Hell’s Kitchen and Sustainable City Principles

Abstract

This chapter aims to determine the extent that the planning of the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood addresses Sustainable City Principles (SCPs). The Hell’s Kitchen is one of three selected case study Manhattan neighborhoods (of nine studied neighborhoods over three New York boroughs). The chapter firstly provides a background to Hell’s Kitchen, including results of an on-ground author survey of the neighborhood. Three key Sustainable City Principles (SCPs) (were adopted in Chap. 2) are then introduced, including: Heritage Protection; Housing Provision: and, Open Spaces Allocation. Urban development in Hell’s Kitchen is then examined using the three SCPs as a guide The Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood needs and issues are then examined (under the three SCPs). This examination is centered on the annual profile report completed by the Manhattan Community Board 4 (containing Hell’s Kitchen) for the City Council. A Hell’s Kitchen case study redevelopment project (e.g. Hudson Yards) is then selected. The SCPs are addressed for this case study and conclusions drawn. Finally, an overall conclusion is drawn on the extent that the planning of Hell’s Kitchen addresses the SCPs. With this conclusion, it’s noted that comments are made in the final chapter (after examining all neighborhoods) on the extent neighborhood planning in New York addresses SCPs. It is also noted that the final chapter will comment on neighborhood planning addressing SCPs in any city or urban area (also referencing futurists and planning theorists as introduced respectively in Chaps. 1 and 2).

Plate 5.1

James Cagney (Source Wikipedia 2017)

Addendum 5.1: Key Needs and Issues Within Manhattan Community District 4 Statement of Needs Report Fiscal Year 2017

• (a) The District has a population of 103,245 (2010), an increase of (18% since the Census of 2000). The bulk of this growth is concentrated in the rezoned areas and is a faster growth rate than most parts of New York City. Those residents on income supplements represent 15.9% of the population.

• (b) Attracting development that makes available more affordable housing that is permanent and enhances diversity and positive neighborhood relations among disparate groups,

• (c) Maintaining neighborhood character and supporting the stability of a long standing local retail presence in our communities,

• (d) Preventing displacement and eviction of residents and small businesses

• (e) Improving environmental quality of air, water, and land.

• (f) As a result of recent rezoning, significant new commercial and residential development is now possible in formerly industrial districts. The Community Board has strived for balance between the redevelopment of these areas with the preservation and expansion of the district’s residential neighborhoods. A major priority is ensuring that new development helps produce more permanent affordable housing. See the development of large scale proposals in the corridor between West 30th and West 35th Streets.

• (g) The rapid increase in land value is accelerating the displacement of many long-time tenants and services, while the new benefits of the development have yet to materialize.

• (h) The massive rezoning actions on the west side have created thousands of market rate units. It made the neighborhoods of Chelsea & Hell’s kitchen very attractive and expensive. This increasingly expensive supply has accelerated the loss of affordable units and it is threatening the preservation of the neighborhood character with loss of diversity in residents as well as in businesses.

• (i) Affordable housing within the District is critical to house the diverse population of artists, students, minimum wage earners and seniors. This mixed population includes the backbone of the service and cultural economy of the city, as well as many of the most frail and isolated members of our community. It is critical that the city free up subsidies to replenish the inventory of affordable housing units in the West side of Manhattan. Manhattan Community Board 4 (Hell’s Kitchen) has developed a detailed plan to generate and preserve about 10,000 units in our district.

• (j) Homelessness has been increasing over the past few years. Many homeless people need social services, in particular drug treatment and/or mental health services. The presence of very large homeless shelters and drug rehabilitation centers has also brought major stress to the community.

• (k) The number of people over age 65 began to increase substantially beginning in 2011 as the oldest members of the baby-boom generation reach the 65-year mark. The number of people age 65 or older will nearly double between 2000 and 2030.

• (l) Precinct is stretched to the limit with: Hudson Yards project to add tens of thousands of residents; the installation of new tourist destinations (Whitney Museum and High Line); and, new commuter flows from #7 subway.

• (m) Manhattan Community District 4 (Hell’s Kitchen) ranks last out of Manhattan’s 12 community boards when it comes to open spaces.