No, the antenna should stay. It makes the Empire State Building taller! It makes a big impact on the skyline.
I wish the ctbuh accepted antenna height. Then the Willis tower, John Hancock center, Empire State Building, and Condé Nast buildings would all be hundreds of feet taller as they deserve!
The TV and radio equipment on the top make it look unfinished and cheap. It looks like a piece of art without that junk.
Not necessarily! The antenna finishes the tapered design of the crown in my opinion. It would be better if they enclosed the antenna. 
I took some pics today with the ESB in the background. The fins look noticeably brighter/cleaner/more silver.
And I agree about the antenna. This is a rare example where it actually compliments the building. Of course I’ve lived my entire life with that antenna on there so I guess I’m biased.
Did you post the pictures?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGCigEiMRrJ/?igshid=8nalriy2bgfj
She’s looking great!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFukNbzDGQ0/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGFhCoOjBW7/
I finally got around to this. I didn’t post the ones from a few weeks back because they weren’t as clear. But I think the fins look really great and bright now after removing some of that equipment and painting. In some of the other photos posted it definitely helps at night–the brighter surface reflects the nighttime lighting better too.
From today:
Edit: Some more from the following day:
ESB retail boarded up. There seems to be little faith in De Blasio to keep the peace when the results come down.
From 11.7.20:
From 11.8.20:
From 1.18.21:
The Empire State Building is the world’s most beautiful, most majestic, most amazing, most regal, and most perfect skyscraper.
