

Steven Malanga argues that rather than forcing megaproject development on the West Side the city should "create the conditions for the marketplace to build on those 60 blocks of garages, parking lots, and other ramshackle structures" by rezoning the area and extending the no. 7 subway line into the district.

MTA releases competing bids for rail yards

Tuesday, March 29, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Finance

"Last night, less than three days before a board meeting to decide the future development of the West Side rail yards, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority released the three bidders' proposals. If a rezoning called for in the New York Jets' proposal is ultimately granted, the MTA could realize $720 million from the deal - more than seven times the football team's original offer for the air rights."

The winner of the West Side bid is unlikely to be settled soon

Sunday, March 27, 2005 | Field of Schemes | Topic: Finance

Neil deMause predicts that, due to technical problems with each bid, "no matter who the MTA picks as a winner, the loser will immediately file a lawsuit to overturn the decision. Which means that no matter what the Jets say, their lawyer was right: There's no way this stadium gets underway before the 2012 Olympic host is picked in July."

Energy company makes billion-dollar push for railyards

Saturday, March 26, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Finance

With the battle between the New York Jets and Cablevision growing louder and more shrill by the day, a billion dollar bid from little-known energy company, TransGas Energy Systems LLC, has been overshadowed and left out of the public debate over the future of Manhattan's West Side railyards.

Mike still likes No. 7 extension

Saturday, March 26, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

The $2 billion extension of the No. 7 subway line "still may be possible" if the MTA awards Cablevision the site of the proposed West Side stadium, according to Mayor Bloomberg.

New York conditionally awarded 2010 Super Bowl

Wednesday, March 23, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: General

NFL owners offered another endorsement for the Jets' plans to build a West Side stadium, voting Wednesday to award New York the 2010 Super Bowl. Only one catch: There has to be a stadium for the game to take place.

The Hudson Yards Bids

Wednesday, March 23, 2005 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

Both the Jets and Cablevision, its leading rival for the site, offered dramatic proposals Monday to develop the area. The Jets would build not just a stadium/convention center, but also shops, housing, a theater, a museum and a riverfront cafÃƒÂ©. Cablevision says it wants to build 5,800 apartments, a hotel, a library, a park, a school and a "performing arts enclave." The New York Post argues that the Jets are the only serious bidders and New York shouldn't miss this development opportunity.

Produce merchants get the boot for a City Hall favorite and another Olympic stadium

Tuesday, March 22, 2005 | | Topic: Economic Development

The Bronx Terminal Market remains the largest provider of ethnic and tropical produce on the East Coast. Last year Michael Bloomberg announced plans to wipe out the produce market and replace it with 1 million square feet of retail shopping. The NYC2012 bid has also planned an Olympic velodome at the site.

Cablevision, Jets submit final bids for West Side site

Monday, March 21, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Finance

Cablevision and the Jets submitted their final bids to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the hotly contested 13-acre tract at the West Side rail yards but refused to disclose how much they offered.

Queens Stadium Site Becomes Hot Button Election-Year Issue

Thursday, March 17, 2005 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Politics & Government

Earlier this month Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city would "consider" a Queens site for the proposed West Side Stadium, only to backtrack the next day, saying the stadium would be built in Manhattan or not at all. The slip marked a change for Bloomberg, who originally pitched the West Side Stadium as the new home for the New York Jets and the centerpiece of the city's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. His mayoral opponents are united in their opposition to the West Side stadium.

Jets sue Cablevision

Thursday, March 17, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Politics & Government

The Jets sued the team's arch-enemy in the fight over a West Side stadium, blasting Cablevision for going to "extraordinary lengths" to maintain "monopoly power" over Manhattan venues for big indoor events.

Jets Go Back on the Offense in a Final Push for a Stadium

Monday, March 14, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: General

With bidding for development rights over the Hudson Yards due March 21, the New York Jets are making a final aggressive push for the stadium. But even if the Jets come up with the winning bid, they must still get the approval of the New York State Public Authorities Control Board and a $300 million budget item from the State Assembly and Senate.

Spitzer: Stadium plan is not the only issue

Friday, March 11, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Economic Development

Eliot Spitzer says he would "love" to see the Olympics in New York in 2012 and it would be nice to bring the New York Jets or the Giants to the city. But he wonders whether the city is a little too focused on this economic development initiative to the detriment of other worthy investments.

Jets endeavoring to form a group to make bid for West Side stadium

Wednesday, March 09, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Finance

The Jets are putting together a group of developers who will bid on more than the 2.4 million square feet used by the stadium. The article reports developers such as Steven Roth and Stephen Ross may help make the Jets overall bid more competitive vs. the Cablevision bid of $600 million.

Cablevision says no to pro-stadium ads, and Jets say that isn't fair

Tuesday, March 08, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: General

Cablevision refuses to air advertisements that support the stadium on its own cable system, but airs ads that oppose it. City Council majority leader, Joel Rivera, says that Cablevision may be violating its franchise agreement with the city, which requires the company to offer "to all subscribers a diversity of video programming."

Stadium fight: How will it end?

Sunday, March 06, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: General

Newsday outlines four possible West Side stadium scenarios:

Scenario 1: Success. The city and the Jets get their way.
Scenario 2: Gridlock. The city's plan stalls for a dozen different reasons.
Scenario 3: Defibrillation. The city's plan stalls, but is revived by the IOC naming New York as the 2012 Olympics host.
Scenario 4: Failure. For a dozen different reasons, the stadium doesn'e get built.

NY teams hoping for new stadiums

Sunday, March 06, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: General

New York hasn't been in on the stadium building fever that has swept the country in the last decade. But that changing and virtually every team in the metropolitan area is looking at a new or improved stadium.

New Jersey's overture to the Jets puts Bloomberg on his guard

Sunday, March 06, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

"The New York Giants are negotiating to build a $700 million stadium not far from their current home in the Meadowlands, and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has shown the Jets a report that projects a bonanza for both teams if they share the new stadium." Bloomberg says the State of New Jersey is trying to take advantage of the controversy over a West Side stadium.

Pols play defense on Jets stadium

Friday, March 04, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: General

Does the 2012 Olytmpic bid depend on a West Side stadium go-ahead or does the West Side stadium depend on a winning Olympic bid? A recap of recent events: Comptroller William Thompson intends to audit PILOT fund plan, poll shows New Yorkers support the Olympics without the West Side stadium, Mayor Bloomberg defends the stadium plan.

Guess who the city is hiring to do some planning?

Thursday, March 03, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

New York City increasingly commissions reknowned architects and designers for its large-scale planning projects--including the Fresh Kills plan, the 2012 Olympic Village, and the master plan for Ground Zero.

State in no rush on stadium decision

Wednesday, March 02, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Politics & Government

Although Mayor Bloomberg and the New York Jets are in hurry to settle the stadium issue, leaders of the New York State Senate and Assemly said their houses will take their time considering whether or not to approve the West Side stadium.

Gifford Miller bucks mayor on stadium money

Wednesday, March 02, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Finance

According to the New York City Law Department, Mayor Bloomberg has the authority to use PILOT money ("payments made by property owners who get profitable deals with tax breaks") for the West Side stadium without City Council approval. But Gifford Miller and other City Council members want to introduce a bill that would require City Council approval of PILOT fund spending.

Giving away the store: a costly, developing problem for New York City that's three decades old

Tuesday, March 01, 2005 | | Topic: Finance

Cablevision's planned bid for the Hudson River rail yards site hasn't just fouled up Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff's best-laid plans to build a stadium thereÃ¢â‚¬â€it has also exposed how the city has been giving away the store to real estate developers for some three decades.

Pols are pushing cleanup of creek

Tuesday, March 01, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Waterfront

City Councilmen David Yassky (D-Brooklyn) and Eric Gioia (D-Queens) call on Mayor Bloomberg to create a plan to clean up Newtown Creek -- whether the city wins the 2012 Olympics or not.

Blight by law: improper zoning stalls waterfront development

Monday, February 28, 2005 | New York Post | Topic: Land Use

"New Yorkers tend to think of the city as an exceptionally dense place, where every parcel of land is developed to its highest and best use, with no property left over for new houses or apartment buildings. In fact, New York is full of vacant land, including highly desirable property on the waterfront." Julia Vitullo-Martin argues that the Bloomberg administration's solution for this problem in West Midtown is the NY Sports and Convention Center, but that the real problem is improper zoning.

Jets plan to increase bid for Hudson Yards development rights

Monday, February 28, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Finance

The president of the New York Jets, Jay Cross, said that his organization will increase its $100 million offer for the development rights over the Hudson rail yards at the far West Side of Manhattan. The increased offer will come by the March 21st deadline.

For MTA, land sales often come with tension

Sunday, February 27, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Economic Development

As in the cases of the Hudson Yards and the Atlantic Yards, the MTA faces tough choices and public scrutiny when selling land to raise money for transit. It creates conflict between two public purposes -- economic development and mass transit.

Nets arena foes make case to IOC

Friday, February 25, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

In their presentation to members of the International Olympic Committee, members of the group Develop, Don't Destroy Brooklyn call the Olympic bid a "trojan horse" designed to help developers grab prime real estate in downtown Brooklyn.

Miller's olympic-size hurdle

Thursday, February 24, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Politics & Government

City Council Speaker Gifford Miller vows to push through legislation to block Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to put $300 million in public funds toward the $1.4-billion stadium. The Manhattan Democratic candidate for mayor also wants to rezone 13 acres of West Side land to allow for uses other than the stadium.

Garden passes torch

Wednesday, February 23, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Politics & Government

"Brash administration versus audacious corporate predator. Who could ask for anything more? You may like neither side, but remember: The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Ignore the scoreboard at the Garden and keep an eye open for blind-side picks."

Mayor: Shea too shabby for Olympics

Tuesday, February 22, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Politics & Government

"Shea Stadium is not of the same order of magnitude or grandeur that the IOC wants for the Olympics," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Nor is it of the same order of magnitude or grandeur that the other cities have promised to either build or already have." Queens, slated to host more than 50 percent of the Olympic events in 2012, is not good enough for the Jets, he added.

Shea Olympics battle

Tuesday, February 22, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

When members of the International Olympic Committee review the city's bid for the 2012 Olympiad they will also receive an alternative proposal that puts Queens at the epicenter of the Summer Games.

Transgas bids $700M for proposed site for Jets stadium

Tuesday, February 22, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Finance

TransGas, an energy company, has offered to pay $700 million for the west side railyard and a platform over the tracks. That's $100 million more than Cablevision's bid. But TransGas wants the MTA's help in getting approval for the company's plans to build an electric power plant on the waterfront in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, along with a contract from the authority to buy power from the company for the next 20 years.

Olympics can be economic boon or bust

Monday, February 21, 2005 | Journal News | Topic: Economic Development

Boosters anticipate the 2012 Olympics will injected $12 billion into the New York region's economy and create 135,000 jobs. But the experiences of cities such as Atlanta, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles indicate that even a well-run Olympics extravaganza tends to produce a more muted economic benefit.

Problems with proposed Olympic venues

Monday, February 21, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: General

While the city's West Side stadium plan has been the focal point of recent Olympic bid protests, New Yorkers who live near several other proposed sites are questioning how the Games might impact their lives.

In mayor's sprint to new stadium, the starting line keeps moving

Sunday, February 20, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

The International Olympic Committee is going to ask some tough questions during their New York site visit. One question that is certain to remain unanswered is whether the city will be able to build the Olympic stadium that is the linchpin of its bid to get the Games. LINK

Arena is focus of New York's Olympic bid

Saturday, February 19, 2005 | New York Post | Topic: General

Madison Square Garden serves incongruously as a prime piece of the city's Olympic proposal - and the focal point of efforts to scuttle the stadium construction so vital to landing the Games.

NYC 2012 Olympic bid may run foul of toxic spill

Friday, February 18, 2005 | Other | Topic: Environment

International Olympic Committee members visit New York to judge the city's bid for the 2012 Games but they're in for a surprise: In a creek next to the proposed Olympic Village is a half-century-old, 17-million gallon oil spill.

Builders wary of pursuing site sought by Jets for a stadium

Thursday, February 17, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

Some of the city's most active developers said that they were reluctant to make an offer on the Hudson Yards air rights without being assured they could get the zoning that would allow them to build apartment houses and office buildings. Many also said they were reluctant to challenge the Bloomberg administration, which considers the stadium a centerpiece of its bid for the 2012 Olympics and for redeveloping the Far West Side.

Forest Hills activist prepares packet for Olympic Committee

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Land Use

David Oats, president and founder of the Queens Olympic Committee, has no objections to New York City hosting the 2012 summer games, but wants to see the proposed stadium built in Queens, not Manhattan.

Up the ante on economic development

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

New York is at a pivotal moment in its development debate, one that goes far beyond the battle over the West Side stadium. There's an opportunity for someone to emerge with a positive, free-market, problem-solving, unifying theme for the city.

Mayor takes shots in stadium smackdown

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Politics & Government

Mayor Michael Bloomberg took his biggest shot to date at Cablevision owners Charles and James Dolan, accusing the stadium foes of fouling up nearly every business they've run, including Madison Square Garden, their sports teams -- even defunct electronics retailer The Wiz.

Transit agency seeks other bids on west side site

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Finance

The Bloomberg administration's longstanding plans for a West Side stadium that could be used by the Jets, the Olympics and conventions were jolted yesterday when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that it would use open bidding to determine who wins the rights to the West Side railyards.

Stadium fear factor

Tuesday, February 15, 2005 | | Topic: Land Use

While most builders have remained mum on the subject, Richard Ravitch has been speaking out forcefully against the stadium, arguing that the proposed deal shortchanges both the MTA, which owns the site, and taxpayers.

Jets vow to hire minorities for project

Tuesday, February 15, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

The Jets vowed to add women- and minority-owned construction firms to their roster if the team is allowed to build a stadium on Manhattan's West Side.

Mayor Bloomberg: Cablevision's saying 'To hell with America'

Tuesday, February 15, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Politics & Government

Mayor Bloomberg says Cablevision's campaign to defeat the West Side stadium can be summed up in six words: "To hell with all of America."

Bloomberg says shovel will be in ground for NYC stadium

Monday, February 14, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that there will be "a shovel in the ground" to construct an Olympic stadium in New York by the time the International Olympic Committee announces a host for the 2012 Games this summer.

Open bidding for Hudson Yards may erupt

Monday, February 14, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Finance

Madison Square Garden's offer of $600 million for the right to build a mostly residential complex over the West Side rail yards unlocked the possibility of an open bidding process for the 14-acre parcel.

Madison Square Garden goes forward with rail yard bid, asks for expedited decision

Friday, February 11, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Finance

One week after their 11th hour bid on the property targeted for a new West Side football stadium, Madison Square Garden officials on Friday answered questions about their $600 million proposal and asked for an expedited review of their bid.

Olympic gamesmanship

Friday, February 11, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Politics & Government

Mayor Bloomberg argues that Cablevision's $600-million offer to build on the West Side isn't just meant to stop the proposed Jets stadium but to scuttle the city's Olympic bid.

Madison Square Garden: We'll pay $600 million, taxes too

Friday, February 11, 2005 | Field of Schemes | Topic: Finance

The MTA has two bids on the table: One from the Jets worth $100 million, with the city responsible for building a $375 million platform and getting no property tax revenue from the site; or one from MSG worth $350 million, with MSG paying for the platform, and $400 million worth of PILOTs flowing into city coffers.

New York Jets all the way

Thursday, February 10, 2005 | The Slatin Report | Topic: Economic Development

Cablevision's bid for the Hudson Yards affirms Peter Slatin's belief that the New York Jets will make the best use of West Midtown. First, in the worst case, tax revenues will outstrip debt service by $15 million. Second, the Javits expansion will improve New York's dismal convention standings. If the Jets and the City can address the valid concerns of the community, Slatin predicts the stadium will be a major success--2012 Olympics or not.

Bruno Urges Going Slower on Decision for Stadium

Thursday, February 10, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Politics & Government

Joseph Buno, leader of the New York Senate, said that the Legislature should not be pressured into approving a proposed $1.7 billion stadium over the West Side railyards before New York City knows whether it has won its bid for the 2012 Olympics.

Doctoroff rips Garden's plan for Jets' site

Tuesday, February 08, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Housing

Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff scornfully dismissed Madison Square Garden's $600 million offer to lease the MTA's West Side rail yards - asserting that it would siphon housing from other parts of Manhattan's far West Side.

Foes bash stadium funding plan

Tuesday, February 08, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Finance

The city intends to shift tens of millions of dollars a year in proceeds from government subsidized real estate deals, which usually end up in city coffers, to pay for the West Side stadium platform. LINK [Newsday]

Top price for stadium site trumps the Olympics, MTA chief says

Tuesday, February 08, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Finance

Suddenly faced with more than one potential offer for the West Side railyards, Peter S. Kalikow, chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said yesterday that the authority's need to get the highest possible price to keep the transit system running properly outweighed even City Hall's desire for a football stadium and its bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.

MTA looking for best price on railyards

Tuesday, February 08, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Finance

Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman Peter S. Kalikow said the authority's need to obtain the best price for the West Side railyards was heavier than even the Bloomberg administration's wish for a new stadium and the 2012 Olympic Games.

Official New York Sports and Convention Center (Jets / Olympic Stadium) plan

Sunday, February 06, 2005 | Other | Topic: General

The official site of the New York Convention Corridor gives you an overview of the proposed New York Sports and Convention Center. It includes the following headings: community benefits, key facts, multiple uses, sustainable design, and traffic & transportation. (LINK)

Red Hook Housing and 2012

Friday, February 04, 2005 | | Topic: Housing

Andrea Bernstein looks at a plan to bring new waterfront housing to Red Hook, Brooklyn. Proponents say the housing would bring needed stability to a poor neighborhood, but opponents charge the project was given a green light in part because the developers made a contribution to NYC 2012. LINK [WNYC]

An open letter to the international Olympic committee

Friday, February 04, 2005 | | Topic: General

You've no doubt already dissected New York City's 562-page bid book to host the 2012 Olympics. But even so, may I make one suggestion? (LINK)

Lawmakers question MTA officials on New York Jets stadium deal

Thursday, February 03, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Finance

With the New York Jets and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority at an impasse over the worth of a proposed Manhattan stadium site, state legislators grilled the MTA's chairman on Thursday over a plan to have former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell settle the difference. LINK [New York Newsday]

The Deputy Mayor for the Olympics

Tuesday, February 01, 2005 | | Topic: General

Since taking office as deputy mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding in January 2002, Daniel L. Doctoroff has taken more than 30 out-of-town trips in pursuit of his overarching dream: bringing the Olympics to New York. (LINK)

RPA Report: "The Far West Side: An Urban Design Analysis"

Thursday, April 01, 2004 | Regional Plan Association | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

This paper reviews the City's plan for the area and several alternatives, and considers their ability to make this vision a reality. The report concludes that the City's overall urban design and zoning proposal has many strong elements, including an appropriate overall density, excellent public spaces, and improved transit access. Two elements of the plan require further discussion. First, the Javits Center expansion must succeed in energizing its surroundings and re-connecting to the city and the waterfront on all four sides. Second, the report outlines the criteria that should be used to evaluate whether the most controversial element of the plan, the proposed Jets Stadium, should proceed. RPA is concerned that the stadium could jeopardize the broader goals for revitalizing the Far West Side.

A service of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy at New York University

A capstone project of the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

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