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Transportation & Environment

October 2017, Transportation & Environment Committee

Application by Jamestown, LP for improvements and additions to One Times Square

WHEREAS, Jamestown, LP seeks approval from the Department of Transportation for improvements and additions to One Times Square, including a new subway entrance between 42^nd and 43^rd Streets, a new elevator to the subway station, and an entrance to a new history exhibit to be contained within One Times Square; and

WHEREAS, One Times Square is a triangular-shaped building, located on the north side of 42^nd Street, between 7^th Ave and Broadway; and

WHEREAS, One Times Square's unusual shape and excessive signage, which covers most of the windows, severely limit the practical commercial uses of the building; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant plans to create a museum exhibit focused on the history of Times Square on the 15^th – 18^th floors, to be accessed by new elevators to be constructed on the building's exterior; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant proposes to create an entrance from the existing pedestrian plaza to the basement of One Times Square, where visitors can access the new elevators on the exterior of the building; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant proposes to execute a timed ticketing system to insure the entrance does not create excessive crowds; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant proposes the installation of a new, permanent Visitor Information Kiosk to be staffed by the Time Square Alliance and NYC & Co.; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant has conducted crowd studies in conjunction with the environment planning and engineering firm AKRF to confirm that the proposal does not overly-burden the pedestrian plaza; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant proposes to widen the existing stairway to the Subway from five (5) to fifteen (15) feet in order to create a safer and more efficient entrance for commuters; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant proposes to build and maintain a new elevator to take travelers between the street level to the Subway; and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five recognizes that the existing subway entrance at this location is in dire need of improvement; and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five recognizes the significant value of the proposed subway entrance improvements in terms of both safety and efficiency; and

WHEREAS, Community Board Five recognizes the significant value of the proposed subway elevator to create a more inclusive subway experience for all travelers; and

WHEREAS, The proposal will neither increase nor decrease the total square footage currently reserved for "character entertainment"; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant anticipates an eight (8) month construction period; and

WHEREAS, The Applicant is committed to working with the New York Police Department to ensure the construction period does not overlap the anticipated construction project for the renovation of the New York Police Department's Times Square Substation; and

WHEREAS, The Application enjoys widespread support from local elected officials; and

WHEREAS, The Application has the support of the Times Square Alliance; therefore be it

RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the Application by Jamestown, LP for improvements and additions to One Times Square, including widening the existing subway entrance between 42^nd and 43^rd Streets, adding a new elevator to the subway station, and creating an entrance from the pedestrian plaza to a new history exhibit located inside One Times Square; and therefore be it

RESOLVED, Community Board Five requests that the MTA provide a complete master plan for subway improvements to the Times Square station.