Union Square Park restaurant on hold

The City was forced to halt construction on the pavilion at Union Square Park. Photo: Jonathan Reingold.

Judge issued a temporary restraining order, thwarting the City’s plan to install a restaurant in Union Square Park. In 2004, the City announced plans for a $14 million renovation of the entire north end of Union Square Park, with the Union Square Partnership contributing $6 million for the effort.

Under the plan, the park’s pavilion would be renovated … <Read More>


Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital to become hotel

Proceeds would help support the operations of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. The New York City Economic Development Corporation is seeking proposals to develop and operate a hotel and conference center at the former Bellevue Psychiatric Building, located at 492 First Avenue between East 29th and East 30th Streets. The winning developer would enter into a 49-year lease agreement with the City with two 25-year renewal options. Currently, the building serves as … <Read More>


Council modifies street trees and yards specs.

Council Members Tony Avella and Melinda Katz secure exemption for certain one- and two-family homes from new street tree requirements. On April 30, 2008, the City Council modified the Department of City Planning’s proposals to amend the zoning requirements for street trees and yards. The proposals are designed to create green streetscapes, increase open space, and ameliorate storm water runoff problems.

Under the old zoning, property owners were required to plant street trees in a … <Read More>


Washington Square Park renovations get go-ahead

Renovations include shifting fountain 23 feet to align with arch. On December 3, 2007, Justice Joan Madden ruled that the Parks Department could proceed with its planned renovations to Washington Square Park, finding the agency’s Environmental Assessment Statement complied with all applicable State and City environmental review statutes and adequately analyzed the renovations’ impact on natural resources, open-space, and the surrounding neighborhood’s character.

The ruling allows Parks to move forward with its plan to renovate … <Read More>


Council approves Hunts Point plant expansion

Sewage digester buildings will overlook Barretto Point Park under DEP’s plan to expand its water treatment plant in Hunts Point, Bronx. Image: DEP.

DEP agrees to work with local community to address its concerns. On September 10, 2007, the City Council approved the Department of Environmental Protection’s plan to expand its water treatment plant in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. Under the plan, DEP will construct two, 130-foot tall, eggshaped digester buildings, which … <Read More>


Robert Moses’WPA-era pool landmarked

Highbridge recreation facility joins previously-designated water tower. On August 14, 2007, Landmarks voted to designate the Highbridge Play Center and Pool in upper Manhattan as an individual City landmark. The Play Center, which opened in 1936 and features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, became the seventh WPA-funded swimming pool built under Parks Commissioner Robert Moses’ auspices to be designated. Landmarks heard testimony on the Highbridge Play Center, along with several others, on January 31, 2007. 4 … <Read More>