Pier 40 Survey
December 2009
Pier 40, at W. Houston St., could be a great, big, fifteen-and-a-half acre, three-tiered, spectacular complex that could, for the next half-century, enrich West Village lives and even provide hundreds of interesting and fulfilling jobs. That is, if the residents could agree what they wanted and what degree of disturbance from the rest of the city and, yes, the world, they are willing to tolerate to pay for this “Wonder Pier.”
Help the West Village community discover what people would really like to see on Pier 40 by filling out our survey. Answer each question by indicating your strong support (10), your strong strong opposition (1) or your indifference or neutrality (5) to each proposal. When you are finished, press the “Submit Survey” button.
(6 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
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Connie Lee
Dec 15th, 2009
A few ideas that I really like are residential development preferably middle income and green construction. Retail at below market value because independent shops are crucial to creating a sense of community.
I also like museum or art /cultural institutions. Development is necessary for economic growth and beneficial to the community. A local farmers market would be wonderful.
Doug Ramsdell
Dec 15th, 2009
I’m no longer a motor vehicle owner, but when I was, Pier 40 was a godsend: decently priced parking literally blocks from my apartment. I would like to see the parking usage grandfathered-in, with 1st priority being neighborhood residents, and sliding scales depending on incomes, plus parking for other kinds of vehicles: bikes, perhaps, and/or scooters and motorcycles. Ultimately, perhaps, recharging stations for electric cars.
I’m not averse to the idea of building-out Pier 40 to include other kinds of civic-improvement things: more Little League type ballfields, roller hockey ares, etc.–but I’m dead-set against massive commercial structures/development (Costco? Best Buy? Pa-LEEZE) and anything that caters to select or elite clientele, and I’m COMPLETELY against anything that obscures the view of the skyline (by which I mean building Pier 40 UP, as opposed to laterally–besides, I’m not sure the underlying pier can take much more of a burden–didn’t they just re-do the pilings at an astronomical cost?).
Some of the stuff on the survey–you’ve got to be kidding. A repertory theater? Funded and supported by whom, exactly?
I may be too hasty on some of my response. MAYBE I could envision a childrens’ theatre provided sufficient other activities for kids, but that means a scale of development that would need to be fleshed out more before I could express an opinion.
Lynn Pacifico
Dec 15th, 2009
This is the second survey and the second time you have neglected to include a dog park in your options.
The dog feature is what is most important to me and very important to many many residence and visitors in our neighborhood.
More New Yorkers have dogs then play ball so please explain why it has been left out again.
Thank you
Tod Wohlfarth
Dec 15th, 2009
What is up with this community? Why must we ALWAYS have to emphasize that dog owners need recreational space and ability as well. EVERY time this comes up, we CONTINUE to have to push. For what?
Sara Nielson
Dec 15th, 2009
Dog owners! You are a small minority with a bid mouth.
About 15 years ago CB2 unanimously rejected one in WS Park. But it being an election year, Ruth Messenger caved into to your annoying demands and you got one.
You think that would satisfy you. But, NO, like a spoiled brat you want more and more.
Now you have a second one there, and you are still whining to make it larger in the current renovation.
Parks are for people, not for dogs. Period. End of story. You want a lawn to run your dog? Fine, move the the suburbs and get a nice house there.
Btw, I am a real dog lover, they are my favorite animals. I had a dog for almost twenty years, in an outer borough. There were no dog runs then. The dog got its exercise and love nevertheless.
I don’t believe the idea that dogs resemble their owners, I never met a selfish, annoying, demanding, egotistical dog with a profound sense of self entitlement.
Lynn Pacifico
Dec 15th, 2009
Parks are for people. Yes. And whenever my dog goes to the dog run I get to go along. Going to the run is my mode of relaxation. Far from being the minority, dog owners are the largest subgroup, not only in our neighborhood but in the entire country. A percentage of my taxes go for parks so why don’t park recreational facilities reflect dog owner requirements? Far from being “spoiled brats” we are only speaking up for a neglected majority.
After public land was restricted to off-leash, the rise of dog runs has resulted in the “responsible dog owner” movement. Socialized dogs are good neighbors. You don’t need to own a dog – if dogs are in your building you live with a dog. As such dog run is as important to neighborhood quality of life as any other recreational facility.
As far as a dog being better off in the suburbs – most dogs only get let out into the back yard and rarely go on walks. My dogs spend quality time w/me when we are at the run.
BTW, both dog runs in WSP are very successful if the goal of The Parks Dept is to maximize park usage by square foot.
And Sara, why so emotional? You don’t sound like a dog lover to me or you are just ignorant of the facts.
Tod Wohlfarth
Dec 15th, 2009
Sorry Sara, you clearly don’t understand the underlying issue here. For years and years in the West Village there were acres and acres of space for us to exercise our dogs. This was done “illegally” for sure, but it was also clearly “illegal” to let the Piers go derelict for so long. We used that space, as well as other spaces we could find to exercise our dogs outside of our 500 sq. ft. cage/apt. we live in. We cared about these spaces as best we could at a time when no other New Yorker cared about our Parks. Now that Parks are the cornerstone of the massive growth in land values we are being shunted aside.
We have a total of 8,000 sq. ft. to serve thousands of dog owners in the Village, SOHO and Hudson Square. I HARDLY think asking for another couple of thousand square feet is an egregious request.
We own dogs. It’s a legal activity. We are out in Parks at all hours, day and night. Comparisons to the decrease in crime in the Parks and dog bites from socializing our dogs has been clearly established.
We are tax payers and thusly our taxes go towards things that we do not nor will we ever agree with or be able to enjoy. For instance, I will NEVER have children, yet a bulk of my taxes goes towards schools and playgrounds, etc. I don’t bemoan that fact, I recognize that I share this large and lovely city with a variety of people and some of them wish to reproduce. So be it, that’s fine. But I choose to live my life in another way and that is with my dogs.
I don’t think it’s too much to ask for space to throw a ball to my dog? It’s ludicrous to assume that all outdoor spaces should be limited to single activities. Personally I don’t think dog runs are the answer, off-leash hours [sharing space] is the best way. However, it’s people like yourself that have shunted us to the corners and have forced us to fight for what limited space we have.
If you really want to do something about it, fight with us and fight for off-leash hours in the parks. Hudson River Park could easily have these hours. But we don’t, why, because of short-sightedness, fear and naysaying. All unwarranted and unhelpful.
chelsea resident
Dec 15th, 2009
I am very concerned about the amount of cars/trucks, etc. on the WEst Side Highway. Therefore, I am opposed to pretty much anything that will increase the number of cars along this important thoroughfare. Seems that it would be a good place for a middle school or high school. Not safe enough for elementary or pre school.
lissamw
Dec 15th, 2009
I think it is a good thing to have this survey, but I feel that a large portion of the existing park has been totally overlooked in this survey. I am speaking about the waterfront. On pier 40 there is Community Rowing and Boat Building as well as both public and private Kayaking.
As a WATERFRONT park, Pier 40 has the unique opportunity to bring New Yorkers the chance to experience the joys of boating on the Hudson. In the Village Community Boathouse on Pier 40, there are wonderful 25′ wooden row boats built by and for New Yorkers. The on water season is from April to October and the boathouse is all run by volunteers. Best of all, we run tons of programming for the community.
Please include us in any subsiquent surveys you may have in the future. We provide something that is very difficult to come by in NYC, public access to the Hudson River.
sheila strong
Dec 15th, 2009
leave the boats. they belong on the water. add a dog run. we need more outdoor space for outdoor activities like these.
Annie Vanrenterghem Raven
Dec 15th, 2009
First a strong opinion that will obviously not be shared by car owners whose rationale has been heard (need for parking): the best view and air quality in town should not be made available for cars, as is the case now. The fact that parking space is needed in our community does not justify having a parking at a location that could and ought to be much better used. The fact that cars have been there at a time when the Pier was used much differently does not justify keeping them there. Other options ought to be found for car parking. Other revenue-generating commercial activities (since it is the rule of the game in this country) ought to be placed there that are better suited to a general favored theme for the Pier. Half the space in our city is occupied and dominated by cars (streets and parking.) The trend shoud be toward fewer cars, less space, noise, pollution occupied and generated by them; the trend everywhere in the world for great cities is toward fewer cars. This is why we live in a city, not to have our life style car-dependent.
So what should be the theme for the use of the Pier?
In general, of course, public space, sport fields and park spaces should be maximized for all who live or visit our neighborhoods; residents, tourists (but not their buses!), adults, children, young, old, and their pets. It makes sense to have them at that location (again because of the view, the air quality, the light)
When it comes to commercial activities and facilities -since they are needed- the rule should be that traffic and attendance they generate be well balanced during the week, day/night , and that they be associated with good and “gentle” quality of life; this means low impact activities (nothing that would attract a big crowd at a specific time; or intense delivery), mostly pedestrian, that makes good use of the location, view, and proximity to water: green market, small restaurants and cafes; ferries, boating activities -okay for a reasonably scaled marina-, small scale recreational and cultural facilities (may be; with careful consideration, some residential and small office spaces; anything -within the theme- that would help support public space and activities.
There is a $ equation to balance within a theme the community has expressed over and over (do we need yet another survey?): let’s balance it!
No Chelsea Piers! No southstreet seaport! No shopping mall! No chain stores. No cirque du Soleil! No multiplex movie theater should enter that equation!
Schools are great ideas because they operate during days and at a time when use of the pier is at its lowest; and there is great need for schools in our community. Pier 40 is a quiet, light, and calming space: kids need that type of environment (and again there is no specific benefit to cars if parked at such an exclusive location!)
Some of the questions are not clear: tennis, swimming pools would be private?
Other constraints to be applied to our equation: volume and height should not be larger than now.
Tough to resolve? sure! given the bizarre premise that a park should generate revenues and that our tax dollars can not fund it!
Good luck!
West Village Dog Owner
Dec 16th, 2009
We need another dog run on the Pier!
Phil Levine
Dec 16th, 2009
Where are the plans for an improved dog run? the existing one with it’s concrete walls is a danger. My dog broke her foot running into that last year. We need a state of the art run that would be a magnet for the many dog owners in the area.
Denise Levine
Dec 16th, 2009
I oppose parking at Pier 40. Cars increase greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution is already poor near Pier 40 due to its location on Route 9A, by the Canal Street corridor and the Holland Tunnel Air Ventilation ducts. Cars sitting out in the summer heat release VOCs into the air, and it’s very unsafe for people to be using ballfields next to them.
I favor uses that are water-related (marina possibly) and/or benefit from their location near the water (e.g., small restaurants, shops, greenmarket, cultural activities). Certain uses would not benefit from the water location (manufacturing, warehousing, etc.) and should be prohibited.
I oppose middle- and high-schools at the Pier, since their use would not be limited to students living locally. There are two schools near me in Hudson Square with metal detectors and high security.
The neighborhood lacks local amenities (shopping!), which should be encouraged, along with cultural activities (museum, concert hall, theatre, film theatre), which would benefit people of all ages.
less is more
Dec 16th, 2009
relax! unstructured space open to everyone, not catering to any special interests or special interest groups is more valuable than anything else.
Barry Weiser
Dec 16th, 2009
I remember when Battery Park City was proposed as “affordable” middle class housing… We’ve all seen how that turned out… Don’t we already have Chelsea Piers?
Why dog owners push for dog runs? Simple they are needed, far more than 4 person at a time tennis courts and or pay for use facilities… We the “public” need water, air, and open spaced views… Living in man made canyons gets taxing… Did I say taxing
Monica McLaughlin
Dec 16th, 2009
An argument for a dog run that everyone, particularly non-dog owners, should appreciate is that the existence of a dog runs results in a cleaner surrounding neighborhood. Dogs really like to go to the bathroom where all the other dogs have already gone to the bathroom. The first thing most dogs do after entering a dog run is go to the bathroom. Dog runs, especially those with sand, dirt or wood chip surfaces, are dog excreting magnets.
As an owner of 2 dogs and as a sometimes dog-run user, I can attest from personal experience that there is an incredible concentration of deficating animals inside of dog runs. Without dog runs, all this activity will happen on the sidewalks. Poop scooping does not deal at all with gallons upon gallons of dog urine nor does it remove 100% of the fecal matter . Better that remainder be left in a dog run than on the sidewalk.
Denise Levine
Dec 16th, 2009
I oppose a dog run outside Pier 40. If dogs are using the dog run as a bathroom, this is unpleasant and possibly unhealthy for humans that use the dog run or walk, run, or bicycle past it. In fact, amNew York has an article today (12/16/09), “When pets attack each other,” which indicates that Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital on the upper east side, says that pet-on-pet injuries regularly occur in NYC, especially at dog runs.
Monica McLaughlin
Dec 16th, 2009
>>If dogs are using the dog run as a bathroom, this is unpleasant and possibly unhealthy for humans that use the dog run or walk, run, or bicycle past it.
It is only unpleasant or unhealthy if one is actually inside the dog run. Modern dog runs tend to be constructed with double-fencing and garden plantings outside to create a buffer zone for the surrounding park / neighborhood. And like I said, this excretement will be on the street if not in the run — something that is definitely both unpleasand and unhealthy. It isn’t as if the dogs are going to stop producing it, if they don’t have a dog run to go in.
Besides, most dog runs have a “Pit Boss’, a person or group of persons that take it upon themselves to deal with the growning mounds of dog excretement and other dog-related issues. Sidewalks don’t have this sort of a clean-up crew.
Regarding dogs that have spats inside dog runs: Children attack one another in schools and in playgrounds all the time. Should we close down all the schools and playgrounds?
Bob Marino
Dec 16th, 2009
A larger dog park in the environs of Pier 40 would serve the needs of thousands of West Side dog owners. The Leroy Street dog run is one of the smallest in the city. The current space has been inadequate from day one.
Furthermore, it is paved in asphalt. Hard surfaces are dangerous for active dogs. Asphalt is exceedingly slippery when wet. And in summer, it retains heat and is unhealthy for dogs.
Fortunately, the local community of dog owners there is one of the best. They help maintain the space. They have purchased small pools to allow dogs to cool off in summer. They assist dog owners needing help or advice, and they establish standards of behavior to self-police the space quietly.
As others have posted, the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation has publicly stated that dog owners comprise the largest use-specific patrons of all city parks. It is disingenuous to say that “parks are just for people” since dogs are accompanied by humans.
Dog parks provide needed, safe recreational spaces for dogs. They help socialize them; making them better neighbors when walked on sidewalks. They help tire them so they are quieter at home. And they allow dog owners and dogs to play together in crowded urban environments where unfenced, off-leash recreation may not be possible. Dog parks allow seniors and handicapped taxpayers to let their dogs off-leash without fear of them wandering off.
One dog owner herein erroneously posted that dogs typically relieve themselves in dog runs. She practically implied that dog parks are canine toilets. That is blatantly false. Dog parks are not festering repositories of germs. Dogs do not “wait” when taken out for a walk. They relieve themselves while being walked to the dog park.
Within any community there are the responsible and irresponsible. Dogs do not tag buildings with graffiti. They do not toss litter on the sidewalks or from car windows. They do not rob or burglarize. People do. Happily, most people are good, and the same can be said about dogs.
Pier 40 should be redeveloped to provide needed recreation space for the community. Chelsea, the Village, West Village, and SoHo have the least among of park space per resident in the city. Sadly, this is also true for dogs. The pier and surrounding Hudson River Park are large enough to accommodate a substantially larger dog park without diminishing the amenities for non-dog owners.
The New York Council of Dog Owner Groups (NYCdog.org and NYCoffleash.com) is an umbrella organization of dog owner groups from throughout the five boroughs. We have nearly forty dog park groups represented along with many off-leash groups. The dog owners at Leroy Street were vital members in our successful campaign to codify off-leash in the city. We support their efforts to convince officials to substantially enlarge and redesign the dog park (with separate large and dog areas) as part of the Pier 40 project.
West 13th Resident
Dec 16th, 2009
How about something simple. Grass and fields of grass that are unregulated. A place to toss a football, a frisbee, or any other pick-up game of sports without having to be part of some organized group that booked the field for use months in advance. Trees. Park benches. accessible garden areas. Kid friendly areas, playgrounds. An adequate size space for dog owners to gather with their dogs in at least 2 locations. In short, usable park space for residents. Not more plants stuck in concrete bunkers that just look good from a car speeding down the west side highway. In short, usable unregulated park space. What we use to call “a park.”
Weehawker
Dec 18th, 2009
A dinghy dock. Where small (motor-less?) boats can tie up for a couple of hours to enjoy the…dogwalk or Trader Joe’s or parking lot or whatever else is built. Nowhere else in this hemisphere is there so much water with so few places to tie up a small boat without great hassle.
Elisa D.
Dec 19th, 2009
What is wrong with this survey? A lot of things, in fact. Many of the arguments that were made at previous community board meetings are not included in this survey. Where is the community boating aspect? Where is the inner field space? Where is the dog park? This survey does not reflect the needs of the community, but it reflects what developers are proposing–ideas that are going to be shot down by a quaint community.
I have been attending Lang College for three years and got involved with boat building with the President of the Village Community Boathouse in 2008. Since then, I have built two boats by hand, and I am in the process of taking part in completing the third boat. Village Community Boathouse provides something unique for both the New School, Stuyvesant High School, City As School, and New York Harbor School–easy access to the Hudson River. Their programs teach students that access is essential to people who live in a city surrounded by water, the environmental impacts the surrounding cities have had on the river over time, team building skills and maritime skills they would not learn had they not been on the water so easily.
The Village Community Boathouse has been looking at new spaces in case we’re not grandfathered into the new plans, but we deserve to remain where we are. Pier 40 provides easy access to a body of water that is easier to navigate than the Hudson River. The Hudson River Park Trust has been generous to us, and it is not easy to find an affordable space to house 8 or more boats for a small price while allowing members of the community, local and for those who live far away, free rowing and sailing. We do not want to become a membership type boathouse, we want to give back to the community by allowing them to come down and row without a price tag.
The experience of being a volunteer for the boathouse has changed my life, and I would hate to see this place go. Don’t forget the organization that combines education and recreation for youth and adults near and far, because it wouldn’t be serving the needs of the people at all.
Barry Weiser
Dec 19th, 2009
My 2 cents I support the Village Community Boathouse …
Barry
Mary Nell Hawk
Dec 19th, 2009
I agree with prior comments about the value and inspiration inherent in maritime uses of Pier 40. So few of New York’s urban parks have a location like Hudson River Park’s: perfect for re-introducing the public, youth, families, and adults, to our region’s largest public open space, its majestic rivers and harbor estuary. My understanding is that this is also the chartered purpose of the park, including Pier 40. I see Pier 40’s goal as not only to provide funds for other aspects of Hudson River Park, but also to foster maritime uses of its own, such as pedestrian walkways around the perimeter, community boathouses to get people out onto the water, non-profits where people see and participate in boat-building and maritime skills, for-profits such as Manhattan Kayak, a marina for sailboats and small powerboats sharing space with human power boaters, a waterfront cafe, historic boats, parking, a place for people to drop a line and go fishing, and educational entities that make curricular connections between the estuary environment and a range of interdisciplinary academics. The associated park-oriented, indoor, and profit-making uses of Pier 40 connect with the maritime uses, providing a vision and purpose for a large, formerly commercial, pier within a large public park on the water!
helifreenyc
Dec 20th, 2009
I am astounded that the idea of “motorized aircraft” DBA HELICOPTERS, would even appear on this survey, unless, as some have said , it is a developer’s survey.
Safety of anyone using Pier 40 for any reason is compromized by having helicopters use any part of the pier or adjacent floating docks. Witness the tragic accident this summer.
Helicopters are currently prohibited in the Hudson River Park and the current 38th Street heliport is operating under a court settlement that will Phase it out. Do not let these polluters, who only service the elite and foreign visitors(what new yorker would consider using these death traps) buy there way back into our lives!!
C. Riley
Dec 20th, 2009
Bearing in mind that the useage needs to be self-supporting, and therefore necessitates my accepting things that aren’t in my ‘dream scenario,’ I think a pay-for-use or membership tennis center is a great idea for the nucleus of the building…which could be entirely indoors. This could be surrounded by shops and eateries around the periphery, which would all face the water outward. Then the roof area could still be ballfields. Given the entire riverfront is now a park, the pier doesn’t really need to include that. I think this strikes a good line between interesting public usage, and self-supporting economics. The only thig left out would be the parking. I know this is a sensitive thing for people who really like it as a parking resourse, but I just don’t see how they can do it in a way where you could have a meaningful amount of parking coupled with other uses. I guess it kind of comes down to, your owning a car (as I do, and park in a lot on Clarkson) is your personal decision and luxury in the city. And you pay dearly for the privaledge ad/or necessity. The pier can have uses that benefit a far greater swath of people if it doesn’t include parking. And as for low income ANYTHING or subsidized ANYTHING…those simply aren’t realistic, given the need for self-sufficiencent economics.
Elizabeth Adam
Dec 21st, 2009
Let’s remember, we are talking about the Hudson River “PARK” (not parking) Trust. We need a park and all the amenities associated with a park. Since the destruction of Washington Square Park, turning it into a giant plaza and reducing the green space, our neighborhoods need to replenish their green spaces. Our children and dogs need a place to play, our seniors need a place to sit, walk and feel safe. The city is trying to reduce the number of cars and increase foot traffic and bicycle use, so why create more available parking?
Your survey also never mentioned the LGBT youth center. FIERCE has been working toward this goal for years. A marina for non-motorized boats is a wonderful idea. I think a museum of the maritime history of the area, the Hudson River or a science museum geared to the ecology and study of the Hudson, would work. We are suffering through the commercialization of all of our public spaces and enough is enough.
Patrick J. Shields
Dec 21st, 2009
At some point we all know with the current rule-set, that some form of single, large commercial tenant willing to accept the community pressures, historic lack of success in planning, and general lack of consensus on Pier 40. Bear with me on this while I make a commercial suggestion which, at first glance, might be anathema, but take a look at the history, the possibility, and the specifics. I will admit this particular idea has been a fantasy for some time, but I have also participated at times in the Pier 40 process, and this ongoing stalemate has become ludicrous. Let’s take a look at Major League Soccer. I’m writing this as a Village resident, a Pier 40 parker (on and off), and a soccer fan, and in no other capacity. Let’s look at the current history of soccer in the U.S.. It’s beginning to take off, yet still does not require enormous stadiums like the football Jets and Bloomberg wanted. It is being patient in its growth, and eventually, I believe soon, will seek an opportunity inside Manhattan, even if it is small. Look at how many clubs have small stadiums in and around central London. I believe the right owners would look seriously at Pier 40, especially with the knowledge that it might be the only opportunity, EVER, for Major League Soccer in Manhattan. The pit in Pier 40 is big enough for a 15 to 20,000 seat stadium if planned right. A soccer franchise would, by definition, be a fitness oriented outfit, and by rule and agreement with the neighborhood and HRPT, be required to offer and maintain public fields . Imagine a stadium in the pit, then more fields and open park space on the the roof. Maybe even an additional level, above the sides of the stadium all around, below the roof level, for various small fields for inclement weather. As it is now, though it does get used, Pier 40 really is quite useless in the dead of winter. The professional stadium could be used for public and private school championships. Soccer is a walking sport in urban areas. Fans would come by public transportation. Walking bridges over 9A would be a necessity. Jersey fans could come by ferry into whatever marina aspects would be included. The entire roof could effectively be a public park but for a meager stadium opening to the sky. You could still have a franchise which would forever anchor Pier 40, and make future Olympic and World Cup bids more attractive to IOC and FIFA organizers. The Village has always had firsts. How about we take a look at being the first (permanent and successful) soccer franchise in New York City, which, sadly, lacks professional soccer. The only world class city which does not host the world’s sport. Shameful. I guarantee you season tickets would sell out in one hour, the matches would always be sold out, the franchise would be stable and because of that so would Pier 40. And Pier 40 can move forward. Let’s start looking for MLS investors. I e-mailed Sunil Gulati, who runs U.S. Soccer, and he said that this is a matter for private investors. He is an economist, a visionary, and his kids play soccer on Pier 40. Let’s at least start a conversation. I’d rather have a soccer club than a big box store. This is not a Jets type situation. It’s smaller, less intrusive, more viable. It can help move forward a needed park. We all know housing would end up being a sham, so let’s get serious about something. I think this is it. Why don’t we have an architectural competition SPECIFIC to this idea if it gains any traction? George, feel free to consider this for print, but since this is abridged for the blog, if you do, let me actually write a fuller article. You have my e-mail. Thanks for listening.
Patrick J. Shields
Dec 21st, 2009
Please revise my opening sentence to the following: At some point we all know with the current rule-set, that some form of single, large commercial tenant willing to accept the community pressures, historic lack of success in planning, and general lack of consensus on Pier 40, is going to have to be found, and an agreement with them will have to be forged. Time is passing, and Pier 40 is threatened.
Tim Robert
Dec 30th, 2009
I think people mostly come to the water to relax and escape the oppressiveness and claustrophobia of the city. Because of this, and since public access to the riverfront is limited, I think the Pier should be primarily utilized for recreation and the arts, and should have a few amenities such as restaurants. For the same reasons, I think big box stores are a bad idea. I don’t think any kind of residential housing should be built, because this is too valuable an area to be for the benefit the few who would be lucky enough to land a home on the Pier. I am not in favor of any schools, as they would present security and transportation issues with a great number of children coming to and from the Pier.
Robert
Jan 2nd, 2010
Why is it that you include a park area and not a dog park. This city is in desperate need of more spaces for dogs to exercise and play. Please be respectful of the pet community and at least give us a chance to make some changes that will better this city.
Connie Lee
Jan 2nd, 2010
HOW ABOUT A LIBRARY. Library usage is on the rise because of the economy and also because of the reduce and re-use aspect.
GLENN BRISTOW
Jan 2nd, 2010
When I served on CB2 a decade ago, it was estimated that 50,000 dogs lived in our district. I wonder how many dogs live here now?
Three years ago at the Far West 10th Street Fair, I got over 40 signatures on a petition that read: MY DOG DESERVES A RUN AS BIG AS THE MORTON STREET PIER, the stretch of pilings directly north of Pier 40. Kids signed my petition; their parents signed it. All kinds of people signed that petition.
Imagine a dog park as a destination point for tourists and residents alike. A park with each section designed by a different artist (well-publicized competition? by commission?). A water feature. A digging spot. A lap lane for catching frizbees and tennis balls. Shade. Seating. A safe place for the teeny tiny dogs. A concession stand for treats. No humans admitted if not accompanied by a dog. Barking allowed.
I guarantee you 100% that more commerce and recreation will occur on Pier 40 and its environs with a world-famous dog park than with a Costco.
Don’t you think it’s about time this city — our city — stopped looking at all of us as just consumers or workers? That Quality of Life is more important than Quantity of Choices?
My “talking” dog Sandra Dee came up with a nifty haiku that sums her feelings on the matter:
Give us a big enough place to play
And then we won’t pee on your plants!
Best regards,
s/Glenn Bristow
Sandra Koponen
Jan 8th, 2010
Recreational community rowing and the Village Community Boathouse (VCB) should definetly remain at Pier 40. It is the best affordable respite from city life and right now the only downtown boathouse available to the public at large. Helping New Yorkers to reconnect with majestic Hudson and to experience NYC on the water helps NYers (and visitors) experience Manhattan as an island to connect to NYC history. The whitehall gigs used by VCB are just like those used to ferry NYers across the Hudson in the past. and are built by NYC youth. Support the continuation of VCB at Pier 40!! It is one of NYs little known treasures!!
Ruth Lindner
Jan 9th, 2010
The only essential use of Pier 40 is for community boating - the opportunity for all to get out on the water and enjoy our greatest resource. Many other uses are possible, but boating is the only one that requires being on the water.
Eric
Jan 26th, 2010
I would like to see an LGBTQ youth center serving as a 24 hour safe and affirming space for queer people to congregate. The large population of queer youth on the streets represents a danger to their physical, mental, and emotional well being and they need a place to have activities that support them.
Sky Hall
Jan 26th, 2010
I would like to see a youth center for LGBTQ youth. As the development along the river in the West Village has evolved, young lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer folks have been pushed around.
Young folks need a place to hang out that is free of harassment!!!
For years that place was at pier at the end of Christopher Street, but now police won’t let kids hang out there. These days a young person might flee an unsupportive environment at home only to get picked on by the police in the West Village simply because city policy changed and young queers are no longer welcome to hang out together. We owe it to the young people of the city to make sure that there is a place where LGBTQ folks can connect.
Pier 40 should have a center for LGBTQ youth.
Kyle Applegate
Jan 26th, 2010
I definitely would NOT like to see more large shopping outlets. The city needs more green space and public space. An LGBTQ youth center on the west side and art based activities are very important to me, as well as affordable housing.
John C
Jan 26th, 2010
I would like to see a 24 hr Youth Center for LGBTQ youth providing them with activities and a place of refuge from the street.
Becki
Jan 26th, 2010
I would also like to see a 34 hour youth center for LGBTQ youth.
Tim
Jan 26th, 2010
I would like a LGBTQ youth center built at Pier 40.
Kathy P
Jan 27th, 2010
Sara. sounds like you need to move to the suburbs where you and your trust fund should be very happy. The village is a friendly place where dogs are part of our world. Since they are not allowed on any public grass even on a leash, dog runs are the only option. You are the reason the village is now one large shoe store and trust fund babies.
A dog run is a great idea. A gay youth center with some shelter options is also important. Lets not forget who made the village what it is, there was a time it was an alternative, artistic and animal loving place where many of us felt at home. Now it is amazing we can walk without someone stepping on our dogs with their Jimmy Choos shoes…..
Alan T
Feb 1st, 2010
BIG PICTURE- The pier is a motor vehicle/pedestrian/marine interface, on a large scale….
I think we have to focus on what we have already:
*Easy access parking that’s phenominally underutilized. Acres of unused indoor blacktop.
*Equally important, thousands of feet of waterfront dockspace, partially filled.
*An outdoor sports field that seems to be active 24/7.
*Dozens of vacant or underutilized office spaces.
*And last but not least… endless square feet of million dollar views on the rooftop, with weeds growing through the cracks in the blacktop.
Pier 40 could be the jewel of the city if the solution involves just utilizing what we have already with an inexpensive, recession era solution, in harmony with the Hudson.
Perhaps an exact list of the vacancies would give us a sense of scale.
Kathy P
Feb 2nd, 2010
I had mentioned a shelter/youth center for gay lesbian youth, but would like to add the strong need for supervision by trained youth workers and volunteers. The dances at the center have all staff there and numerous volunteers and it is one of the most wonderful youth events I have been involved in. No fights, everyone happy to have a place to be themselves. I have been a social worker for 20ish years so this is unique even to me. If we have stores maybe some of the ones that were pushed out. Bookstores, craft stores and places that are great but clearly not great enough to pull in 60,000 dollars per month for rent. It also seems very clear we enjoy a dog run. The river park lets sex occur on the grass, but I get a ticket if my tiny dog steps foot on the grass. Most dog owners want to bring their dog when they go outside.
catherine granum
Mar 3rd, 2010
i would like to see a 24 hour facility for LGBT youth, to honor what has been historically a safe gay space.