June 7, 2023
New York City Department of City Planning
City Planning Commission
120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271
Chair Garodnick and members of the New York City Planning Commission, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Rich O’Malley, the Director of Communications at the New York Building Congress. We represent over 500 constituent organizations and over 250,000 skilled tradespeople and professionals. They plan, build, maintain, and advance our region, allowing it to thrive.
As New Yorkers, we share everyone’s concerns about what the future holds for Madison Square Garden and Penn Station — two key New York institutions that we rely on, and for very different reasons. Madison Square Garden is undeniably a jewel of our city, an iconic landmark, and we firmly believe that its continued operation is vital for the economic development and cultural vibrancy of New York City. Each year, “The Mecca” attracts over 4 million visitors to Midtown Manhattan, and generates more than $2 billion in economic activity for our city and state. Its strategic location near the transportation nexus that is Penn Station makes it the perfect venue for hosting major concerts, events, Knicks and Rangers games and other cherished public entertainment throughout the year.
As such, the Building Congress strongly support the proposal to allow the continued operation of the Madison Square Garden arena, and approval of the zoning text amendment to update the existing Section 74-41 arena special permit set to expire in July. We urge you to consider the important economic contributions the arena makes to our city. This permit would allow for events with more than 2,500 spectators, and any reduction in its operating capacity would not only affect the arena itself, but also have economic consequences for the businesses that operate in its vicinity.
A full post-pandemic recovery in New York City requires the success of major institutions like Madison Square Garden. At the same time, we actively support Penn Station revitalization, and we firmly believe there is an opportunity here to move beyond the false choice we hear about between two things that New Yorkers deserve. We believe there are ways to both maintain MSG and reimagine Penn Station.
Let's work together to preserve a premier cultural institution that creates jobs for so many people, and revitalize a world-class transit hub that meets the needs not just today but for future generations. The Building Congress recognizes the unique cultural and economic value of Madison Square Garden, and we urge you to reaffirm your commitment to its ongoing success.
Thank you for your time.
