Yes I agree. That area is VAPID. It is an embarrassment for foreigners/commuters to have to stumble through that soulless, sterile area. I barely walk up there, I take the 2/3 from LIRR instead of having to walk through that mess. I wonder where MSG would go though??? I’m happy to hear this!!!
Also @robertwalpole what?!? I’m from that part of Harlem! Lol. I applaud them advancing the N train uptown in order to revitalize those parts of East Harlem. This area is a little sketchy but I can assure you its “gentrification phase” is totally ripping through. The 2nd Ave subway is needed for that(my) area. But I get you - it’s a LOT of money they’re pouring into it. But if that means my neighborhood will be an extension of the UES in 10 years, I’ll take it
re MSG, I’ve come to terms that they will probably never move so I would be happy settling for a reclad and the removal of the Hulu theater. My personal dream for MSG would be a waterfront arena on the Hudson, but I know that will never happen.
RobertWalpole: Poor people deserve access to public transportation as much or more than others. Let’s have some respect for those whose life is more of a struggle than yours. And in any case that area is simply not as you describe it.
Once the subway is extended, there will be massive development, as there was for the first stage of the extension, and the poor people will be gone.
If helping poor people were the goal, they’d be providing mass transit in other areas that are undeserved, like large parts of the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. This will benefit property owners and developers — not the poor.
If they were to move it to HY for example (not saying they will), I wonder what would happen to the housing and everything. It takes up a lot of space and Related did reiterate its commitment to providing all of that in Phase 2.
There was strong opposition to moving it to the HY. The site to the east between 32nd and 34th is ideal. Vornado owns the bulk of it. What it doesn’t own are largely junky two-story buildings with relatively low intrinsic value as independent parcels. Thus, the state could acquire them without spending a fortune.
I’d like to see the new MSG here and the casino-hotel on Vornado’s heinous site on 7th between 33rd and 34th.
This vile area could be transformed quickly, and hopefully, the gorgeous old office buildings on 7th and 8th can be repositioned for housing.
^ Okay but I wasn’t asking about that. I’m not discussing whether it will move there or the obstacles to that, I’m wondering what will happen to the current plan for the site if it was chosen. If it were to move there it would take up a large portion of the site, so I’m just wondering about the residential portion and the schools and all of that that was promised.
Eh, I don’t think so. I rather that area be saturated with housing. It needs to be cleaned up somewhat tbh. The demand for office space is dwindling. We need more homes than offices. So residential would be a good fit. @007 I think a casino would do better in other areas.
