Will City Planning Commission Uphold Parking Maximums at St. Vincent’s?
The sides are lining up for and against the oversized parking garage that the Rudin family wants to build for its luxury apartments at the former St. Vincent's Hospital site in Greenwich Village. Supporting the request to exceed Manhattan's parking maximums is Borough President Scott Stringer. Opposing it are the community board and the urban planning advocates at the Municipal Art Society. Next month, the City Planning Commission will decide whether to ignore its own guidelines and grant a special permit raising the maximums for the Rudins.
December 6, 2011
At Sloth-Like 3.5 MPH, M50 Bus Wins This Year’s Pokey Award
Want to understand why more Manhattanites don't ride the bus? Look no further than this year's Pokey awards, given out annually by the Straphangers Campaign. Manhattan buses, as usual, top the list of the year's slowest service.
December 1, 2011
Vacca Watch: Transpo Chair Ignores His Own Hearing, Calls Plazas Bad for Biz
James Vacca should know better.
December 1, 2011
Eyes on the Street: At Knickerbocker Ave. Station, No Such Thing as TOD
This isn't what transit-oriented development is supposed to look like.
November 29, 2011
City Council Bill Would Weaken Bikes in Garages Law, Keep Number of Spaces
Two years after the City Council passed the Bicycle Access to Garages law, which set aside space for bike parking in commercial garages, legislators are turning their attention back to the issue. In response to low demand for the garage spaces, a bill sponsored by Queens rep Karen Koslowitz would loosen up some of the design requirements for the bike parking spaces while maintaining the total amount of bike parking required.
November 29, 2011
On Jay Street, Police Break Traffic Laws More Than They Enforce Them
Walk out on any New York City street and you're likely to find rampant disregard for traffic laws. Pinpointing exactly who's speeding requires special equipment, but for many offenses, you can track the level of lawlessness with the naked eye.
November 29, 2011
Vacca Committee Passes DOT Public Review Bills With Friendly Amendments
Amended versions of two bills adding requirements to the Department of Transportation's public review process passed the City Council's transportation committee unanimously this afternoon. The bills, which mainly codify current practices, would require DOT to consult with other city agencies and compile data on safety and traffic patterns for all major projects. "It is crucial that all the stakeholders are not only fully involved but also fully informed about what is happening in their communities," said committee chair James Vacca.
November 28, 2011
Eyes on the Street: Washington Heights Gets Safe Greenway Connection
Two months after winning support from Manhattan Community Board 12, a safer connection to the Hudson River Greenway is now in place at 181st Street.
November 28, 2011