Extell’s Riverside Center clears City Planning

Extell’s Riverside Center sailed through the City Planning Commission yesterday as commissioners voted 12-1 to approve the mixed-use development spanning from West 59th Street to West 61st Street, between West End Avenue and Riverside Boulevard. In several public hearings prior to the vote, the project had faced significant criticism from some Upper West Side residents who argued that the flashy new buildings would serve only the rich do little for the neighborhood. But at yesterday’s vote, Amanda Burden, chair of the City Planning Commission, said the proposed complex is “a unique opportunity to re-envision and reshape a bleak eight-acre parking lot and former rail yard as an exciting addition and major amenity to this thriving West Side neighborhood.” The next and final stop for the project — slated to include five residential towers, retail space, a below-grade parking garage and an auto showroom — will be a vote by the City Council in approximately two months. [DNAinfo]