Greenwich Village Block Associations News

An Occasional Publication from the Greenwich Village Block Associations & An Open Community Forum

Members:
Bedford, Barrow, Commerce
Bedford, Downing
Bleecker Area Merchants & Residents
Carmine Street
Central Village
Charles Street
Christopher Street Block & Merchants
Christopher Street East
East 8th/9th Street
East 10th Street
East 11th Street
East 12th/13th Street
Eighth Street
Far West Bank Street
Far West 10th Street
Grove Street
Horatio Street
Jane Street
MacDougal Alley
MacDougal Street North
Mercer Street
Minetta
Morton Street
Mulry Angle/West 11th Street
New West 4th Street
Perry Street
Sheridan Square
Upper West 13th Street
Washington Place
Washington Square/Lower Fifth Aveenue
Waverly
Waverly Bank Neighbors
West 9th Street
West 10th Street

Village Alert - PATHology

by Margery Reifler

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PATH) intends to begin construction of new, two-stairway entrances to both the Christopher and 9th Street PATH stations as early as July 1, 2002. As planned, they will be located at Christopher and Waverly (across from the Northern Dispensary) and just east of the corner of Bedford and Christopher Streets, near Lilac Chocolates. The sidewalk there would be widened to accommodate the staircase, and the street narrowed. The new station entrances will not be handicapped accessible.

PATH's main justification for the additional entrances is security and evacuation in the event of an emergency (the stations have one exit only). PATH's plans were presented to the community and elected officials with no prior community consultations. As a bi-state authority, PATH is exempt from most of the City and State laws and regulations (landmarks, land use, environmental, buildings, etc) that would govern excavation and construction in our historic district.

The GVBA opposes rushing into construction of this yet unexamined plan. We urge PATH to divulge its studies and justifications for the location and size of the entrances. Why weren't alternative plans for emergency exits only (like the escape hatches in the subway) chosen, to lessen the impact on the community?

What are our concerns?

• Potential damage to nearby historic buildings over 100-150 years old.
• Street and sidewalk congestion during construction (when the 9th Street bus will be rerouted) and then, vehicular traffic on Christopher Street after it is permanently narrowed.
• Economic impact on nearby businesses, most of which are traditional, small businesses.
• An increase in 'quality of life' incidents when two more entrances are opened and become attractive areas for groups to congregate.

What can you do?

Join those of us opposed to the immediate commencement of construction without consideration of all these issues by writing or E-mailing Gov. Pataki and PATH Chairman Sinagra:

Gov.George Pataki, The Executive Chamber, The Capital, Albany, NY 12223 - E-mail:gov.pataki@chamber.state,ny.us

Chairman Jack Sinagra, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 225 Park Ave. South -18th Floor, NY, NY 10003.

Attend the third Community Board 2 hearing on this proposal: Wednesday, May 22nd at 6:00pm at the Manhattan Development Center (75 Morton Street - just west of Hudson Street)

Watch for the future website of the group organizing to represent our interests - the Christopher Street Preservation Alliance. To support this effort, send a tax deductible contribution to the BBC Block Association, c/o Reifler, 2 Grove Street,New York, NY 10014.

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