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Land Use, Housing & Zoning
Application pursuant to ZR § 37-625 to allow modification of an existing bonus plaza and permission for an open air cafe pursuant to § 37-73 at 1114 6th Avenue known at Grace Plaza.
WHEREAS, Grace Plaza was constructed in 1969-71 in connection with the Development of the Grace Building, a 47-story office building located on a through block site with frontage on West 42nd and 43rd Streets; and
WHEREAS, Grace Plaza was developed as a 20,000 sq ft bonus plaza under the then existing 1961 zoning regulations with few public amenities and limited signage; and
WHEREAS, The bonus plaza was originally of little value to the surrounding neighborhood as it consisted of limited seating around the building and no other amenities; and
WHEREAS, There will be an increase in public seating from 112 seats (224 linear feet) to 422 seats (845 linear feet), which includes 142 moveable chairs and 32 tables in additional to fixed benches; and
WHEREAS, There will be new outdoor food pavilion being built as of right, and new a outdoor cafe with 102 seats, which will be open as public seating when the restaurant is not in use. The outdoor cafe will cover far less than the 20% of the plaza as allowed for in the zoning text; and
WHEREAS, There will be additional of greenery (new tress and planting), new signage, bicycle rack, public water fountain, and new lighting; and
WHEREAS, The International Center of Photography ("ICP") is a long term tenant of Grace Plaza, and Brookfield Properties pledged to consult ICP regularly during all future phases of the modification, and meet with ICP on a weekly basis during the construction phase to assure the public's continued access to ICP; and
WHEREAS, The modification included significant improvements to the remaining outdoor space; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the application for certification of the design modification to the existing bonus plaza at 1114 6th Avenue pursuant to ZR §37-625 and permission to operate an open air cafe pursuant to ZR §37-73.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 35 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstaining, 2 present not entitled to vote.