^ Yes, the name calling isn't necessary.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMKeynes
Did that moronic Marxist suggest an 800' tall building?
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That guy wasn't at this one, but there was one lady who feared the height because of a terrorist attack. No word on what she thought of One Vanderbilt, or 270 Park, or any of the other towers coming to the area. Most of the people, however, had concerns focused on where it should be, at the ground level (1,000 ft or 1,600 ft, it matters very little from the street). One was concerned about stairs and suggested ramps (which work well indoors, but would look very tacky in a prominent, outdoor location). Grand Central uses ramps well. But stairs are better for this experience.
Layla, who I thought would know better, issued a request at
both meetings yesterday that they consider mirroring the Vanderbilt outdoor plaza, and putting it at street level on Depew Place. But as we know, the Grand Hyatt isn't separated from Grand Central like One Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt's connections are
underground. The Hyatt's corridors are at street level. Furthermore, there is no access to the remaining Depew Place from 42nd or Lex, the Park Avenue viaduct runs over it, and it's basically a service alley for buildings that border it, including loading for the large post office, There is no way the city would close that to traffic, nor would it make sense to put the plaza there, which would be out of sight and mind. That's the reason Gale Brewer suggested moving the space above ground level. This just isn't a site where you can have a large, open plaza at the ground level.
There is one place where a Depew Place plaza even made sense, and it is here...
https://237park.com/gallery#&gid=1&pid=3
https://237park.com/gallery#&gid=1&pid=16
There were some people who even said it was a lovely proposal, but there are concerns about the reduction in bike spaces (which would be for the office tenants). Understandable I guess coming from the transportation committee. But this is a major transportation hub, and the city could issue more biking stations for the public if needed.