BROOKLYN COLLEGE NOSTRAND AVENUE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ENTERS PUBLIC REVIEW PROCESS

PHA is serving as the planning and mapping consultant on the Brooklyn College Nostrand Avenue Development Project. This project, located on the eastern edge of College's campus, would replace an existing parking lot and access road with a new mixed-use development that would provide a center for the College's Business School, retail space, and allow for the creation of a new dormitory for the college. This project would provide a better link between the campus and The Junction, a neighboring commercial area and transit hub. PHA services on this project include preparing the Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) and a City Map Change application to allow the demapping a short segment of Campus Road that would be replaced by a new circulation roadway. PHA is also assisting in the preparation of the land use review application for a zoning map amendment necessary to facilitate the project.

PHA is working with the City University of New York (CUNY) and Dormitory Authority State of New York (DASY), in partnership with Washington Square Partners (development advisor) and Michael Kwartler & Associates (architectural advisor).

The EAS and Negative Declaration for this project was issued by DASNY in March 2013 and the project's Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) applications were certified on May 20, 2013, initiating ULURP public review by the Community Board, Borough President, City Planning Commission, and City Council. It is expected that the project will complete ULURP by the end of 2013 and, pending funding, could begin construction by 2015.

MCCARREN PARK MAPPING

PHA prepared the EAS and ULURP Application/map change drawings on behalf of the NYCDPR and the Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn to eliminate and close a segment of Union Avenue between North 12th Street and Driggs Avenue in Williamsburg and remap this area as an addition to McCarren Park. The project was certified into ULURP on February 19, 2013.

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPECIAL PERMIT RENEWAL

PHA prepared the EAS required for the renewal of the Madison Square Garden Special Permit and other related approvals, including signage. The special permit is required for the continued use and operation of MSG as an arena with more than 2,500 seats. The application was certified into ULURP on December 17, 2012, and is currently undergoing review.

EAST 25TH STREET CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR NEW PEDESTRIAN PLAZA

On December 18, 2012, East 25th Street was closed to through traffic between Lexington and Third Avenues to create a new pedestrian plaza adjacent to the Baruch College campus. PHA prepared a traffic study to evaluate the effects of the street closure, and coordinated with NYCDOT for project approval. The firm was also responsible for design of the interim plaza, which is expected to remain in place until 2014. The photos at left show the closed street prior to the planned resurfacing.

HUDSON YARDS GROUNDBREAKING

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 4, 2012 to formally kick off construction of the Hudson Yards development, portions of which will be constructed partially on a platform over the MTA's West Side Yard. PHA is currently providing civil engineering services to Related for the first phase of development. Previously, PHA was responsible for transportation and infrastructure planning for the overall site master plan, and has also prepared environmental review documents for several zoning text amendments related to the development.