[NYguy]

https://therealdeal.com/2021/01/14/c...-west-project/

Cuomo adds housing to $51B Midtown West project
Development could include 1,400 affordable units


January 14
By Kathryn Brenzel

The state’s massive development plans for the area surrounding Penn Station now includes affordable housing.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday that the 20 million square feet of development planned for the neighborhood would not only include retail and commercial space, but also housing — a significant chunk of it affordable.

Officials had previously drafted a proposal to develop 10 buildings with more than 1,000 hotel rooms and 14 million square feet of office space, according to a scope of work issued in December.

But during a briefing to elaborate on his myriad State of the State proposals, Cuomo unveiled more extensive plans, including up to 1,400 affordable units. The governor said the state would make “14 building sites available” for the development and that affordable homes would be the priority.

The four additional buildings are planned for two state-owned sites next to and across the street from the Javits Center, according to state officials.

Empire State Development, the state’s development arm, initially envisioned only commercial space for the eight sites in the immediate vicinity of Penn Station. But in its final plan, the agency opened the door to three of those sites having residential space. To allow for the development of these and the other five sites, the state is seeking to override city zoning regulations to construct larger buildings.

The new buildings around Penn would generate revenue to help pay for the station’s redevelopment. The state plans to add another eight tracks by acquiring a block south of Penn, which contains 51 separate properties.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/mi...n=true#image=2