515 Seventh Avenue proposal would replace parking garage with office or hotel and a publicly accessible plaza; public hearing laid over

The subcommittee heard a proposal to redevelop a parking garage at 515 Seventh Avenue in the Garment District, seeking special permits for a covered pedestrian open space that would trigger a 3 FAR bonus and for a hotel use if the applicant chooses that program. The applicant, represented by Richard Bass of Ackerman LLP, said the site is one of four lots on the block and that the proposed building would be smaller than neighboring towers while adding a publicly accessible plaza with an art wall and a public restroom.

Key points from the presentation: The applicant said the current site contains a 4½‑ to 5‑story parking garage and that the proposed replacement would be a class‑A office building or an office/hotel building depending on market conditions. The applicant told the subcommittee the team had broadened the hours of operation for the public open space to 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in response to Community Board requests and included a public restroom, which the board and borough president supported.

Community outreach and support: Community Board 5 unanimously supported the application, and the borough president issued a letter of support without holding a public hearing due to ongoing applicant communications. The Planning Commission also recommended approval. Labor representatives (SEIU Local 32BJ and Hotel Trades Council engagement referenced) signalled support for prevailing wage commitments for building service jobs; SEIU estimated creation of roughly 6 to 12 property service jobs depending on the final program.

Outcome: The subcommittee closed public testimony and laid LU‑353/355 over. The applicant said decisions about whether to construct office or hotel will be taken based on market conditions and that final tenanting or program decisions will follow as the project advances.