The Department of City Planning has proposed limiting Madison Square Garden to 15 more years in its Midtown space, Crain’s reported.
Since the venue’s permit expired in January, it has sought a special permit to operate indefinitely atop Penn Station. However, civic groups in favor of the transportation hub’s renovation and expansion have pushed to limit the stadium’s occupation of the space to a 10-year term. Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer has also backed a restricted permit.
City Planning’s opinion on the matter is not binding, but is an important factor in the City Council’s upcoming vote on the fate of the stadium.
“While Madison Square Garden maintains that the arena special permit should continue in perpetuity, we believe the term is warranted due to the uniqueness of the site and the importance of Penn Station to the city,” said City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden. [Crain’s] –Mark Maurer