That is the moment of truth for plans to create the primary full-size, purpose-built film, television and digital studio in Manhattan.
The proposal for an obsolete Pier 94 on the Hudson River near West 54th Street will go to a final public hearing on May 24 on the Dept. of Citywide Services.
The plan of the studio results from an agreement between the town’s Economic Development Corp. and a team of joint-venture developers formed by Vornado, Hudson Pacific Properties and Blackstone.
After a hearing, the deal is predicted to go to Mayor Eric Adams for approval, despite some neighborhood complaints.
The plans for the pier were first announced in 2011 and significantly revised in 2021.
The unique proposal was for an enormous trade fair facility. Nonetheless, the state’s decision to significantly expand the nearby Jacob Javits Convention Center made the step redundant.
Demolition of the old pier is because of start within the autumn, where a small market is currently held.
The studio complex will probably be roughly 230,000 square feet.
The terms require developers to begin construction inside six months of signing the lease and customarily complete the work 4 years after signing the lease.
Responding to neighborhood concerns, the developers also agreed to offer public restrooms in Hudson River Park, an 1,850-square-foot public recreation area, a 25,000-square-foot waterfront open space, and safety improvements to the bike path.
Some members of Community Board 4 complained that Vornado should pay to renovate the abandoned Pier 92, which is adjoining to Pier 94 and was originally intended to be a part of the project.
However the argument was moot on condition that Vornado’s 2011 lease with Economic Development Corp. it explicitly placed responsibility for repairs to Pier 92 on the town.