Hotel Penn skyscraper clears City Planning

The City Planning Commission gave its blessing yesterday to zoning changes that pave the way for a massive Vornado Realty Trust-developed skyscraper on the site of the Hotel Pennsylvania on Seventh Avenue between 32nd and 33rd streets, according to the Post. The proposed 67-story 15 Penn Plaza tower is more than double the size current zoning allows, but Commissioner Amanda Burden expressed her support for the project because of its location across from Penn Station, which would make it accessible to a high volume of travelers. At 1,216 feet, the office property would be the city’s third-tallest building, though the completion of One World Trade Center in 2013 would bump it to fourth place. The proposed zoning changes will now move on to the City Council for final approval. [Post]