CB2 Land Use Committee presses EDC for Gansevoort Square site-control plan, discusses interim uses and broader vision

The Community Board 2 Land use and Housing Committee discussed site-control and interim-activation plans for Gansevoort Square at its May 14 meeting after the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) asked for the boardto comment on a site-control and security plan. The EDC did not deliver the draft in time for the meeting; committee members said EDC had originally set a May 1 deadline that did not align with CB2 schedules. The meatpacking facility occupants are expected to vacate around July 1, and EDC has estimated an approximately 18-month interval between vacancy and development groundbreaking.

Why it matters: the committee said the site will be fenced and secured during a long vacancy and that choices about fencing, lighting, security and interim programming will affect pedestrian access, public safety, neighborhood cleanliness, pest risk and the look and feel of the waterfront for up to a year or more. Committee members pressed EDC for the draft site-control plan and discussed what the committee could reasonably ask for given the city—s authority.

Key points and discussion:

- Missing EDC draft: Committee Chair Yoo Jin Yu said the board requested a draft site-control and security plan but EDC did not provide a…