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March 22, 2011
Would modular construction require a new environmental review? ESDC says there's no official plan, so speculation is unwise
Atlantic Yards Report
On March 17, I asked this question publicly: Does modular construction mean a new environmental review is needed for Atlantic Yards?
I suggested it might, given that the delivery of 900 modules, "lifted into place by crane and bolted together at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Dean Street," as the Times described it, could introduce a different set of impacts on traffic, or on street closures.
Querying the ESDC
I followed up by posing the question to the Empire State Development Corporation:
Would the introduction of modular construction at the Atlantic Yards site require a new environmental review or technical memo?
Spokeswoman Elizabeth Mitchell responded:
The fact that the building would be modular as opposed to conventional construction would merit another environmental review only if the design guidelines or any other MGPP [Modified General Project Plan] requirement could not be met using the modular approach. If such a decision would be made to adopt modular construction in lieu of conventional construction, ESD would first ascertain as to the modular building's ability to meet the design guidelines and fulfill any other applicable project requirements. If it was determined that the modular approach did not, then ESD would consider adopting modifications to the guidelines, or if necessary, the MGPP. In this case, an additional environmental review might be required, depending on the degree of the modifications.
Posted by eric at March 22, 2011 11:22 AM