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

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service