Hell's Kitchen Online 7/29/98
Hellskitchen
kitchen@hellskitchen.net
Wed, 29 Jul 1998 09:01:29 -0500
Hell's Kitchen Online 7/29/98
"All the News the Times Won't Print"
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In this issue...
* PRESS CONFERENCE THURSDAY 10 AM at 43rd St/7th Ave
* Letters to Speaker Peter Vallone (use these as samples)
* Queens Board #9 Responds to Virginia Fields
* Bay Ridge (Brooklyn) Chimes in on Air Rights
* Construction on Phil's Garage site (10th Ave 44/45)
* Bit 'o' Rent Gouging?
* HUD rejects Trump request for Riverside Mortgage Guarantees
* Columbus Library Summer Schedule
=================================================================
PRESS CONFERENCE
WHEN: THURSDAY, JULY 30 at 10 AM
WHERE: Traffic Island, 43rd St. & 7th Ave.
(by the Army Recruiting Center in the
shadows of the Conde Nast building)
To all HK residents, businesses and interested parties
Please join Clinton/Hell's Kitchen residents, City Council
members Tom Duane, Ronnie Eldridge, Margarita Lopez, other
elected officials, CSDC, Community Boards, neighborhood,
housing, civic and preservation groups in voicing opposition
and concern to out-of-control development, overbuilding,
and lack of rational planning that threatens NYC neighborhoods.
In the wake of the elevator scaffolding accident at the
Conde Nast building at 43rd Street and Broadway causing the entire
area to be shut down, many are expressing concern that the general
climate of development in Midtown/Times Square is out of control.
Other projects are already on the drawing boards, and this is
before a single square foot of air rights is sold. Midtown is
already congested and the Mayor and others are treating the area
as if it's an empty lot. When this much construction occurs, and
when it happens all at once, such accidents are more likely to occur.
Speaker Peter Vallone is making rampant and dangerous development
easier with his recent agreement to give up Community Board and
City Council review (ULURP Special Permit) to the Mayor and
City Planning Chair Joe Rose.
=================================================================
LETTERS TO PETER VALLONE
From: Jane Buchanan
Here is a copy of the letter that I faxed this afternoon to Peter Vallone at
the three locations you listed in your email: Gub. Campaign Office, City
Council (Manhattan and Queens offices).
July 21, 1998
Hon. Peter F. Vallone
Speaker, New York City Council
Dear Peter Vallone:
Re: Clinton/Hell's Kitchen
I am writing to urge you to protect a mixed-income neighborhood called Hell's
Kitchen. I recently moved to Chelsea after having lived in Hell's
Kitchen/Clinton for many years.
You are backing the Theater Sub District Zoning Plan which will allow very
high rise buildings in Hell's Kitchen. By doing this you are violating the
Clinton Special Preservation District, which was put in place to protect a
low-rise neighborhood consisting of working people and small businesses.
This zoning plan is wrong for the neighborhood of Clinton. High rise
buildings from 42nd to 45th Streets on the west side of 8th Avenue will cause
secondary displacement of low and moderate income residents and push out small
businesses.
How can you support this zoning plan when you are running for governor on a
platform that calls for protecting the middle class? This zoning plan will
destroy the middle class in Clinton.
I understand that you have NOT met with Clinton residents who oppose this new
zoning, but that you have met with supporters of the Broadway Initiative. Why
is that? I believe that you were elected to represent all of the people not
just some of them.
You may argue that you are "saving the theater" with this zoning plan. I
would counter that you should be working on more creative and positive ways to
save the theater. (Wall Street is booming. How about bringing back the penny
tax on stock transactions?) There is something terribly wrong in the equation
of exploiting and then destroying the Clinton neighborhood to save the
Broadway theater.
Mr. Vallone, I urge you to go back to the drawing board on this one. Respect
the Clinton Special Preservation District and remove the high rise development
sites on the west side of 8th Avenue in Clinton from the zoning plan.
Sincerely yours,
Jane Buchanan
=================================================================
West 46th Street Block Association, Inc.
413 West 46th Street, NYC 10036
15 July 1998
Mr. Speaker,
I am writing on behalf of the West Forty-Sixth Street Block
Association, which includes West Forty-Sixth Street from Eighth
Avenue to Eleventh Avenue and Ninth and Tenth Avenues from Forty-
fifth to Forty-Seventh Streets. As residents of Clinton, and
voters, we want you know of our opposition to the proposed rezoning
of Eighth Avenue.
The proposed plan gives no benefit directly to the theater
industry, but to the theater owners and the real estate developers.
Theater owners then pay a fraction of the profits realized under
this scheme to a fund which supports only their theaters. This
one-time contribution would only cover a small portion of the
proposed operating budget for Broadway Initiatives, while theater
workers are expected to contribute the balance year after year -- to
support the owners' theaters!
By the way, I attended the Zoning subcommittee hearing yesterday,
chaired by Councilmember Walter McCaffrey. It turns out that none
of the unions have pledged a dime to this plan, so who knows what
would happen with the Broadway initiative even if the proposed
zoning changes were made?
The Clinton community receives no benefits from this plan and no
public review was done before the proposal was made; no one from
our neighborhood was given the opportunity to provide input. The
idea that no environmental impact would be made by the presence of
two dozen sixty-story towers in our neighborhood is absurd; yet
this is what the proponents of the plan would have everyone
believe! This plan would indeed have an impact in terms of increased
population density, increased traffic, increased noise and sewage,
and a blockage of sunlight onto our streets.
On a personal note, I am a registered Democrat and I vote
in primary and general elections. I thought I would vote for you to
receive the Democratic nomination for governor and again in the
general election. Quite frankly, I don't see how I could support
someone who did not support my neighborhood's quality of life.
Selling the people of this City short in favor of real
estate overdevelopment is no way to support the Broadway industry.
Mr. Vallone, I urge you to reject this proposal.
Tom M. Lisa,
President
=================================================================
Rebecca Lieb suggests writing letters to Betsy McCaughey Ross
(fax 288-3268) and Charles Hynes (fax 766-1767), both of whom are
running against Peter Vallone in the Democratic Gubernatorial
primary. She suggests that people can simply cut, paste and fax
letter such as the following to the candidates - making it easier
if they're uncomfortable writing, or even writing in English.
Her sample:
Dear __________
Betsy McCaughey Ross (Charles Hynes) should be aware of the following
issue in her/his campaign for governor.
Peter Vallone refused to meet with Clinton/Hell's Kitchen neighborhood
residents opposed to the Theatre Subdistrict Zoning Plan (CSDC asked
several times) while he met with the Broadway Initiative proponents.
Vallone also accepted money from theater owners (Nederlander) and the
Broadway Initiative high-priced lobbyist Ethan Geto shortly before the
vote. Tell them taking money for a vote is not putting "New York First"
(the Vallone campaign slogan)
This decision will lead to pressures for tenants, will drive out small
business and devastate Clinton. Clinton residents will continue to be vocal
on this issue throughout the campaign (even if he wins the primary).
We want two things:
1. Removal of all skyscraper development sites (zoning increase to
Floor-Area-Ratio of 14.4) on the west side of Eighth Avenue. The deal left
the blocks from 42nd to 45th Streets still in the plan. This is part of
Clinton, not part of the Theater District or Midtown.
2. We want a real 'Special Permit' to cover the area affected by the plan.
Buildings that go up on the east side of Eighth Avenue will impact this
neighborhood, and there must be community, environmental and council
oversight.
Vallone has the power to take this issue back to City Council before the
vote. It's a long shot, but not a done deal.
We need support from all NYC neighborhoods. This is not just a local
development issue and creates a precedent for bad development in all
neighborhoods. This is why many community boards, neighborhood, housing and
civic groups from all over town are supporting Clinton in this battle.
Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME)
=================================================================
QUEENS BOARD #9 RESPONDS TO VIRGINIA FIELDS
City of New York
Community Board 9 (Queens)
July 24, 1998
C. Virginia Fields, President
Borough of Manhattan
Executive Division
Municipal Building 19th Fl. So.
New York, 10007
Dear Borough President Fields:
Thank you for the prompt response to our letter regarding the
Department of City Planning's Theater Subdistrict rezoning
application. While we understand your position, we cannot agree
with your final decision, because we are concerned that approval of
this application sets a dangerous precedent for the entire city. In
the 1980's a developer attempted to transfer cemetery air-rights in
Kew Gardens. This Board successfully opposed the transfer. In
place of a high-rise apartment building we have conforming-use
three family private dwellings.
Due to the defeat of the latter, we rescued a site directly across
the street and successfully obtained it as an annex to Public
School 99. In both instances, our actions resulted in a more
livable community and surcease for a school operating at over 170%
of capacity in which children literally had classes in storage
areas.
When developers succeed in obtaining major zoning changes, it
alters the character of the entire community. While you have pressed
for a public review, it will not be as of right here and elsewhere,
as the Charter now calls for. Except in war, democracy does not
disappear overnight. But with constant erosion of participation by
citizens, and the growing disdain of this administration for that
participation, we will find ourselves one day having to do battle
with fewer weapons. The result will be even more litigation in an
already litigious society. If you wish to discuss the matter with
me, I can be contacted at the above telephone number.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Hack
Chair
=================================================================
CONCERNED RESIDENTS OF BAY RIDGE
Postal Annex Box 242, 7304 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11209
July 7, 1998
Peter F. Vallone, Speaker
District Office
22-45 31st Street
Astoria, New York 11105
Dear Councilmember Vallone:
The recent, well publicized proposal to permit as-of-right transfer
of development air rights within a fifty-block area in the Theatre
District of Manhattan troubles us and prompts our writing. There
seems to be no distinction being made between theatre owners, the
theatre industry and performing arts groups and artists. Many of
these groups and artists, which make up the City's vital theatre
industry, are located in areas outside the proposed fifty-block
area. The proposal seems to be confusing who's really going to
benefit, the real estate industry, presently thriving, or the
theatre owners, currently enjoying boom times as "Broadway" comes
off one of its most profitable years. One wonders, why should one
neighborhood (Chelsea/Clinton) single handedly support theatre
owners and real estate developers, when the entire arts community
of this city needs a more supportive environment. But this proposal
also mirrors a disturbing trend.
Contextual planning and the concept of orderly
growth, both conspicuously absent in New York City, have been
supplanted by a complete reliance on a chaotic, "free" real estate
market. Land use decisions are not, but should be, made with the
aim of strengthening our existing neighborhoods and improving our
communal quality of life. But the ever increasing density of our
environment has become a major concern for many of our communities.
Why do we keep adding more people to neighborhoods whose
infrastructure and city services are less able to cope with
population levels as they presently exist. Why should every part of
our city resemble every other. Whatever happened to the aesthetic
diversity and moderate scale of neighborhoods, which contributes so
mightily to our collective quality of life. These factors seem to
have become diminished, because "planning" as it exists now occurs
generically by zoning amendment, with no regard for the special
needs, and the individual context, of our neighborhoods. So, it
should not come as a surprise that this proposal has generated so
much opposition in boroughs seemingly unaffected by this plan,
especially among those of us residing in Special Districts
throughout the city. We must ask, is this proposal merely a guise
for diluting the jurisdictional requirements of the Special Clinton
District which has effectively, balanced residential needs,
preserved a "human" neighborhood scale, and permitted new
development.
The issues raised by the plan to permit as-of-right
transfer of development air-rights in the Theatre District are
gravely important to all neighborhoods, civic organizations, and
community boards throughout the city. Currently air-rights
transfers are permitted in some instances to adjoining lots subject
to community and government review. While allowing this type of
transfer within a confined geographic area might be a worthy
development incentive tool for areas blighted by neglect, the
Chelsea/Clinton community is not an area in need of such stimulus.
Moreover, we feel that under no circumstances should transfer of
air rights ever occur as-of-right. Orderly growth and contextual
planning must include in put from the affected communities. Each of
our individual and unique neighborhoods must have the right to
determine their future and the capability to protect their
collective quality of life.
Sincerely,
Neil Cohen, RA
Vice Pres. Operations
=================================================================
From: Docay@aol.com
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1998 10:11:47 EDT
Subject: 10th Ave. bet. 44th and 45th St. construction
Many of you have probably noticed the construction going on for the past 4 months at 10th Ave.,
between 44th and 45th St. This was on the former site of Phil's Station, a one-story building,
with a one-story garage out back. Well, I don't know who gave the permit for this, because now
this building is working on its 8th story!
I have been under the impression that residential buildings should not be taller than existing
buildings. Furthermore, this building may set a dangerous precident.
A certain landlord in the same area has threateto add additional floors to his building if this
new construction goes unchallenged. Clinton is now being attacked from within.! We have to band
together to protest this latest outrage. I am starting with the NYC Dept. of Buildings
(312-8000). I had a frustrating time trying to get through, but I'll keep trying.
I will also add this matter to my fax to Peter F. Vallone. I encourage all who can to join me in
a writing/faxing blitz. And if anyone has any other ideas of who to contact, please let the
Hell's Kitchen Newsletter know.
=================================================================
From a 46th Street resident
Subject: Bit 'o' Rent Gouging?
Saw a sign posted "for rent" of "half basement" to right of St. Clement's
(as you face the buildings) at 417 West 46 St.; it's the one w/the fenced
in patio, where the old man used to sit outside and visit w/people (guess
he must have died). Anyway, friend of mine who has been looking for a
place, called about it and was told the rent will be $4200/month. (It's
large, but I can't imagine they could do enough work to claim bringing it
up to the $2000 mark to decontrol (they didn't replace the floors, just
sanded them). The old man (and his wife while she was alive) must have
been there for a zillion years. Stroll by and take a look in the day
time; you can see right through the windows to the back. I doubt it's more
than a one-bedroom.
When my friend said the price was a little out of his league, the broker
said, well, how much were you looking to spend. So some fishing is going
on.
By way of rental price comparison, my friend (at present living on East 82
St.), said his LL recently posted pix and floor plan for a three-bedroom
duplex in that neighborhood renting for $3200.
Something in the kingdom seems a tad askew.
=================================================================
From: Batya Lewton <blewton@erols.com>
Subject: Victory!!!!
Coalition for a Livable West Side
P.O. Box 78 New York, New York 10023-0078 212-580-9319 (phone)
Web site www.livablenewyork.org
FLASH
A VICTORY FOR MANHATTAN'S WESTSIDE - AND FOR TAXPAYERS EVERYWHERE!
July 21, 1998
Dear Friend:
A MAJOR VICTORY for the Coalition for a Livable West Side and the entire community has just been
announced by Congressman Jerry Nadler.
The fabulous news is that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has rejected the
latest Trump application for 2 additional buildings - (E and F - 67th-68th and 66th - 67th Street)
in Riverside South!
The major basis for the rejection was that Trump had tried to hide the square footage of the park
(that he must build) in the gross footage of the application. That inflated his request for FHA
mortgage guarantees - which taxpayers would have underwritten.
The Coalition's consultants' analysis revealed that the park was HIDDEN in the application - and
HUD agreed with our analysis.
We have now defeated two Trump applications for FHA mortgage insurance guarantees!
Congratultations to all those who helped in this effort - Congressman Jerry Nadler, State Senator
Franz Leichter (we will miss him), Assemblyman Scott Stringer, Councilmember Ronnie Eldridge. We
especially want to thank all those who joined the Coalition's letter-writing campaign to persuade
HUD to reject the application.
Sincerely,
Madeleine Polayes
=================================================================
SUMMER AT THE COLUMBUS LIBRARY
COLUMBUS BRANCH
The New York Public Library
742 Tenth Avenue (between 50th & 51st Streets)
New York, NY 10019
(212) 586-5098
SUMMER HOURS
Monday 12-6
Tuesday 10-6
Wednesday 12-8
Thursday 12-6 (not open at night during the summer)
Friday 12-6
Saturday 1-5
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Summer Reading Program: Solve it @ the Library
Each reader gets a special bookmark and prizes as they read more and more books.
The program ends with a program on Wednesday, August 19, at 3:00 p.m. on sharks.
Kids Project II
Puppets and dolls show children about disabilities.
Wednesday, July 15 at 3:00 p.m.
Summer Films, Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m.
August 4 Rabbit Hill
August 11 Wizard of Oz
August 18 Benji
August 25 Flipper
Stories will be read each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday at 1:00.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Internet Workshop
An introduction for the beginner
Those who sign up in advance have preference if turn out is large.
Tuesday, July 21 at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m.