Applicants propose reconfigured ADA lift and entrance at 33 Ninth Avenue; committee raises concerns about sidewalk encroachment and requests alternatives be re‑

The applicant team for 33 Ninth Avenue presented revised plans to reconfigure an exterior stair and an ADA wheelchair lift and to make the frontage more open and inviting to Ninth Avenue. Architect Ed Carroll and other presenters said the intent is to replace an existing, large platform and lift with a more compact configuration and less-obtrusive lift while maintaining accessible entry.

The project team said they have received staff-level clearance from the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the proposed approach and that they have worked with DOT staff on dimensions. They told the committee that lowering interior floors or relocating utilities to provide full interior accessibility would be cost‑prohibitive and technically difficult because of sewer and electrical runs beneath the entrance. The team said the proposal will be similar in footprint to the existing platform and that the net change in sidewalk projection is roughly within one foot of the current condition.

Why it matters: the work affects the public sidewalk, an established area of public complaints about platforms and exterior mechanicals, and sits inside the Meatpacking/landmarks area where visual and historic considerations matter to neighbors and preservation reviewers.

Committee and public comments: Several committee members and attendees said they dislike exterior platforms and urged the applicants to pursue every reasonable interior alternative. Committee member Rocio said she was "really against these type of encroachments on our sidewalks" and asked whether anything could be done without taking sidewalk space. Architect Ed Carroll and other presenters responded that they had studied interior options and had to balance the extensive utility infrastructure and loading‑dock conditions beneath the entry. Committee member Michael Levine asked whether the proposal was a full replacement or a modification; the applicant said it replaces the existing structure and that the difference in sidewalk use would be "within 1 foot more of what it was."

Several members noted improvements in the proposed design compared with the existing configuration: replacing side-facing, enclosed platforms with front-facing steps and thinner railings intended to open the retail frontage to the street. One committee member said the redesign "will make the building really beautiful" and that the change would "activate the street." Applicants also said the landlord plans to eliminate exterior dumpster staging that had previously been placed in the sidewalk area.

Procedure and next steps: Committee chair Joe Gallagher said the committee lacked a quorum to take a formal vote and that members would either vote by email after staff circulate any outstanding Landmarks materials or forward recommended language to the full Community Board 2 meeting. Several committee members agreed that any recommendation should emphasize that the applicant pursue "the utmost effort" to find interior alternatives before exterior encroachment is approved.

Ending: The Quality of Life Committee will record its reservations about exterior sidewalk encroachments and ask staff to confirm whether the current plans conform to prior Landmarks guidance before finalizing a recommendation to the full board.