CB4 Asks City to Keep W 54 Building to 85 Feet

Jane C went to the Community Board 4 meeting on July 15 as well and writes:

"Joe L and I went to the Community Board meeting last night and I was disappointed that only about 4 people were from this area....Most were from 49 to 29 St. The discussion was solely on 2 properties upon which the city intends to build low to moderate income ($40,000 to $60,000) housing. The meeting was about how high the buildings should be and how many apts could be gotten from different heights.

Joe, its head, and a gal who chaired the meeting were both fabulous and have been working with C. Quinn on keeping Hell's Kitchen (Clinton)'s buildings low to preserve a neighborhood with parks, light, etc. The 2 properties are West 54 St , 9th Avenue east to the MTA Building, and 10th Avenue, between 48th and 49th.

The discussion was in keeping the buildings on all Avenues at 6 stories and then increasing the height in the middle of the blocks. There were many configurations drawn up by the City* hoping that the Board would agree to 2 of these....the City Council meets this Wednesday and the Community Board will tell them that we would prefer a maximum of 66 ft high for 10th avenue and an 85 ft building maximum for the 54 St site.

They ran out of the proposed building heights' sheets so neither Joe nor I were able to get one...We each shared with others to look at them as they spoke. The City wants more affordable housing on the west side and obviously the lower heights takes away apts....About 70 people showed up. Everyone was allowed their opinions to be heard and a straw vote was taken of the Board which favored 85 ft for 54th and 66 ft for 10th ave."