A local block association leader expresses frustration with the development approvals process in New York City.
Chris Giordano, founder and president of the 65th & 66th Streets Block Association, pens an opinion piece that argues against the regulations that enable the development of a 775-foot building in Manhattan.
"I love my neighborhood, a collection of pre-and post-war buildings that now must endure the filth and the racket of a midblock construction site that spans two residential streets—West 65th and 66th," explains Giordano. "There, the developer Extell is in the initial stages of erecting an out-of-scale 775-foot, 127-unit luxury apartment building, rising as high as a typical 80-story structure."
Giordano is frustrated by the ability of the developer to build such a tall structure by right. "The local community board is against it, as is our City Council member, Helen Rosenthal, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. Even the mayor directed the City Planning Commission to address the issue of massive voids—empty spaces in the middle of buildings that serve no purpose other than to provide apartments above the void with spectacular views."
Giordano recounts anecdotes of feeling disenfranchised by the New York Department of City Planning, and concludes by arguing that developers are more powerful than citizens under the city's "outdated zoning laws."
FULL STORY: A tower of 775 feet, and we can't say one word
How Broken Planning and Development Processes Hobble the Potential of Neighborhoods
A stinging critique of the public review process in New York City.
Judge Throws Out Plans for New Residential Skyscraper on Manhattan's Upper West Side
A residential skyscraper proposed for Manhattan's Upper West Side included a mechanical void that predated new rules in the city prohibiting the height-enhancing building practice. A judge still rejected the project as planned.
Proposed Law Would End Development Review Exemption for Homeless Shelters
If passed, a new law would require homeless shelter developments in New York City to undergo the full Uniform Land Use Review Procedure.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie