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Consents & Variances
Newsstand application # 1369390, NEC 5th Avenue and East 33rd Street
WHEREAS, The applicant seeks a permit to install and operate a newsstand on NEC 5TH AVE & East 33rd Street, andWHEREAS, The proposed site falls within CB5 moratorium on new street furniture, and
WHEREAS, The proposed newsstand, across from the Empire State Building, would negatively impact pedestrian traffic by creating further congestion, thus creating an unsafe condition, and
WHEREAS, There are no newsstands on 5th Avenue between 25th Street and 82nd Street, and
WHEREAS, Installing a newsstand would set an unfortunate precedent and would create visual clutter on the prestigious avenue, and
WHEREAS, The New York City Design Commission has rejected newsstands proposed for the Fifth Avenue Special District stating, "The Commission notes that the zoned, Fifth Avenue Special Business District has exceptional visual corridors and that the addition of any obstructions, including planters and newsstands, will severely detract from its attractiveness and effectiveness."
WHEREAS, Community Board Five recognizes that 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 NEC 5TH AVE & East 33rd 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.