Supporting Vibrant Adaptive Reuse and Restoration of Historic Pier 57

On January 23, I submitted testimony to the New York City Planning Commission in strong support of applications for zoning changes that would allow for the transformation of the long vacant Pier 57 at 15th Street in Hudson River Park into an innovative cultural and commercial destination. As a longtime supporter of the Park, I welcome this adaptive reuse, which will restore and preserve the pier’s historic architectural character, generate revenue to sustain park operations and provide significant new public open space.  That said, I echoed Manhattan Community Board 4's (CB4) concerns that the rezoning being sought could inadvertently open the door for unfavorable development on the site at some point in the future.  My office has begun discussions with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, the New York City Department of City Planning, and the Hudson River Park Trust to craft a set of binding restrictions that would permanently preserve the proposed building envelope and uses. I am hopeful that we will arrive at a solution that satisfies my and CB4's concerns.  Please see my testimony below.