Park Association opposes beer garden land grab
Re: “Mixed Buzz on Pier 62 Beer Garden” (news, July 30, 2015):
To The Editor:
The Chelsea Waterside Park Association is adamantly opposed to the proposal by Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT) to remove approximately 10,800 square feet of public park space to be used for a commercial enterprise at Pier 62 — which currently affords residents and visitors the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the Hudson River (our square footage estimate is based on measurements taken at the site from a plan provided by HRPT’s proposal, which did not have any measurements and includes the planting areas as part of the proposed site).
Multiple venues exist for eating and drinking along the waterfront. The Frying Pan has been serving food and drinks at Pier 66 for almost 21 years. Chelsea Piers has its venue, and Pier 57 will provide people multiple opportunities to sample many different cuisines and drinks, and will also have outdoor seating along the river. Hudson River Cafe/Pier 45 offers a beautiful setting. All of these venues are directly accessible from the main promenade. Patrons do not need to walk through the park to reach the site.
The eastern entrance to the proposed Biergarten is approximately 550 feet from the main entrance to Chelsea Piers. Patrons will have to navigate their way back passing the Children’s Carousel (which is only 25 feet away), as well as the skateboard rink and the Great Lawn, which are heavily used by families (both approximately 200 feet away).
Are the monetary gains really worth closing off this space to the many visitors not inclined to the “Biergarten Experience,” who will no longer be able to enjoy this space? Is having more places to eat and drink what the Hudson River Park was established for? Will sections of the park now be made available only to paying customers?
We strongly urge that CB4 vote to deny HRPT’s proposed plan to take away a cherished and unique public space and convert it to a drinking and eating establishment for paying customers.
The Chelsea Waterside Park Association
Beer is a ‘sorry excuse for a financial plan’
Re: “Mixed Buzz on Pier 62 Beer Garden” (news, July 30, 2015):
To The Editor:
Let’s just call this what it is: a hard-liquor bar in a park. Next to a merry-go-round. From Munich to Astoria, beer gardens are open spaces in city blocks, not bars in parks.
Madelyn Wils’ piece should be titled “Public Investment, Private Enjoyment.” It’s really about commercial exploitation of publicly created parkland. Remember Jamestown Properties’ deal to change zoning so it could build an office tower right over the High Line, robbing open space and sunlight from park visitors? As sad as it is to see private businesses muscling their way into parks like hogs to a trough, it’s sadder yet to see park officials like Joshua David or Madelyn Wils beating a path for them. What a sorry excuse for a financial plan!
A small minority may prefer a bar in the park. There are those who like to take a boombox to the beach, too. The city’s a giant machine for making money. How lovely to go to its edge and escape all that! How lovely it was.
David Holowka
FEEDBACK FROM FACEBOOK
Re: “Tenants Turn the Corner at W. 23rd & 11th (news, Aug. 20, 2015):
The tenants clearly do not trust their landlord’s hollow promises. And they do not want to depend on government agencies or the judicial system to dispense justice in a timely fashion…if at all. While the project sounds alright, the landlord’s past untrustworthy actions and heavy handed tactics have created suspicion and resistance, and rightly so.
New watchdog era, indeed.
Annette Evans
Re: Possible NYCHA Privatization Riles Residents (news, Aug. 13, 2015):
Don’t ever allow any kind of privatization to bleed public property and its beneficiaries to death. Who owns the land determines its use and future. It is also the most potent tool for City planning and for providing an inclusive environment for its citizens.
The problem of the Housing Authority is simply one of incompetence and political corruption. That is what needs to be changed.
Umberto Dindo
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