Newsstand application # 1376275, SWC Broadway and West 45th Street
WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing a newsstand on the SWC of Broadway and 45th Street; and
WHEREAS, The proposed site falls within the CB5 moratorium on new street furniture; and
WHEREAS, The proposed site is heavily congested with pedestrian traffic; and
WHEREAS, The proposed newsstand would negatively impact pedestrian traffic by creating further congestion, thus creating an unsafe condition; and
WHEREAS, Community Board Five has received letters from NYPD Manhattan North, The Times Square Alliance and representatives of the building owner of 1515 Broadway all expressing concerns about safety at this location; 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 on SWC Broadway and 45th Street; 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 33 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.