15 Penn Plaza threatens Empire State Building

Management at the Empire State Building is concerned that a new skyscraper
will obstruct views of their iconic landmark and bring unwelcome
changes to the Manhattan skyline. A proposal to build 15 Penn Plaza — a
67-story, 1,200-foot office building down the street from the Empire
State Building — will be the subject of a hearing on Monday in front of
the City Council. The proposal, which will need Mayor Michael
Bloomberg’s approval following the hearing, was already voted down,
36-1, by Community Board 5. “Just as the world will never tolerate a drilling rig next to the Statue of Liberty, why should governmental bonuses and waivers be granted to allow a structure as tall and bulky at 15 Penn Plaza to be built 900 feet away from New York City’s iconic landmark and beacon?” said Anthony Malkin, president of Malkin Holdings, which responsible for the daily operation of the Empire State Building Company. He plans to speak to the City Council and its subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises on Aug. 23. TRD