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Landmarks
Bryant Park Lighting Enhancements proposal
WHEREAS, Bryant Park Corporation, the applicant, is proposing to modify and upgrade the design of the lighting in Bryant Park and to install additional lighting throughout the Park; and
WHEREAS, Bryant Park, a New York City Scenic Landmark, is a formal French style garden designed in 1933 by Lusby Simpson, and was reconstructed and partially redesigned by Hanna/Olin in 1988-91; and
WHEREAS, In years subsequent to the 1988-91 reconstruction, Bryant Park has become the host of special events throughout the year, which have substantially increased the number of visitors; and
WHEREAS, Several of the events such as Thursdays at 5 live music performances, HBO/Bryant Park Film Festival, Fashion Week, The Pond at Bryant Park ice skating, and The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park are conducted in the evening hours, having people in the park after dark, even as late as midnight; and
WHEREAS, The applicant proposes:
- To reduce operational maintenance
- Control energy usage
- Increase lighting (illuminance) levels, both measured and perceived (vertical levels)
- Reinforce the nighttime sense of the "urban room"
- Create greater lighting "flexibility" in response to diverse usage ; and
WHEREAS, The new light pole fixtures will be similar in design to the existing fixtures, except that they
- Will have twin instead of single globes
- Will contain an electrical outlet for seasonal displays
- Will be on dimmer switches so that they can be gradually turned down in the later hours of the evening or turned to very low levels when necessary; and
WHEREAS, Certain other elements of the park will also be enhanced by installation of uplighting fixtures:
- Ingrade metal halide lights at statuary
- Ingrade LED uplights at balustrades
- Uplight enhancement at rear wall of the Public Library; and
WHEREAS, The new lighting configuration is designed to illuminate parts of the park less frequented at night because they are less inviting to the public, especially in the winter months; and
WHEREAS, An increase of the illuminance levels is beneficial to evening visitors, in that better lighting equates a deterrent to the criminal element while accommodating safer accessibility into and out of the Park; and
WHEREAS, The applicant will obtain approval of the changes from NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and the Public Art Commission; and
WHEREAS, The proposed design is harmonious with the existing historic park and its surroundings; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the application to modify and upgrade the lighting throughout Bryant Park.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 29 in favor; 2 opposed; 1 abstaining.