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January 13, 2006
On insufficient open space, the question of shadows, and the role of historic buildings
TimesRatnerReport covered the Borough Boards meeting on Open Space, Shadows and Historical Resources.
OPEN SPACE Representatives from NYC parks planning groups joined Borough Board members for a public discussion of the State and City standards for open space and how Ratner's Atlantic Yards project compares. Even though the open space component is one of the big selling points of Ratner's proposal, the numbers do not impress and could contribute to a lower ratio of open space per resident.
On the matter of the private arena roof garden, one panelist offered, "If rooftop open spaces are not very carefully programmed, they can be very desolate spots."
SHADOWS
Discussion focused on the effect of shadows on the Bears Garden and if "the state analysis [would] include the impact of shadows in denying access by those at nearby buildings to solar energy."
HISTORICAL RESOURCES
Noting that a handful of buildings have been identified by the community as potential historical landmarks:
Lisa Kersavage of the Municipal Arts Society handed out a map detailing the nearby historic districts, landmarks, National Register Buildings (like the Atlantic Avenue Control House on the triangle between the Atlantic Terminal mall and Site 5), and "potential historic resources."
In what will be a small consolation for preservationists:
"Isn't it possible for historic buildings to be documented" rather than preserved, asked Greg Atkins, Markowitz's chief of staff. Responded Ruth Pierpoint of the New York State Historic Preservation Office, "I think that's probably the last alternative."
Posted by lumi at January 13, 2006 9:05 AM