BY SCOTT STIFFLER | The first step in Jamestown Properties’ desire to vertically expand their iconic Chelsea Market property — with the addition of 240,00 square feet of office space and a 90,000 square foot hotel — could be taken on Monday, April 9.
Community Board 4 (CB4) District Manager Robert J. Benfatto told Chelsea Now in an April 3 email, “Certification looks very likely to occur that Monday, but I will not know for certain until the afternoon of April 5th when City Planning finalizes the schedule and agenda for that day.”
Once granted, ULURP (Uniform Land Use Review Procedure) certification sets the stage for a public review process during which CB4, Borough President Scott Stringer and the City Planning Commission will voice their opinions — culminating in a vote by the City Council subject only to mayoral override.
“I have heard no new proposed changes to the plan,” Benfatto said — responding to widespread speculation that Jamestown may be willing to offer additional benefits to the community and jettison plans for the hotel (while retaining its 90,000 square feet for additional office space).
Speaking on behalf of Jamestown, The Marino Organization’s Lee Silberstein told Chelsea Now in an April 3 email, “As is typical for a development of this nature, Jamestown continues to refine its proposal as it prepares for the official public review and approval process. We anticipate that the dialogue with key stakeholders will continue leading up to and throughout the approval process.”
“As it is now,” Benfatto noted, “the certified plan will look similar to the draft application. Any changes will come at a later date.”
If ULURP certification does occur on April 9, CB4’s Chelsea Preservation & Planning Committee (CP&P) will discuss the matter on April 16, at a 6:30pm meeting that’s open to the public. On May 2, at 6:30pm, a public hearing will take place as part of CB4’s monthly full board meeting. Both CP&P and the full board will vote on the Jamestown proposal at the conclusion of their respective meetings. For location information, visit nyc.gov/mcb4.
