State agencies OK Javits Center expansion
The expansion of the Jacob K. Javits Center moved forward with the approval last month by two state agencies of a plan to enlarge it by several hundred thousand square feet. The Convention Center Development Corporation and the Empire State Development Corporation, as expected, approved the Javits expansion plan, which would increase total exhibition and meeting space at the center to more than 1.3 million square feet; the current center has about 790,000 square feet of such space. The plan also includes a 1,500-room hotel. A public hearing, the next step in the expansion approval process, is scheduled for this month.
City Council approves new Yankee Stadium
The full City Council last month approved the plans for the new Yankee Stadium. The vote was 45 in favor and 2 against, with seven of the eight Bronx council members voting for the stadium, Newsday reported.
Mets unveil Ebbets-like stadium design
The Mets last month revealed a design for a new stadium that resembles the old Ebbets Field, the historic home of the former Brooklyn Dodgers. The unveiling of the proposed 45,000-seat stadium, which would be built on a parking lot at Shea Stadium, came one day after the City Council approved the plans for a new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
Citing rental crisis, mayor extends stabilization laws
Mayor Bloomberg recently extended New York’s rent-stabilization law for another three years, Crain’s reported. The mayor cited an ongoing emergency in the city’s rental market as his reason for the extension. Rental vacancy rates in the city were just over 3 percent in 2005; the rates need to be at least 5 percent before rent regulation can be discontinued, according to law.
City releases details of Fresh Kills Park
The city released major details last month on the future Fresh Kills Park in central Staten Island. At 2,200 acres, the park will be about three times the size of Central Park, and will include trails for biking, horseback riding, and hiking as well as space for kayaking and ballgames. The city plans to kick off a year-long environmental review process this month, the Staten Island Advance reported.
Fieldston historic designation moves forward
The City Council’s Land Use Committee last month voted to make Fieldston a historic district, the New York Times reported. Several residents of the upscale Bronx enclave oppose the designation, saying it would harm their ability to make changes to their property. The full council was expected to approve the designation on April 26.
Randall’s Island water park gets final OK
As expected, the city’s Franchise Concession and Review Committee approved plans last month for a 26-acre water park on Randall’s Island. By a 5 to 1 vote, the committee approved the contract between the city and the Aquatic Development Group to build the $168 million park, according to reports.
Ground broken for High Line Park
Crews officially started construction last month on the High Line, NY1 reported. The first phase is expected to open in 2008 and to stretch from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street. The goal is for the elevated park to eventually run up to 30th Street. The $170 million project is being paid for with both public and private funds.
City makes plans for Homeport
City planners are crafting a package of zoning and other land-use changes that would allow for residences, stores, and possibly office space or a film studio at the Homeport mixed-use development in Staten Island, Crain’s reported. The zoning changes are expected to be certified this month by the City Planning Commission. Last year, Mayor Bloomberg allocated $66 million to pay for preparatory work.