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Jerry Saliman (not verified) says:
Whether for New Yorkers or the multitudes who visit the city and the neighborhood each year, Greenwich Village embodies not only a unique charm and European-style sense of humanity, but also an important historical heritage. These aspects of the neighborhood also have an economic value, albeit one that may be difficult to quantify.
The Rudin company's current proposal, if carried out, is of such a disproportionately towering scale that it would chip away irrevocably at the neighborhood's physical presence as well as its social and cultural legacy. In doing so, the project also would diminish the economic value of the neighborhood to the city.
The creation of historic districts within the city, whether in the block where St. Vincent's is located, recognizes these unique features and attempts to preserve them for everyone's benefit. In overriding this designation, the Rudin organization seeks to put its judgment and financial interests above those of the planners and others who labored for many years to create and preserve the Greenwich Village historic district.
In view of the historically valuable real estate in the Village and in New York, the supposed risk that Mr. Rudin invokes with respect to his development is, as his financial analysts surely advised him early on, one with a good shot at a signficant reward--for the Rudin organization. In other words, it is disingenuous to claim that development of the site is "a huge risk." Regarding the 3,000 supporters of the project, how many are paid St. Vincent's staff or union members? The alternative plan submitted by preservationists attempts to preserve the value and character of Greenwich Village, while recognizing the need to update St. Vincent's facilities. If the neighborhood is willing to compromise in allowing some development to move forward, it is important to understand why the Rudin organization refuses to make the slightest compromise. In these matters, an arrogant "all or nothing" approach only arouses antagonism.
Whether for New Yorkers or the multitudes who visit the city and the neighborhood each year, Greenwich Village embodies not only a unique charm and European-style sense of humanity, but also an important historical heritage. These aspects of the neighborhood also have an economic value, albeit one that may be difficult to quantify.
The Rudin company's current proposal, if carried out, is of such a disproportionately towering scale that it would chip away irrevocably at the neighborhood's physical presence as well as its social and cultural legacy. In doing so, the project also would diminish the economic value of the neighborhood to the city.
The creation of historic districts within the city, whether in the block where St. Vincent's is located, recognizes these unique features and attempts to preserve them for everyone's benefit. In overriding this designation, the Rudin organization seeks to put its judgment and financial interests above those of the planners and others who labored for many years to create and preserve the Greenwich Village historic district.
In view of the historically valuable real estate in the Village and in New York, the supposed risk that Mr. Rudin invokes with respect to his development is, as his financial analysts surely advised him early on, one with a good shot at a signficant reward--for the Rudin organization. In other words, it is disingenuous to claim that development of the site is "a huge risk." Regarding the 3,000 supporters of the project, how many are paid St. Vincent's staff or union members? The alternative plan submitted by preservationists attempts to preserve the value and character of Greenwich Village, while recognizing the need to update St. Vincent's facilities. If the neighborhood is willing to compromise in allowing some development to move forward, it is important to understand why the Rudin organization refuses to make the slightest compromise. In these matters, an arrogant "all or nothing" approach only arouses antagonism.