The State Economic Development Corporation is scheduled to approve the massive land use scheme around Penn Station on July 21. Blocks around the station will be leveled for giant towers larger than Hudson Yards.
There’s been little public input and a slew of unanswered questions. Why is the State threatening eminent domain in the middle of Manhattan–displacing residents, businesses, community programs and historic buildings–and ignoring the City’s zoning and land use practices? Let’s be clear, all the ESD vote will do is allow this massive real estate deal. It has nothing to do with any improvements to Penn Station.
The public has no idea what deal the State has with the developer. And everyone from the City’s Independent Budget Office to State Senators Krueger, Hoylman and Comrie have questions about this financing. The Governor says she’s moving on $7 billion worth of station improvements. How did she arrive at that price tag? What would the public get for that? How much is the State proposing to pay Madison Square Garden to build on a former taxiway next to the Garden? The State doesn’t control Penn Station, Amtrak does. And Amtrak has its own plan.
The Daily News and New York Post have joined the chorus of groups asking questions about the State scheme. Why isn’t the public getting any answers?
Call the Governor’s office at 518-474-7516 and say: “Stop the vote on Penn Station. Answer all the questions about the project. The public deserves answers.”
Peg Breen, President
The New York Landmarks Conservancy
info@nylandmarks.org