March 27, 2008
MSG Bails Out of Moynihan Station Plan
The NY Sun reports Madison Square Garden officials will just renovate the existing arena instead of being a part of the city and state's ambitious Moynihan Station plans.
An MSG spokesperson said, "Madison Square Garden has decided to move forward with our renovation previously announced in 2004. After exploring several alternatives, it has become clear that the only viable option is a renovation. Details will be available in the coming days. Madison Square Garden supports West Side redevelopment and applauds Senator Schumer's involvement."
Schumer had tried to inspire more hope for Moynihan Station by suggesting the Port Authority take over the project, but the Sun and Observer think MSG's exit is the death knell. Governor Paterson issued a statement, also commending Schumer's work, but emphasized that in order for NY State to do more, federal money is needed. "The immediate task we have in front of us is to secure the necessary funding and complete the environmental process. New York State is willing to lead by example in helping to provide funding for this project, but we can't do it alone."
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Ugh. What a lost opportunity to get rid of that eyesore, Penn Station.
As much as I dislike what the Dolans have done to the Knicks, I say good on 'em with this. The city and state have d--cked around with this project long enough. Let it die a death and let it be a lesson: when you propose a project, approve it and build it instead of endlessly attempting to tweak it and add to it.
www.forgotten-ny.com
So now can we go back to the original plan of making the post office the new Penn Station?
Other than the hell people have to go through exiting after a game, its a great Arena and doesn't need to be replaced. Its just in need of a sprucing up.
The Garden is NOT a "great arena". It has terrible sightlines due to shallow slope of the seats. That said, I am not in favor of more public money for new sports arenas and I think MSG should have to pay taxes.
"The only viable option"? I guess that reads that they couldn't suck more money out of the project to have the city build a new arena for them without them paying dime one. Well as soon as the Knicks and Rangers start drawing a crowd who knows. Perhaps the auto show next year.
The state and/or city should use eminent domain against MSG so a vital transportation project can be built. If anyone wants to build an arena, they should buy the land themselves and build it with their own money.
Dolan, you are the worst human being in the world.
On the upside, the Dolans won't have the opportunity to administer their disastrous poisonous touch on another piece of NYC's heritage--franchise or architecture. They're like King Midas in reverse.
Better that the Farley P.O. remain unmolested until an organization with a whit of good judgment and civic-mindedness attaches itself to the project.
Moynihan lives! The Dolans are ...shrinking ..shrinking ..shrinking
The shame is that they tore down the old Penn station in the first place to build MSG, renovation or not it's ugly as hell don't ya think? Too bad nothing like the old style will ever come around again!
This is a not a real pull out by the dolans - just a negotiating ploy to get more $$.
They are not going to shut down the Garden for a year or so to "renovate" it.
Is it entirely out of the question to rebuild the station as it stood until 1964? The state has the power to kick the Dolans out.