A new place for sunbathing and Frisbee Downtown

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Editor

Sunbathers 6-9-2013Grass field 2May 25, 2013- The West Thames grass field opened today, after repairs were made to install a drainage system. The public can now use it for sunbathing and light recreational activities (see photos below). Continue reading →

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Circus Arts at Asphalt Green

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Editor

CA 1June 17, 2013- By Christina Klapper of Asphalt Green

InShape Circus offers classes for the whole family using traditional circus arts like static trapeze, silks, tumbling, acrobatics and more. InShape Circus helps create a personalized and unique environment that allows students to surpass their physical and mental expectations in a non-competitive environment, building self-confidence and personal growth. Continue reading →

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The NID-tax seems dead with passage of bill to allow sale of HRPT air rights

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Editor
June 21, 2013- The NID-tax seems dead with passage of bill to allow sale of HRPT air rights to fund the park. This is a defeat for CB1’s Katherine McVay Hughes, Peter Braus, and Bob Townley. Real estate mogul Douglas Durst also supported the NID-tax. Hedge fund tycoon Michael Novogratz (more…)
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Photos 6-21-2013

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Editor
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BPCA shows no enthusiasm for West Thames bridge

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Editor

Bridge A on June 4 CB1

Update June 18, 2013- By Steven Greer

The BPCA met today. The West Thames bridge was downplayed once again by the BPCA, with Chairman Mehiel only saying, “Nothing new to report….we’ll see how that goes”

May 24, 2013– By Steven E. Greer

At the May 23rd meeting the BPCA board, Chairman Dennis Mehiel seemed to indicate that the West Thames pedestrian bridge (AKA Speaker Sheldon Silver’s Bridge), was not advancing in development. He said, “The project has been downgraded to a design project, (with the BPCA) giving $2 Million…it is going a bit slowly now…sorting through the details of (financial) risk.”

Recall, in a previous BPCA meeting, representatives from the Mayor’s office gave very sketchy architectural plans, which were based in guesswork more than actual planning. The city also wanted the BPCA to be responsible for the inevitable cost overruns.

The primary champion of using untapped LMDC money to build Continue reading →

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A deep dive into State Assembly Bill A8031 amending the HRPT act of 1998

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Editor

Pier 26 patch of park

November 14, 2013- Governor Cuomo finally signed A8031. The Villager reports, “On the same day that around 200 Lower West Side residents gathered to discuss their fears about a bill that would allow the transfer and sale of Hudson River Park’s air rights, Governor Andrew Cuomo finally signed the bill into law. Andrew Berman, executive director of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, had just finished his introductory speech at Wednesday’s meeting, around 7 p.m., when word came that Cuomo had signed the bill. (It was The Villager that alerted Berman by e-mail after having been informed by a spokesperson for the Hudson River Park Trust that the governor had approved the bill. Assemblymember Richard Gottfried also confirmed to The Villager that the governor had O.K.’d the bill.)”

June 21, 2013- By Steven E. Greer, MD

We previously reported that the state assembly (an d likely the senate) passed a bill this week that now allows the Hudson River Park Trust to sell unused air rights to adjacent properties to the east. This will provide the much needed funding to repair Pier 40 and run the entire HRPT. We obtained the bill and read it, looking for other changes that will be coming to the Hudson River stretch of Manhattan.

First, regarding the new ability to sell air rights, the bill states Continue reading →

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Photos of the Week 6-17-2013

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Editor
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Asphalt Green angers some ardent supporters

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Editor

IMG_3140

June 16, 2013- By Steven E. Greer, MD

BatteryPark.TV previously reported in detail the complex political infighting that caused the former BPCA administration to intentionally stall the opening of the Asphalt Green community center. One reason that the malfeasance stopped and the center was finally allowed to open was the community outrage that ensued.

BatteryPark.TV has learned that Carol Tweedy, the Executive Director of Asphalt Green, invited only select members of the community to a private gathering Continue reading →

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Will the BPCA be insured for the next hurricane?

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Editor

June 18, 2013- By Steven E. Greer

At the June 18th BPCA board meeting, a lengthy discussing ensued about whether the authority would be properly insured for the next storm flood, and how much insurance should be purchased. Interestingly, after a property audit, the value of the BPCA increased suddenly 50%, year over year, from $229 Million to $349 Million. The new property audit breaks down the seawall by smaller regions for better insurance coverage. Continue reading →

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Summary of the BPCA meeting 6-18-2013

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Editor

June 18, 2013- By Steven Greer

The BPCA meeting this morning proceeded once again in secretive fashion, with no details of the agenda being posted ahead of the meeting. Chairman Dennis Mehiel began by announcing the opening of Asphalt Green, with a resolution welcoming them and wishing them success. Anne Fenton made no comment, nor did Matthew Monahan. Continue reading →

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Letter: Lower Manhattan Democrats club often violent while campaigning

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Editor

Forst helper attacking camera blurredLetter: June 15, 2013– By Westider (In response to our story The Robin Forst gorilla campaign)

The woman volunteer trying to attack the camera is Eli Hausknecht, live-in girlfriend of the male volunteer you referenced but who is not shown in your photos, David Reck. (That is his shopping cart in the background, in fact. He never seems to leave home without it.) Continue reading →

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The entire apartment building at 22 River Terrace for sale

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Editor
June 13, 2013- the Real Estate Weekly is reporting, “Cushman & Wakefield has been appointed to sell 22 River Terrace, a luxury residential building at the convergence of Battery Park City’s north neighborhood and Tribeca.” Editor’s note: We believe that 22 River Terrace is currently all-rental, so the sale would (more…)
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Road trip: Eataly

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Editor

Eataly vegeatablesBrookfield Place is trying to make something like Midtown’s Eataly. Let’s hope they succeed. Continue reading →

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Give us your impressions of Asphalt Green

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Editor
Give us your impressions of Asphalt Green. Post any comments below. (more…)
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Hudson River Park Trust should be converted into an “authority” like the BPCA

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Editor

Pier-40Update March 20, 2013

In response to our essay, below, politicians got off the fence and have decidedly spoken out against allowing residential building within the Hudson River Park. According to local news, “Assemblymember Richard Gottfried, who the only local politician who had been receptive to the possibility of allowing housing at the West Houston St. pier, declared the residential option now should be “off the table” because of “adamant opposition.””

March 17, 2013 By Steven E. Greer, MD

The Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT) was created in 1998 after other grand plans for the area along the West Side Highway, such as “Westway”, never came to fruition. Governor Pataki signed the Hudson River Park Trust Act legislation, which made the HRPT a self-sufficient entity that earns revenue from leased properties, such as Piers 25, 40, 57 and Chelsea Piers. However, the HRPT was specifically prohibited form issuing debt in the form of bonds.

The HRPT is very similar to other New York State “authorities”, such as Continue reading →

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Photos 3-30-2013

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Editor
Photo by Bobby Williams (more…)
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Photos 4-7-2013

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Editor
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It’s official. Asphalt Green is now open.

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Editor
June 15, 2013- By Steven E. Greer, MD It’s official. Asphalt Green is now open, and it is probably the biggest and best constructed community center int he country. The facility opened with ample interest from the community. (more…)
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Police and Irish Memorials both neglected

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Editor

Police Memorial no water

June 4, 2013- By Steven E. Greer

The pumps for the waterfalls in the Police Memorial and Waterfall Pond are still not activated. This has turned the Police Memorial into a neglected property that now collects junk and debris where once water flowed. Nearby, the Irish Memorial still has a gaping hole in the north wall caused by a man on drugs who drove his stolen vehicle into the wall last August.

The Battery Park City Authority did not reply to our questions. The Chief Operating Officer is Anne Fenton. Continue reading →

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The biggest sailing in class in New York: North Cove Marina

Posted on June 14, 2013 by Editor

young-america-and-skylineMay 1, 2013- By Michael Fortenbaugh, Commodore of North Cove Marina

The New York Harbor Sailing Foundation organizes two junior sailing programs from North Cove.  Full details are available on the Continue reading →

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