Alternative Pier 40 proposal gathers steam

An alternative plan to redevelop Pier 40, drawn up by local parents who oppose the Related Companies’ plan, has gained momentum as the Hudson River Park Trust prepares to vote on a proposal next week. Pier 40 Partnership opposes Related’s plans to turn the pier into a $626 million mega-entertainment center featuring Cirque du Soleil, a movieplex, restaurants and a possible music hall – attracting 2 to 3 million visitors per year. On Wednesday, the Partnership presented its modest plans, which they say would better preserve the residential area. They include a 240,000-square-foot Visual Arts Market, a 100,000-square foot school, and $20-per-square-foot rent for arts spaces.