VOLUME 6, NUMBER 19 JULY 17, 2014
THE WEST SIDE’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CHELSEA, HUDSON YARDS & HELL'S KITCHEN
CB4 Strives to Balance Preservation, Progress BY EILEEN STUKANE Real estate development is transforming New York City with remarkable speed. The paradox created by holding onto the familiar while rapidly adjusting to the new was apparent at the July 7 Chelsea Land Use Committee (CLUC) meeting of Community Board 4 (CB4). The possibility of losing a vintage sign on a landmarked building moved the committee to vote for its restoration. There was also concern over the development of the former Bayview Correctional Facility, and the soonto-be Moynihan Station. The centerpiece of Continued on page 2
Secret Parks of Chelsea BY RAANAN GEBERER Like much of Manhattan, Chelsea has a scarcity of green spaces dedicated to nothing more than the simple acts of rest or play. Clement Clarke Moore Park, the Penn South playground, Chelsea Park, Hudson River Park, and Chelsea Waterside Park comprise a handful of options. As part of their Affordable Housing plan, Community Board 4 (CB4) has begun to seriously consider the longstanding efforts of Friends of 20th Street Park (20thstreetpark. org) to convert a former Department of Sanitation lot (between Sixth and Seventh Aves.) into a micro-park. Any additional public space, no matter how small, would be welContinued on page 4
VAMPIRE COWBOYS ON ICE, PAGE 14
Photo by Tina Buckman
A Hospital Drama With Heart L to R: Cast members Gus Solomons, Sharon Shah, Charles Young and Antonietta Corvinelli, joined by Chelsea-based playwright Michael F. Bruck. Based on his experience as a multiple myeloma patient, Bruck’s “Lottie and Leo” has three upcoming performances, as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival. See page 15.
Making Some Noise About After Hours Construction BY ZACH WILLIAMS For those who’ve put down roots in West Chelsea, the impact of ongoing residential development is hitting home — early in the morning or late into the night, often at the expense of restful sleep and normal everyday activities. The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) allows construction to take place outside of the generally allowed time frame — 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday — by issuing an After Hours Variance (AHV). To obtain that permit, applicants must successfully cite emergency conditions or demonstrate a threat to public safety, such as traffic congestion or worker/ pedestrian danger during normal hours. City construction projects in the public interest, evidencing undue hardship (such as unforeseen conditions and scheduling
commitments), and limiting work to that which creates “minimal noise impact” are also acceptable reasons for obtaining an AHV. Once granted, it’s valid for up to14 consecutive days, and renewable online through the NYC Development Hub. Residents living within earshot of an AHV site say that even the most robust noise mitigation plan — a requirement for all construction projects regardless of the hours they keep — still exacts a toll on peace of mind and quality of life. Three noise complaints made to 311 regarding after hours construction at have been to no avail, according to Cynthia Butos. The backyard of the W. 15th St. building
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