Earlier this year, the City Council approved office use at Aurora’s Gansevoort site. In return, Aurora has signed several documents  memorializing the deal negotiated with the community for various benefits. The documents include the following:

First, the existing restrictive declaration on the Gansevoort block (the south side of Gansevoort Street between Washington and Greenwich Streets) that had previously prohibited office use (use group 6B) has been amended to remove that prohibition. This new amendment can be found here. (The 2003 amendment, which was actually signed in 2013, can be found here; the 1998 amendment can be found here; and the original restrictive declaration can be found here.)

Second, a new restrictive declaration has been added to the Gansevoort block providing additional community protections and benefits.  These include a prohibition on all music and amplified sound on the rooftop and terrace exteriors of the block, reasonable closing hours for those exteriors, a prohibition against height increases of any of the existing buildings, and a prohibition against more than 3 full liquor licenses (none of which could be in spaces adjacent to the exterior roofs/terraces) and 4 wine and beer licenses (all of which would be ancillary to some other use such as retail or office space). Importantly, the restrictive declaration also mandates the creation of 1775 sq/ft of essentially free basement space for non-profit arts or cultural organizations. The new restrictive declaration can be found here.

Third, a binding commitment letter between Aurora and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson’s office mandates the creation of 2000 sq/ft of rent-subsidized space for a non-profit arts organization and 2000 sq/ft of subsidized space for a non-profit Greenwich Village social service organization, both to be located within a complex of buildings surrounding 7-11 Weehawken Street. (There is also an option for a one-time cash grant to a non-profit social service organization in lieu of the 2000 sq/ft of subsidized social service space). No more than 50% of the combined community space provided at Weehawken and at Gansevoort Streets can be below grade. The binding commitment letter can be found here.

Save Gansevoort invested a great deal of  time and effort to make this deal happen. We continue to believe that the decision by the Landmarks Preservation Commission to allow this development was profoundly misguided; however, given that unfortunate decision we believe this is the best possible outcome for the community. We are deeply grateful for all of the hard work by Community Board 2 and its chair Carter Booth, and by Council Speaker Corey Johnson and his chief of staff Erik Bottcher, that made these negotiations successful.

The City Council will be holding its only hearing on Aurora Capital’s application to amend the Gansevoort restrictive declaration this coming Wednesday. The application will be heard by the Council’s zoning sub-committee:

Wednesday, February 12, 10:00 AM
City Council Chambers
City Hall (2nd Floor)
(Note that this in the actual City Hall – the classic little building in City Hall Park – not the Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street. Entrance is on the east side of Broadway across from Warren Street.)

This hearing will be an opportunity for the City Council zoning subcommittee to consider the deal laid out in the recent Community Board 2 resolution. This deal allows for office use on the Gansevoort block in return for a package of community protections and benefits. The terms were negotiated by Council Speaker Corey Johnson’s office, Community Board 2, and Save Gansevoort.

The deal contains the following protections for the community: Aurora has agreed to prohibit all music and amplified sound on the rooftop and terrace exteriors of the block, has agreed that there will be no future increases in height of any of the existing buildings, and has agreed to allow no more than 3 full liquor licenses (none of which could be in spaces adjacent to the exterior roofs/terraces) and 4 wine and beer licenses (all of which would be ancillary to some other use such as retail or office space).

In addition, Aurora has agreed to the provide the following spaces for non-profit organizations:

1. There will be a 1775 sq/ft space in the basement of 68 Gansevoort Street for the use of a non-profit community arts organization (likely theater/dance rehearsal space). This space will be rent-free.

2. There will be approximately 2000 sq/ft of space for a community arts organization at 7-11 Weehawken Street. The rent will be $25 sq/ft, with a 10% rent increase every 5 years.

3. There will be an additional 2000 sq/ft of space on the same terms for a non-profit community service organization also at 7-11 Weehawken St. The community organization would have the right to opt for an annuity or lump sum payment in lieu of taking the space.

4. No more than 50% of the total square footage of the three spaces listed above can be below grade.

We believe this deal is fair, and are grateful to Community Board 2 and to Corey Johnson’s office for all of the work they did to bring about this outcome.

More details about the community protections can be found here.  The Community Board 2 resolution passed on December 19, 2019 is here.

Community Board 2’s Land Use Committee will hold a hearing this coming Wednesday on Aurora Capital’s application to allow highly profitable office use at their block-long Gansevoort development. Please come to the CB2 meeting and let Aurora know that we need more space for non-profit organizations in exchange!

Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 PM
NYU Silver Building, 32 Waverly Place, Room 408
(near the north east corner of Washington Square Park)

During the past summer, Save Gansevoort (with the assistance of CB2) has worked hard to negotiate a satisfactory deal with Aurora Capital that would allow office uses at their new Gansevoort development in exchange for various protections and benefits for the community.

As a result, Aurora has agreed to prohibit all music and amplified sound on the rooftop and terrace exteriors of the block, has agreed that there will be no future increases in height of any of the buildings, and has agreed to allow no more than 3 full liquor licenses (none of which could be in spaces adjacent to the exterior roofs/terraces) and 4 wine and beer licenses (all of which would be ancillary to some other use such as retail or office space).

There is one major point on which we have not yet reached agreement. We originally asked that 20,000 sq/ft of space be made available at 50% of market-rate rent for non-profit educational, cultural, and/or community service tenants. Aurora first countered with an offer 4000 sq/ft of upper-floor space at 50% of market-rate rent, but then later moved backwards and offered 934 sq/ft of basement space rent free. We believe that Aurora’s current offer is inadequate and more space for non-profits needs to be made available.

It’s important that we have a good turn out of community people at this CB2 hearing, and that people speak out in favor of more non-profit space. The restrictions that Aurora is agreeing to regarding rooftop use are simply mitigations of impacts that Aurora themselves have created. The non-profit space represents the actual benefit that the broader community would receive in return for allowing Aurora office use at this location.

We believe that allowing office use will significantly increase the value of the Gansevoort block – consider how much more Aurora could make if they sold the property with this deal in place and office use allowed, as opposed to if they sold it encumbered with the existing restrictive declaration prohibiting office use. The amount of free or low-rent non-profit space should reflect a reasonable portion of that increased value.

Here is more detailed information about the proposed deal:

EXTERIOR ROOFTOPS

First, Aurora has agreed to prohibit music and amplified sound on the exterior rooftops at all times and with no exceptions.

Second, Aurora has agreed to a closing time of 8:00 PM Sunday through Wednesday on the rear terraces and a 10:00PM closing time Thursday through Saturday. They have also agree to a 10:00 PM closing time seven days per week for the large 5th floor roof on top of 60-68 Gansevoort.

Remember that use of the roofs by eating/drinking establishments will continue to be prohibited by the restrictive declaration, and that no liquor licenses would be allowed in any space adjacent to the rooftops (see below). Aurora is also committing to acoustical screening around all of the rooftops. Office parties and such might still be possible (and catered events might be able to provide alcohol using the caterer’s liquor license) but they would have to be finished – including clean-up – by 10pm and there could be no music.

We have spent months pushing Aurora on the rooftop issues, and we feel this is just about the best we can do.

FAR

Aurora has agreed that that there will be no increase in the height of the existing buildings on the Gansevoort block, except in case of casualty in which case the height of replacement structures may be up to 5 feet higher (subject to Landmarks Preservation Commission approval, of course). Development rights will not be transferred to 803-807 Washington Street (which is the only location they could currently be transferred to).

LIQUOR LICENSES

Aurora’s has agreed to a maximum of 3 full liquor licenses (ie, the existing license at Pastis plus two others). None of these full liquor licenses will used for a space immediately adjacent to any of the exterior roofs/terraces. There would also be a maximum of four beer and wine licenses, all of which would be ancillary to some other use (such as retail or office space). In other words, none of these 4 beer and wine licenses could be for stand-alone cafes or restaurants. We had originally hoped to permit fewer SLA licenses, but agreed to these numbers to help obtain the restrictions on rooftop use described above.

COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT SPACE

We originally asked that 20,000 sq/ft of space be made available at 50% of market-rate rent for non-profit educational, cultural, and/or community service tenants. Aurora first offered 4000 sq/ft of non-profit space in an upper floor at 50% of market-rate rent (or 2000 sq/ft rent-free). Aurora then back-tracked and is now offering a 934 sq/ft space in the basement of 60-74 Gansevoort rent-free.

We believe that Aurora’s current offer is inadequate and more space needs to be found. The restrictions that Aurora is agreeing to on rooftop use are simply mitigations of impacts that Aurora themselves have created. The non-profit space represents the actual benefit that the broader community would receive in return for allowing Aurora office use at this location.

We believe that allowing office use will significantly increase the value of the Gansevoort block – consider how much more Aurora could make if they sold the property with this deal in place and office use allowed, as opposed to if they sold it encumbered with the existing restrictive declaration prohibiting office use. The amount of free or low-rent non-profit space should reflect a reasonable portion of that increased value.

See you at the hearing!

Aurora Capital is now asking for office uses in their new Gansevoort Development. We believe that highly-profitable office use  should only be allowed  if the community receives substantial benefits in return.

On May 8th, Community Board 2 will hold a hearing on the restrictive declaration that currently prohibits office use on the site of this development—the entire south side of Gansevoort Street between Greenwich and Washington Streets.

Please come to this important meeting!

Wednesday, May 8, 6:30 PM
Meyer Hall / NYU Center for Neural Sciences, 4 Washington Place (between Mercer and Broadway), Rm. 102

The original reason for prohibiting office use was to protect the existing one- and two-story buildings on this site by removing the economic incentive to build higher. (In 2003, when the declaration was passed, offices were the only use that could have been profitable for floors above the second story.)

Unfortunately, the restrictive declaration has failed in this purpose. Following the Landmark Preservation Commission’s misguided approval of Aurora’s plans, Aurora has now completed structural construction of the large building at 70-74 Gansevoort Street and construction is underway at 60-68 Gansevoort.

Although Aurora was able to obtain financing for these buildings and claims that they can find non-office uses that would enable them to make a profit, they would strongly prefer to have office use. Save Gansevoort has been negotiating with Aurora Capital in an effort to identify other community benefits that could be obtained in exchange for allowing office use. The Community Board needs to hear that any changes to the restrictive declaration must include the following elements:

1.  A substantial percentage of any newly-created office space must be reserved for use by local non-profit organizations that would bring vibrancy and diversity to our community.  The amount of space for non-profit use remains subject to negotiation, and we would like to obtain the maximum amount possible.  It would be helpful if people gave some thought to the kinds of uses they would like to see.  Suggestions so far have included theater and/or dance rehearsal space, space for community organizations, non-profit galleries, space for educational organizations that work with children, etc.

2.  There must be a legally binding agreement that there will be no further development on this block.  Because the eastern half  of the block remains low-rise, around 40,000 square feet of development rights still remain unused. Any amendment to the restrictive declaration must contain language prohibiting the use of these unused development  rights.

3. There must be quality of life protections for the community:

First, the new development includes large exterior roof spaces.  The existing restrictive declaration prohibits use of these rooftops by “eating and drinking establishments.”  However, it’s possible that potentially loud uses such as private office parties or fashion shows might currently be allowable.  Any amendment to the restrictive declaration must contain language prohibiting music on the exterior roofs at any time, mandating reasonable closing hours for the rooftop areas, and mandating subdued lighting for the rooftop areas.

Second, we would like to see a prohibition on any liquor licenses on the block other than the license that has already been issued to Pastis. Aurora apparently wants to keep the option of allowing full liquor licenses for restaurants that are located above the ground floor. Aurora has also indicated that they anticipate leasing space to some retail tenants who might want to operate cafes serving alcohol. We countered that additional beer and wine licenses (NOT full liquor licenses) associated with retail use might be acceptable if closing hours were limited to no later than 8pm.

As always, the most effective way to express your opinion is to attend the hearing in person. However, if you are unable to attend you can send comments to: bgormley@cb.nyc.gov
Put “Attention Land Use Committee – Gansevoort restrictive declaration” in the subject line.

The facebook event is here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1436759336465739/

See you at the hearing!

We are deeply saddened to report that Elaine Young, co-founder of Save Gansevoort, passed away on May 27th.  Elaine was a tireless fighter for our community, and her honesty and fearlessness will be greatly missed.  Save Gansevoort would not have been possible without her continuous hard work and without her inspiration.

She was a true friend to so many of us.  It’s hard to believe she is no longer here.

The following is from Elaine’s family:

Elaine Young was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 3rd, 1942.  Daughter of the late Irving Adler and the late Helen Heda, Elaine is survived by her beloved spouse of 30 years, Virginia Syron.  Elaine is also survived by her brother Jack Adler, his wife Judith Adler, her nephew Matthew Adler, and her nieces Sharon Adler, Anna Adler, and Danielle Witchel.   Elaine spent holidays and weekends with Ginny’s family and will be deeply missed by Judy and Kees Schuddeboom, Greg Khost, Jackie O’Brien, Peter Khost, Aida Izadpanah, Alex Khost and Amanda Wilder.

Elaine graduated from the University of Chicago, majoring in History.  Elaine began her career as an educator and taught in the New York City public schools in Harlem and the South Bronx.  She later moved into real estate and became a broker and partner in Patton Young Properties in New York City.

A world traveler, Elaine was not just a tourist but immersed herself in the culture of places she visited.  Her passions included politics, classical music, art, gardening, and cooking.

Elaine was a fiery activist who worked tirelessly for her beliefs, and she served as President and Board member of her co-op. She was a neighborhood preservationist and spearheaded the “Save Gansevoort” movement. For twelve years Elaine served on Community Board 2 and was a primary member of the SLA Committee.  A dear friend summed up Elaine’s dedication and commitment by saying, “Elaine was the last real soldier for our cause.”

Donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation to continue her preservation work in the Far West Village and the Gansevoort Market Historic District:  www.gvshp.org/elaineyoung

70-74 Gansevoort Street has been demolished.

We have been informed that the Court of Appeals has denied our motion to appeal the Gansevoort ruling.  The Court, as is customary, provided no explanation for the denial.  The Court also lifted the temporary stay, so Aurora is now free to start demolition of 70-74 Gansevoort Street and initiate work on the addition on top of 60-68 Gansevoort Street.

Although not entirely unexpected, this is very disappointing.   We’ve done our very best to get the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s terrible Gansevoort decision overturned in court, and our lawyer Michael Hiller did a wonderful job. But it was always going to be a heavy lift, and we’ve now reached the end of this particular legal road.

Aurora still has to work within the terms of a Restrictive Declaration on this site which prohibits office use.  Given the changes in the NYC real estate market, this may be a bigger problem for them now than it was back when they started this project in 2015.  We will remain vigilant to make sure that the Restrictive Declaration is properly enforced.

We have some unfortunate news:  the appellate court has rejected our appeal of the lower court decision upholding the Landmark Preservation Commission’s approval of the massive Gansevoort development project.  The appellate court’s written decision was very disappointing, and failed to address the many specific points which we raised arguing that LPC’s approval of the project violated Landmarks law.

Because our case has the potential to set important precedents that could strengthen landmark protections across the city, we have received support to file a new appeal to the highest court in New York State, the Court of Appeals.

Our lawyer, Michael Hiller, has filed a motion requesting that the Court of Appeals hear our case, and the court has granted an interim stay prohibiting construction while they consider whether or not to accept our appeal. So, for the moment, exterior alteration or demolition at 60-68 and 70-74 Gansevoort continues to be halted.

We’ll let you know as soon as there is further news from the court.  Stay tuned!

Mark your calendars for our big court date:  Thursday, December 14th.  This is the day the appeals court will hear the case brought by Save Gansevoort and the Historic Districts Council challenging the Landmark Preservation Commission’s approval of the massive Gansevoort Project. We hope to see a huge crowd there!

The hearing will be:
Thursday, December 14th, 2:00 PM
NYS Appellate Division, First Department
27 Madison Avenue (25th Street & Madison)

We welcome and need your presence at this significant hearing. A large turnout will demonstrate to the court that there is great public concern about both historic Gansevoort Street and the integrity of New York City’s landmarking process.

The facebook event is here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/313620865785957/

Here is a quick look at recent background:
Save Gansevoort was handed a victory on August 16 when the appeals court agreed to grant a stay in our lawsuit against the developers. The judges’ unanimous decision sent a signal that they take very seriously Save Gansevoort’s fight to preserve historic Gansevoort Street and to stop the two large buildings Aurora Capital wants to build. Our arguments, which have now swayed 5 appellate judges, would set important precedents if our appeal is upheld. These precedents would significantly strengthen legal protections for Historic Districts throughout the city.

More information about  the stay which the appellate court granted us can be found here.
More information about our appeal can be found here.

Save Gansevoort is looking for donations. Many people have been very generous. But lawsuits  cost money and  you can imagine how expensive this multi-year fight has been. Please donate here.

The Villager has just published an outstanding article about our Gansevoort lawsuit.

The reporter really did her homework; she interviewed two LPC insiders and delves into the legal issues involved and why our appeal could set a precedent that would protect Historic Districts across the city.

If you read just one article about the Gansevoort legal fight, this is the one!