Please stop Extell from building the massive residential development as it is currently proposing called Riverside Center (West End Avenue to Riverside Boulevard, 59th to 61st Streets). It will only add to even more overcrowding in our schools and will take away the last chance we have to build a neighborhood. We are for more modest residential development on the site that incorporates schools, a neighborhood retail center, and a public park, and are against the massive hotel/convention center and car dealership that Extell proposes.
Please stop Extell from building the massive residential development as it is currently proposing called Riverside Center (West End Avenue to Riverside Boulevard, 59th to 61st Streets). It will only add to even more overcrowding in our schools and will take away the last chance we have to build a neighborhood. We are for more modest residential development on the site that incorporates schools, a neighborhood retail center, and a public park, and are against the massive hotel/convention center and car dealership that Extell proposes.
We, the undersigned, urge you to:
Please stop Extell from building the massive residential development as it is currently proposing called Riverside Center (West End Avenue to Riverside Boulevard, 59th to 61st Streets). It will only add to even more overcrowding in our schools and will take away the last chance we have to build a neighborhood. We are for more modest residential development on the site that incorporates schools, a neighborhood retail center, and a public park, and are against the massive hotel/convention center and car dealership that Extell proposes.
* Enforce the existing height and density restrictions that limit the site to two residential buildings (577 residential units), not the five residential buildings and a hotel/convention center (2,750 residential units including hotel) that are in Extell's proposal.
* Build new schools for the benefit of all Upper West Side residents, in order to relieve the burden of the already significantly overcrowded School District 3.
* Not allow Extell to rezone the front half of the site for more unneeded residential development. This area should be developed as a neighborhood retail center and public park only.
* Require Extell to incentivise neighborhood retail, in order to ensure that much needed neighborhood services are provided such as restaurants, supermarkets, clothing stores, a day care center, and a movie theater. Ensure that "mom & pop shops" get the opportunity to prosper.
* Eliminate the convention center and car dealership from the plan -- they are completely incompatible with a residential neighborhood, and would cause a significant increase in traffic.
* Build a public park first for the benefit of the entire Upper West Side community, not just disparate grassy areas in front of Extell's buildings. An undivided park would create a great accessible public green space for the neighborhood and a proper backdrop for the likely-to-be-landmarked IRT Powerhouse across the street from the site.
* Map and build the public streets on the site first, with 60th St. connecting through to Riverside Boulevard, and broad sidewalks on 59th and 61st Streets.
We, the voters listed below, deeply appreciate your support in this matter.
