New Hearing on MTA ‘Emergency Ventilation Plant’ Project for Mulry Sq., 7th & Greenwich Ave.: The MTA’s plans to construct an emergency ventilation plant at this busy intersection has drawn great criticism from GVSHP and many others. The site is immediately adjacent to St. Vincent’s Hospital, where another large multi-year construction project is being contemplated, there are fragile historic buildings nearby which could be adversely impacted, the plan could require construction of a six-story tall ventilation shaft, and a recent similar MTA project nearby on West 13th Street involved years of delays and disruption. Additionally, GVSHP has raised the possibility of alternatives which it is unclear if the MTA has fully contemplated.

Prior public hearings on the proposal were scarcely publicized and attended. At State Senator Tom Duane’s request, a new hearing has been scheduled on the proposal for Monday, September 24th, giving the broader public an opportunity to find out more and provide feedback.

HOW TO HELP:

*COME TO THE PUBLIC HEARING ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th at 6:30 pm at St. Vincent’s Hospital’s Cronin Auditorium, 170 W. 12th Street. Go to www.gvshp.org/MTAMulrySqLet7-07.htm and www.gvshp.org/documents/MTAVntltnPlntMulrySq7-07.pdf for letters you can use to help raise questions and express concerns about the plan at the hearing.

And now, the MTA is looking at building a ventilation plant in Mulry Square that could be as high as 6-stories in Mulry Square. GVSHP has expressed concern over the impact on traffic and on the fragile surrounding buildings, as well as complications that could arise from the forthcoming construction across the street at St. Vincents. Additionally, one of the two spaces that MTA is considering for the six-story plant is a space that neighborhood activists had rallied to turn into public space: the MTA lot at 61 Greenwich Avenue, most known for the chain link fence which surrounds it and is decorated by the “Tiles for America” created by artisans the world over as a memorial for the victims of 9/11.

July 26th is the last day to submit comments to MTA on their Draft Scoping Document. GVSHP, everyone’s favorite neighborhood watchdog has a sample letter online that you can email or print and mail to the MTA.