Community Bd 7 - Transportation Committee Hearing - Tues., Mar. 13

On March13, there was a meeting of Community Board 7 Transportation Committee.

Coalition Vice President Jean Green DOrsey wrote in response:

Friends, Neighbors,

First, let me thank all of the members of the Transportation Committee for their extraordinary work on our behalf. I’d also like to thank Penny and the rest of the CB7 Team – it is not easy to plan for 30 and then have to deal with an excited crowd of 100+. This evening, you had a better handle on what to expect and, again, you are here to do the best possible job.

That said, I see a basic flaw in our process that must be addressed. The discussion about 808 Columbus involves a multi-faceted, complex problem that requires a solution that takes into consideration a comprehensive look at the outcome of the entire development effort. It is not possible to just address the underground vaults.

I understand that you, as a CB7 Committee, can only act on actual requests for action. In this case, to guide any future action, what is needed is a “Sense of the Community.” and I hope that you will consider making a record as well as supporting and submitting to the appropriate authorities and agencies a statement that addresses the following:

1. No permits, licenses, or any type of approvals shall be given for any additional development on Park West Village properties until several issues are aired, addressed and resolved. Anything pending or deemed to have “slipped through” based on the DOB self-certification process, should be re-considered and “subject to review.”

2. The planned traffic patterns for the additional development as presented violate CB7 guidelines and are not acceptable. Both 100^th Street and 97^th Street already have significant traffic congestion and any plans for future commercial development must follow the original scheme for Park West Village – that is, it must be accessed from, and only from Columbus Avenue. In fact, the planned pedestrian walkways should be converted into access areas for the new development. People bridges could be incorporated into such a plan. In that manner, they could work to incorporate noise dampeners and air scrubbers in the design that would maintain a high quality of life for everybody.

3. The space allocation that allowed for the design of a 29-story building should be reviewed with a confirmation of the allowance for open space. There may be a serious problem in this area.

I am certain that others want to comment on what is ultimately to be built in the Park West complex and will add to this discussion. Please give us the opportunity to “get it right” the first time. Once the curb cuts are made, bedrock is blasted and the cement is laid, “fixes” will happen. (Talk about the idea of making 97^th Street parking one-sided) It can be that we minimize the need for such efforts if we make our will known now.

Again, thank you for your efforts.

Jean Green Dorsey

Chair, Westgate Tenants Association

VP, Preserve West Park North