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TRANSCRIPT
Battery Park CityOpen Community Meeting
July 20, 2016
Agenda• Welcome
• BPC Highlights
• Offshore Sailing School – Update
• BPC Parks – Summer Programing Highlights
• Allied Barton Update, 2Q 2016
• Project Updates
• Upcoming Events
• South End Avenue / West Thames Street Survey – Summary
• Q&A
BPC HIGHLIGHTS
The America’s Cup World Series Event
• Saturday & Sunday, May 7-8
• Approx. 180,000 people in Battery Park City over course of the event
• Exclusively for BPC Residents:
Dedicated use of free Racing Simulator for hour each day
Reserved community seating on Marina’s north end
Free ice cream for all – 11am-1pm each day
BPC Community Day
• June 24, 2016 @ BPC Community Center, Stuyvesant High School
• Featured outdoor lawn games, refreshments and prizes, and fitness classes for all
• CCSHS Membership increased 55% since April price reduction, including 15% increase since Community Day
• New CCSHS Annual Membership Rates:
Adults (18+): $199 Adult BPC Residents: $179 Youth, Seniors (62+), Military: $79 BPC Resident Youths, Seniors & Military: $59
Day Passes also available, ranging from $10-$15
Liberty Park & Liberty Park Bridge Opening
• Liberty Park & Bridge opened to public on June 28.
• Joint project between BPCA, Brookfield, PANYNJ, with input from lower Manhattan community
“The connective tissue between Battery Park City and the
larger downtown community is now complete, drawing
together two neighborhoods in a shared future.”
- BPCA President & COO Shari C. Hyman
Eastern Boundary Agreement – BPCA & NYC
• BPCA renewed request to City to continue Eastern Boundary maintenance.
BPC Esplanade – Dismount & Working Group
• BPCA-Community Board 1 working group to solicit public feedback and develop recommendations for bicycle usage on the BPC Esplanade.
Working group to consist of BPCA, CB1 and public members
Public meetings and feedback Issue recommendations in Fall 2016
• Dismount zone around North Cove Marina instituted in parallel
Allied Barton Ambassadors & Brookfield Security reminding cyclists of rule
BPC Summer Community Sail Program
• Free Cruises Available on historic Shearwater & Ventura vessels on first-come, first-served basis in July and August.
• Program jointly sponsored by BPCA, Brookfield, IGY, and Captains Tom Berton and Patrick Harris.
• First Community Sail – Sunday, July 17 – sold out within 24 hours
• Remaining Dates & Times: Saturday, July 23 / Shearwater / “Harbor Sail” – boarding @ 9:45am Sunday, July 31 / Ventura / “Water Stories” – boarding @ 10:15am Wednesday, August 3 / Shearwater / “City Lights Sail” – boarding @
9:15PM Sunday, August 14 / Ventura / “BYO Doggies” – boarding @ 10:15am Saturday, August 20 / Shearwater / “Harbor Sail” – boarding @ 9:45am
Offshore Sailing School
• NYKidsSail – weeklong introductory program for children aged 7-17 Total of 82 registrants this season Limited slots still available for August
• Corporate Racing League – Wednesday nights, June-August Slots available for August series (8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24)
• Discounted Memberships Available – July 1 through remaining season
• Contact Jim Moore or Meg Reilly @ 212-786-4888 or [email protected]
BPC PARKS PROGRAMMING
BPC PARKS PROGRAMMING• Swedish Midsummer
• Shakespeare in the Park
• River & Blues Festival
• Summer Art Intensive for Teens
• Sunset Yoga
“Titania, queen of the fairies, slumbered beneath a tree in Nelson A. Rockefeller Park, not far off the path that curves along the Hudson River in Battery Park City. When she arose, wearing a crown of brambles and a gown the colors of the sea, small children were among the passers-by who stopped to watch with rapt attention.”
- The New York Times
Town Hall Presentation
July 20, 2016
Presenter:
Patrick Murphy
27%
36%
11%
5%
9%
2% 4%
3%
1% 1%
1%
2% 3%
1%Operations
Park Rules Lost/Found Property Unsecured Property Information Assist Homeless/Vagrant
Lost/Missing Person Medical Emergency Parking Vandalism Harassment/Assault
Trespassing Safety Concerns Accident- Personal/Auto Theft
Activity Metrics: Q2 (April – June)
Information gathered from reports submitted by Safety Ambassadors
Quarterly Activity Reports
Quarterly Activity Reports
Activity Metrics: Q2 (April – June)
Information gathered from reports submitted by Safety Ambassadors
60%
1%
9%
7%
3%
8%
9%
11%
Maintenance
Lighting Winter Hazard Graffiti Carpentry Mason/Hard Surfaces Trash Landscape Plumbing
CURRENT FOCUS AREAS & EVENTS
• Quality of Life Issues – Skateboarding, Noise, Disorderly
Youth
• West Thames Park & Ball Field Security
• Community Outreach Events:
Bike & Child Safety –August 2, 4pm-6pm
@ BPC Ball Fields
Emergency Preparedness Meeting –August 4, 8:30am-12pm
@ 6 River Terrace
Future Endeavors
Q & A
Battery Park City
Lost & Found Contact Information
AlliedBarton Command Center211 North End Avenue
(212) [email protected]
PROJECT UPDATES
• Police Memorial Vault @ Kowsky Plaza
PROJECT UPDATES
• Irish Hunger Memorial
UPCOMING EVENTS• River & Blues Concert Series @ Wagner Park
Robert Randolph & The Family Band – Thursday, July 21, 7pm-8:30pm Daddy Long Legs – Thursday, July 28, 7pm-8:30pm
• Kevin Hart // Rally HealthFest Saturday, July 30, 9:30am-2pm @ Rockefeller Park
• National Night Out Against Crime Tuesday, August 2, 5:30pm-8pm @ South Street Seaport
• BPC Parks Silent Summer Dance Party Saturday, August 6, 12pm-4pm @ Rockefeller Park
• Kulturfest NYC // Tararam (Dance Performance), co-sponsored by National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene Sunday, August 7, 4pm @ Wagner Park
• BPC Parks Brazilian Dance Featuring Liliana Araujo Saturday, August 13, 6:30pm-8pm @ Esplanade Plaza
• Battery Dance Festival• Sunday-Friday, August 14-19 @ Wagner Park
South End Avenue & West Thames StreetSurvey Results
South End Avenue & West Thames Street
Project Area
Topics
• Resident Survey
On-line survey of residents in project area
• Intercept survey
Workers and visitors surveyed in person
• Retailers Survey
Interviews with a sampling of retailers
75% Visiting major local tourist destinations
2 of 3
Intercept Survey Visitors
Respondents: 260 total
Visitors: 68
Workers: 192
Just over
Found neighborhood food and
beverage offerings appealing
half
Found the location of restaurants
and retail convenient
Restaurants
Grocery
Clothing
Intercept Survey Workers
Respondents: 260 total
Visitors: 68
Workers: 192
Desired retail
47% Dine or shop in the neighborhood daily
44% Dine on South End Avenue
during the work week
Retailers SurveyMost frequently mentioned issues
Traffic
Concerns about double parking and bus stop location.
SignageNeed clarification on conflicting signage guidelines.
VisibilityArcades are good for customers, but reduce storefront visibility and encourage dog waste.
StreetscapeOutdoor space is critical for restaurants in summer
months. Concerns regarding street vendors.
Foot Traffic Brookfield Place renovation has increased competition and decreased foot traffic. Retailers have had limited success in attracting area visitors / tourists.
“Signage
guidelines are
unclear,
limited, or conflicting”
Resident Survey
• On line survey distributed by building managers
• Survey open from December 16, 2015 to
January 21, 2016
• 568 Responses
Gateway ● Liberty View ● Liberty Court ● The Soundings
Cove Club ● The Regatta ● Liberty Terrace
Battery Pointe ● 225 Rector ● 1 Rector ● Liberty House
Hudson Tower ● Hudson View West ● Hudson View East
Most Frequent Response ResidentResident Survey
Topic: Pedestrian Safety/Traffic
• Inadequate crosswalks
• Vehicles not adhering to
traffic rules
• Service vehicle conflicts:
Truck loading & unloadingDouble-parked vehiclesObstructed sidewalksTour bus traffic
“Crossing can be
hazardous where there are no lights and no
crosswalks…”
Resident Survey
Topic: Pedestrian Safety/Traffic
50%Drive
Primary mode of transportation:
11%Bike4%
30%
Topic: Pedestrian Safety/Traffic
Resident Survey
Walk
Subway
43% own cars compared to 23% of
Manhattan residents as a whole.
(NYC EDC)
80% of car owners park in Battery Park City
Resident Survey
of households have at least one cyclist53%
Topic: Pedestrian Safety/Traffic
Most Frequent Response ResidentResident Survey
survey most frequents Topic 1Traffic:
“Cars are going too fast on South
End…stop signs are BADLY needed
on South End and Rector”
“The streets are wide and
encourage speeding. Please
narrow the street and slow the
traffic down!”
“I love the wide open boulevards
in BPC and would hate to see them
obstructed…”
“Too many bike riders”
“…needs designated bike paths…’
“The trucks parking in the middle
of the street are a huge risk.”
“LIGHTS! We need more traffic
lights!”
“Cross walks needed at Rector
Place and South End…”
Topic: Pedestrian Safety/Traffic
Most Frequent Response ResidentResident Survey
survey most frequents Topic 1Traffic:
“Bike deliveries not adhering to
traffic rules.”
“Who decided parking tour busses
in active bus stops is allowed?”
“Cars coasting for parking spots.”
“Public safety officers
not….enforcing traffic regulations.”
“Street parking is always full.
Should be metered.”
“…competition for (delivery)
space leaves workers at the
Gateway store aiming their hand
trucks at pedestrians.”
“Double parked cars and trucks
are a major problem.”
Topic: Pedestrian Safety/Traffic
Streetscape—Most Frequent Responses
Resident Survey
Topic: Streetscape
Streetscape—Most Frequent ResponsesTopic: Streetscape
Resident Survey
Just over
of the residents are satisfied with
the overall pedestrian experience of South End
Avenue.
half
About
perceive a lack of spaces to sit
relax or socialize along the
corridor
57%
”..sidewalk space should be used
for sitting or cafes...”
”..Make it a cute main street with
lampposts, awnings, etc...”
”..South End Avenue looks ugly as it is now...”
”..more outdoor activities...”
”..Could use benches and
amenities...”
Streetscape—Most Frequent Responses
Resident Survey
29%
of pet owners have dogs
”..The stench of dog urine in the
summer is foul and unhygienic ...”
“Pet friendly restaurants would be
an amazing idea.”
“Pet friendly restaurants is a
disgusting idea.”
Topic: Streetscape
*85%
have pets.
*
Topic—Retail
Resident Survey
Resident Survey
Only1/3of residents are satisfied
with retail offerings in the
neighborhood.feel the arcades have a
positive impact by providing
shelter from wind and rain
58%
Only 21%find the storefronts attractive.
Topic—Retail
Grocery stores, restaurants & bars are the most frequently visited
They were also cited as needing the most improvement
Resident Survey
Topic—Retail
Narrative comments provided specific retail suggestions
Quality and affordable grocery stores (60)
Different types of restaurants indoor and outdoor (32)Hardware store (21)
Coffee shops (18)
None: no new retail (18)
Fewer dry cleaners (7)
Resident Survey
“A simple Greek diner or old style
coffee shop…”
“Affordable clothing store”
“DECENT AND AFFORDABLE
GROCERY STORE LIKE TRADER JOE’S
OR FAIRWAY”“Frozen yogurt….ice
cream…bakery”
“Better wine and liquor stores that
stay open later.”
“Unique mom and pop restaurants
instead of corporate chains.”
“Child friendly cafes with books
and toys so parents can relax.”
“HARDWARE STORE!!!”
“None. Leave us alone. No more
retail.”
“It amazes me that a waterfront
community has not one
destination restaurant.”
“Retail shopping: card store, florist,
etc.”
“Way too many dry cleaners.”
Topic—Retail
Resident Survey
“(Arcades are) an unusual and
desirable architectural feature of
our neighborhood.”
“THEY PROVIDE NEEDED
PROTECTION FROM SNOW, ICE,
WIND AND RAIN.”
“(Arcades) are part of the
neighborhood and the cover is great
in inclement weather; if change
would mean developing a retail
strategy and bringing better retail,
then it might be a good idea, but if
the same old thing, no. .”
“Incredibly ugly and poorly
conceptualized.”
“Generally, I like the idea of them
but they are poorly lit and look
shabby.”
“I love the arcades.”
“Decreases property values
because it is dated and not
current.”
“Dog owners load them up with
pee and poop but for avoiding
rain they are great!.”
Topic—Retail
Conclusions drawn from survey results
Pedestrian street crossings -- significant safety concern for area residents,
exacerbated by
o High vehicle speeds in southern part of corridor
o Chaotic traffic movement & vehicle standing/parking conditions
in northern section
o Increased volume of taxis, black cars and tourist buses
o Largely unfettered commercial loading/unloading behaviors
o Bicyclists’ (especially delivery bikes) failure to abide by traffic rules
Significant width of street contributes to vehicular speed and pedestrian
crossing danger.
Bicyclists traveling in bike lanes are also at risk due to traffic conditions
Pedestrian safety / traffic
• Area residents have somewhat divergent viewpoints as to what makes their community special.
• Residents and visitors have mixed reactions to the character of the corridor. Some appreciate the quiet and the architecture of the arcades; others bemoan the dated look of the facades and the limited restaurant / retail offerings.
• Sidewalk widths along the west side of SEA (exclusive of the space within the arcades) are viewed as inadequate.
• Favorite seating/gathering places along the corridor include Rector Park, the cul de sac and restaurant spaces at the south end of SEA and the outdoor dining space at Southwest.
• Improved lighting is desired for both safety and ambiance.
• The arcades provide much-appreciated protection against the elements, but are not uniformly viewed as attractive. Lighting, safety and cleanliness are concerns.
Conclusions drawn from survey results
Streetscape
Several of the neighborhood retailers are long-standing and have
a strong commitment to the neighborhood.
The arcades pose some challenges to retail visibility and
cleanliness along the corridor; however, signage restrictions are
viewed as greater impediments to retail businesses.
Visitors frequently walk through or along the corridor on their way
someplace else or for “no particular reason.”
Enhancement of the corridor’s pedestrian environment and
improvement of its retail/restaurant offerings may encourage more
passersby and casual visitors to shop or dine
Conclusions drawn from survey results
Retail
Grocery offerings are not meeting current demand.
Significant interest in additional/improved outdoor dining
opportunities.
Significant numbers of area workers visit restaurants/retail
businesses in the corridor on a frequent basis.
Among residents, workers and visitors, there is a distinct desire for
more retail/restaurant variety and improved retail/restaurant
quality.
Given the number of area residents, local workers and visitors who
already frequent the area, along with those who have expressed
interest in more retail options in the corridor, there is an opportunity
to enhance the retail performance of the corridor, if desired.
Conclusions drawn from survey results
Retail
Dates:
July 25, 2016 5:00 to 8:00pm
August 1, 2016 5:00 to 8:00pm
Location:
6 River Terrace
Next Steps
Community Open House
South End Avenue & West Thames StreetSurvey Results
Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
Thank You for Attending!