February 9th - February 13th, 2009
Standpipe Cut Again at 130 Liberty
February 9 – The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation said workers at the Deutsch bank building mistakenly cut a 10 foot section of standpipe on Thursday morning, February 5. The standpipe alarm sounded around 8:30 am; a gauge in the system measures air pressure in the pipe. The accident caused an evacuation of the building several hours later and work on the building was stopped; the FDNY said a horizontal piece of the pipe on the second floor was fractured. Workers were removing sheetrock from the ceiling when the incident occurred. The LMDC said it will repaint and retag the entire standpipe so it can be indentified by workers and it will meet with construction supervisors, before the decontamination work continues. A stop work order was lifted later in the day following repair work on the standpipe. The Buildings Department and the FDNY continue to investigate; officials would not say what if any action would be taken against the workers or their employers.
City to Streamline Development Process
February 9- The City plans to streamline the development/construction process by naming a ‘project advocate’, according to Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber. Lieber spoke at the Future of New York City Conference sponsored in part by Crain’s New York Business and said the project advocate will be a central contact for developers, freeing firms from having to sort through a maze of City agencies. Lieber also said he hopes to set up an electronic system so developers can submit environmental studies online, rather than on paper.
Merrill Lynch Negotiates with Brookfield Properties
February 9 – Brookfield Properties, owner of the World Financial Center, is negotiating with Merrill Lynch over whether to renew part, if any, of its lease downtown, according to GlobeSt.com. Merrill currently leases 4.6 million square feet at 2 and 4 WFC.
Lawsuit Filed Against Spring Street Sanitation Facilities
February 9 – A lawsuit was filed against the City to stop the proposed Department of Sanitation garage on Spring Street between Washington and West Streets, according to a report in The Downtown Express. Several neighborhood groups want the City to set aside a 2005 agreement which requires the Sanitation Department to relocate all of its facilities to Spring Street by 2013. The City had no comment.
9A Bike Path Temporarily Altered
February 9 – Bike riders- your ride on 9A will change course for the next few weeks. The Port Authority is closing the bike path between Liberty and Vesey Streets to install two caissons for the pedestrian passageway under 9A. Bike riders will be routed around the World Financial Center to the esplanade.
Lower Manhattan Security Program Delayed
February 11 – The NYPD announced its plan to deploy 800 police officers to protect Ground Zero and Wall Street from terrorists has been placed on hold. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said, “The program has been slowed down because of the construction slowdown in Lower Manhattan.” He added a shrinking police force and budget reductions also had an impact on delaying the deployment. The security plans also calls for 3,000 security cameras; only 300 have been installed so far.
Chase Plaza Designated a Landmark
February 11 – The City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission designated One Chase Manhattan Plaza in the Financial District as a landmark. Chase Plaza was built between 1957 and 1964 according to AMNY. The aluminum and glass skinned skyscraper is located between Nassau and William Streets. A Commission spokesman said, “Few buildings have had as significant an impact on the character of Lower Manhattan as One Chase Manhattan Plaza. It laid the groundwork for a Downtown renaissance.”
Economic Downturn Delays Projects
February 12 – The February issue of The Real Deal magazine focuses on several Lower Manhattan building projects impacted by the economic downturn. 20 Pine Street has only 60 percent of its units sold, meaning that 80 of the building’s units are up on the market. The Exchange at 25 Broad Street, with 306 units, is in the midst of construction delays and a pending lawsuit. Foreclosure proceedings against the developer began in November. The Nobu Hotel and Residences at 45 Broad Street, is in the midst of foreclosure proceedings. Rector Square at 225 Rector Place is only 40 percent sold and The Real Deal reports that it appears construction is stalled. Trinity Stewart Condominium at 8-10 Warren Street began marketing itself as a rental this winter at $11,000 a month. So far, no takers.
Tourist Screening Area Explored
February 13 – The National Park Service told The Downtown Express it’s having second thoughts about using Pier A to screen tourists on their way to Ellis and Liberty Islands. The Park Service is hinting that the Coast Guard building near the Staten Island Ferry terminal would be a better place because it’s bigger than Pier A.
Tourist Screening Area Explored
February 13 – The National Park Service told The Downtown Express it’s having second thoughts about using Pier A to screen tourists on their way to Ellis and Liberty Islands. The Park Service is hinting that the Coast Guard building near the Staten Island Ferry terminal would be a better place because it’s bigger than Pier A.
Hudson Square BID Formed
February 13 – Mayor Bloomberg signed legislation establishing a BID (Business Improvement District) in Hudson Square. It’ll be a 22 block district running from West Houston Street to Canal between Greenwich Street and Sixth Avenue.
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