NEW YORK | Empire Station District | 9 Towers (18-20 msf)| FT | FLOORS

[NYguy]

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/26/nyregion/hochul-penn-station-vornados.html

The official reason for Monday’s news conference was the kickoff of the design process, which Ms. Hochul said would “entertain all concepts” for how to improve the station.

An option proposed by a subsidiary of the Italian firm ASTM Group would involve constructing an aluminum-and-steel rectangle around Madison Square Garden, which sits above the station. That plan has gained support from some elected officials who want the station transformed from an eyesore to an asset for the neighborhood — though not from Janno Lieber, the chief executive of the M.T.A. ASTM planned to reveal details of its proposal, including a cost estimate, this week.

The transportation authority will invite architects, engineers and design firms to submit ideas for improving the station. “I want to be open-minded about all of the possible scenarios,” Ms. Hochul said.

But there will continue to be opposition from residents of the neighborhood and other critics, some of whom argue that Madison Square Garden should be relocated so that a much grander Penn Station could be built on the site.

And there remains the possibility that the owners of the Garden would sue to block the state’s plans if it might hinder their ability to continue to stage hockey and basketball games and concerts. The city’s Planning Commission is considering a renewal of the Garden’s permit to operate atop the station.