NEW YORK BUILDING CONGRESS ARCHITECTS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
at
SWANKE HAYDEN CONNELL ARCHITECTS
295 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
12:00 noon

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION

Attendance:
Richard T. Anderson, Rick Bell, J. Max Bond Jr., Joan Blumenfeld, Amanda M. Burden, Robert Chapman, Cathy DelliCarpini-Krsue, Bruce S. Fowle, Jim Greenberg, Michael Greene, Marc Gross, Jordan L. Gruzen, Alton Gursel, Richard Seth Hayden, Roger Klein, Katie MacCracken, George H. Miller, Jordan Schuler, Aaron B. Schwarz, Gerard Vasisko

Council members were welcomed to Swanke Hayden Connell Architects by Richard Hayden who reported that Joseph Aliotta was unable to attend the meeting. Co-Chair Mary-Jean Eastman also was overseas on business.

The meeting was chaired by Building Congress Vice Chairman J. Max Bond Jr. Following a round of introductions, Mr. Bond introduced guest speaker Amanda M. Burden, Chair of the New York City Planning Commission. She was appointed Chair of the Commission by Mayor Bloomberg early in 2002 and previously was a member of the Commission for a number of years.

Mr. Bond said Ms. Burden distinguished herself in New York City planning and design over the past two years. Earlier in her career, she was Director of Planning at the Center for Court Innovation, Coordinator for Planning and Development at the Midtown Community Court Project, Vice President of Planning and Design at the Battery Park City Authority and Vice President of Architecture and Design at the New York State Urban Development Corporation. In all of these capacities, Amanda Burden has demonstrated exceptional design sensitivity and thoughtfulness.

Ms. Burden highlighted the Planning Department’s overall planning strategy for New York City. She said it is based on a number of core principles and City-wide objectives. These include:

1. Restore and enhance Lower Manhattan
2. Implement Hudson Yards Master Plan
3. Strengthen Regional Business District
4. Facilitate Housing Production
5. Protect Neighborhood Character
6. Foster Mix-Use
7. Revitalize the Waterfront and Enhance Public Open Spaces
8. Urban Design Master Plans for Significant Sites
9. Promote Design Excellence

In discussion, Council inquired about housing and manufacturing initiatives and also specifics regarding the Hudson Yards Plan. Ms. Burden also was asked whether additional staff or consultants were retained for all the new planning work. She said current staff and budgets provided for all of the new work.

Further discussion included Waterfront planning and access, relations with other agencies, Governor’s Island, and Roosevelt Island. Ms. Burden also indicated that the Environmental Impact Statement process needs evaluation.

Mr. Bond thanked Ms. Burden for a highly-informative presentation and said the Building Congress and Architect Leadership Council would support the Planning Commission’s efforts in every way possible.

Before adjourning, Mr. Anderson reported that new Co-Chairs of the Council will be Jordan Gruzen and Richard Southwick. Over the summer, they will work with outgoing Co-Chairs Mary-Jean Eastman and Joseph Aliotta on a transition program.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m. with appreciation to Swanke Hayden Connell Architects for hosting the luncheon.

Prepared by,

Richard T. Anderson
President
RTA/rc