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Consents & Variances
Newsstand # 1329449 – SWC West 50th Street and 7th Avenue
WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing a newsstand on the southwest corner (SWC) of West 50th Street & 7th Avenue; and
WHEREAS, CB5 takes its role seriously, and the applicant failed to appear at a regularly scheduled meeting and failed to address questions and concerns CB5 had about the application; and
WHEREAS, The proposed newsstand would have a negative impact on pedestrian traffic, which is already very heavy, and add to congestion and create an unsafe condition; and
WHEREAS, There is another newsstand directly across the street from the proposed site on the southeast corner of West 50th Street and 7th Avenue; and
WHEREAS, There is a cross-town bus stop on the 50th Street side of the corner; and
WHEREAS, Safety is a crucial concern for Community Board Five; and
WHEREAS, Community Board 5 recognizes that the newsstand applicants are usually individuals and small business owners (often minorities or recent immigrants) and urges the Department of Small Business Services to assist applicants in the cumbersome application process; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends denial of the application to install a newsstand at the SWC West 50th Street & 7th Avenue; and be it further
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five urges DOT to proceed with the pedestrian count at the location at rush hour (5 PM- 6 PM) on a weekday, and be it further
RESOLVED, That in recognizing that the cost of applying for a newsstand is very high for the applicant, including the cost of hiring professionals to assist with the application, Community Board Five requests that DCA refund the application fee for applications that are denied.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 32 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.