RPA: West Side Projects Require Further Study

NEW YORK CITY-According to the Regional Plan Association, while the city’s initiative for the redevelopment of the West Side has many strong points, two of its touchstones require further evaluation. In the third paper in a series on the subject, the RPA cites strong elements such as appropriate overall density, excellent public spaces and improved transit access. However, it notes that elements requiring further discussion are the Jacob Javits Center expansion and the proposed New York Sports and Convention Center—-a home for the New York Jets.

The RPA says the Javits Center expansion “must succeed in energizing its surroundings and reconnecting to the city and the waterfront on all four sides.” Calling the proposed home for the football franchise the “most controversial element of the plan,” the RPA notes a concern that it could “jeopardize the broader goals for revitalizing the Far West Side.” The paper lists criteria to evaluate the project including comparing it to other cities where similar stadium initiatives took place such as Seattle’s South Downtown area, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Toronto’s SkyDome and St. Louis’ Edward Jones Dome. The reports notes that while stadiums can make for a successful “tourist corridor,” they have not “shown the ability to sponsor development of intensive mixed-use districts.”The paper concludes that a “vibrant mix” of activities and development needs to be contemplated for the district. “The district will need a tapestry of office space, housing, retail and nightlife woven together by a network of world-class public spaces.” And it calls for public debate to determine if the stadium initiative is the best use for space in the area.