Running out of options to help pay for spiraling maintenance costs at the park that runs along Manhattan's western waterfront, Friends of Hudson River Park (FOHRP) have begun floating the idea of establishing a Neighborhood Improvement District.
With a proposal to loosen development restrictions unlikely to pass the New York State Legislature and maintenance costs mounting, FOHRP is looking for a little help from its friends and neighbors to help ensure that the park meets its mandate for self-sustainability, reports Tom Stoelker.
"The FOHRP plan includes a tax for nearby residences and businesses
located approximately two blocks inland from Chambers Street to 59th
Street...The plan would charge residents about 7.5 cents per square foot, meaning
that a snug West Village condo measuring 500 square feet will pay
$37.50 per year."
According to a New York Times article published recently, the costs of maintaining just one facility in the park - Pier 40 - have been such a drain on funds that the Hudson River Park Trust is considering shutting down the pier entirely, displacing 1,600 drivers that use its parking spaces and hundreds of sports teams that use its fields.
"So far the reaction [to the NID] has been somewhat muted," notes Stoelker, "though major commercial
interests are lined up behind the proposal, with representatives from
Durst Organization, Tishman Speyer, REBNY, and Two Trees sitting on the
FOHRP steering committee."
David Gruber, chair of Community Board 2 "thinks the tax can be justified easily. 'It's a dinner out,' he said of the cost."
FULL STORY: Hudson Calling
After Failed Bid to Change Law, Hudson River Park Faces Uncertain Future
With skyrocketing maintenance and repair costs gobbling up the Hudson River Park Trust's reserve fund, the HRPT has been pushing to change the park's enabling legislation to allow a wider variety of development types.
Designs Revealed for Manhattan's First Public Beach
A designer was chosen in January, and conceptual rendering were released in July. Project boosters are also pushing an ambitious timeline that would start construction in late 2020.
New York Moves Ahead on New Historic District
The new district may be both preservationist and political.
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