One Chase Plaza. Image credit: LPC
Project would alter the solid black-granite base to create retail storefronts, and make for a more inviting and accessible plaza. On May 5, 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a hearing on potential alterations to the individually landmarked One Chase Manhattan Plaza at 16 Liberty Street in Lower Manhattan. The designated site consists of a 60-story tower and associated two-and-a-half-acre plaza, designed by the firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The project was led by partner Gordon Bunschaft, the same team behind other City landmarks, including the Lever House and the Manufacturer’s Trust Building. The project was completed in 1964 as the headquarters for Chase Manhattan Bank, recently formed by a merger of Chase Bank and the Bank of Manhattan. (more…)
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman speaking at New York Law School, March 18, 2014. Image credit: New York Law School
Attorney General Schneiderman found the developer was operating a building as an illegal hotel while receiving a 421-a property tax exemption. On February 26, 2015 New York State Attorney-General Eric Schneiderman announced reaching a settlement with 47 East 34th Street LP over illegally evading New York property taxes. The LP owns an apartment building at 47 East 34th Street in Manhattan which is exempt from property tax under the 421-a program, however the Attorney General’s investigation found the building was operated as an extended-stay hotel, which is not permitted under 421-a rules. Under the terms of the settlement, the LP must pay New York City $4,446,153 in unpaid property taxes, pay New York State $275,000 to cover the costs of the investigation, and the LP must convert the building’s 110 units into rent-stabilized housing.
Julie Menin, former Chairperson of Manhattan Community Board 1
For Manhattan to remain the vibrant center it is today we need a smart plan for long-term growth. The current land use process leaves communities fearful of being overrun by development that is poorly planned, harmful to communities, and undermines the character of our borough. This is why I have proposed a “Master Plan” for Manhattan to ensure that we grow our borough sensibly.
Cities across the United States are implementing Masters Plans, from booming west coast cities like San Francisco and Seattle to neighboring Newark. A Master Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines long-term neighborhood needs. Downtown Manhattan, for example, is short nearly 1,000 classroom seats, while East Harlem has only 0.3 acres of active open space per 1,000 residents and many of Manhattan’s neighborhoods are almost completely bereft of affordable housing.
Under a Master Plan, developers looking to build in these neighborhoods would be apprised of the community’s needs, bringing more certainty to a convoluted system and ensuring a community’s concerns are accounted for. (more…)
The Lower Manhattan Marketing Association will host a Manhattan Borough President candidate forum with Julie Menin, former Manhattan Community Board 1 chairperson, and Council Members Gale Brewer, Robert Jackson and Jessica Lappin.
The event will take place at 8:30am – 10:00am on Thursday, June 27th at New York Law School and will be co-sponsored by the Center for New York City Law.
Click here to RSVP for this free event. A light continental breakfast will be provided.
