Council approved despite community concerns over traffic, environmental impact, and aesthetics. On November 19, 2008, the City Council approved a plan by the Dept. of Sanitation to build a five-story service and maintenance garage, a 34,000 gallon refueling station, and a 75ft. tall salt shed at 500 Washington Street in SoHo, Manhattan. The garage and salt shed would serve Community Districts 1, 2, and 5. 5 CityLand 137 (Oct. 15, 2008).

The plan met with strong opposition from community residents and representatives at its City Planning hearing. Community Boards 1 and 2, as well as Borough President Scott Stringer, supported service for CD1 and 2, but urged the Commission to eliminate CD5 service because the neighborhood could not absorb the additional environmental impact. They also called for elimination of employee parking, noting that it could be made available at Pier 40, and that the space could be used as reservoir space for Sanitation trucks in order to alleviate traffic congestion. Opponents were also concerned about environmental impacts of the salt shed. (read more…)

Controversial proposal would consolidate three Community District sanitation garages and add salt shed tower. On August 27, 2008, the City Planning Commission heard testimony on the Department of Sanitation’s plan to build a 118-ft. tall service and maintenance garage and 30- 75-ft. tall salt shed in SoHo, Manhattan, just east of the Holland Tunnel. Sanitation’s proposal is a response to the Hudson River Park Act of 1998, which requires Sanitation to vacate Gansevoort peninsula, the current location of a salt pile and sanitation garage that serves Community Districts 2, 4, and 5. The proposed 190- 200 ft. wide, 413 ft. long garage would be located at 500 Washington Street, south of St. John’s Center. The garage would provide support services for Sanitation’s operations in Districts 1, 2, and 5, including a 34,000 gallon refueling station. The salt shed would replace Sanitation’s District 1 garage located at 553 Canal Street. The shed would cover the entire 14,575 sq.ft. lot area.

At the hearing, Sanitation representatives testified that consolidating the three District garages at Washington Street would provide efficient dispersal of sanitation vehicles and allow the City to convert the Gansevoort peninsula garage site into green space. (read more…)