TESTIMONY
Lo van der Valk on Potential Changes to Retail Use Regulations on Madison Avenue
6:52:16
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108 sec
Lo van der Valk, President of Carnegie Hill Neighbors, warns against changes to Madison Avenue's retail use regulations under the economic opportunity plan.
- Van der Valk represents Carnegie Hill Neighbors, emphasizing the significance of Madison Avenue's current retail environment shaped by special district regulations.
- The testimony highlights how Madison Avenue has thrived due to restrictions on retail uses, attracting world-class brands.
- Van der Valk argues that the economic opportunity plan's uniform use policy threatens Madison Avenue's unique character and its appeal to premier fashion and quality goods brands.
- The request is made for the committee and city council to maintain Madison Avenue's special retail use categorizations to preserve its global reputation and economic contributions through tourism and taxation.
Lo van der Valk
6:52:16
Thank you, Jared Riley.
6:52:18
For this opportunity to speak.
6:52:19
My name is Low Van Der Volk.
6:52:21
And as president, I represent Carnegie Uncle Neighbors, a preservation and quality of life organization, our catchment area, is in the upper east side from 86 TO 96th Street from Center Park to Third Avenue.
6:52:33
It includes Madison Avenue.
6:52:35
We were founded in 1970.
6:52:37
Our national goal was to create a historic district, and we succeeded in 1973.
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But this was a tiny district limited to a few Blocks traveling Madison Avenue.
6:52:47
The city planning commission recognized this shortcoming In compensation, it created in that same year 1 of the early special districts, the special Madison Avenue, preservation distance.
6:52:59
Over the last 50 years, Madison Avenue has Prosper.
6:53:02
We believe this is a no small part due to the limited uses allowed for retail establishments as a part of the special district.
6:53:12
Madison Avenue is truly iconic and world class brands seek to locate there.
6:53:17
But the plan embedded in COY for economic opportunity We'll eliminate these retail use distinctions and apply the general uses for the city at large, much like one size.
6:53:28
So We believe this is a mistake and threatens to change the character of Madison Avenue, not in 1 or 2 years, but over time.
6:53:36
We urged the committee and the city council to retain the current list of special uses now in place for the special Madison Avenue, preservation district.
6:53:44
This will allow Madison Avenue to retain its world wide reputation as a place that attracts the best brand names in fashion and quality goods.
6:53:54
And through tourism and tax and and benefit the city through tourism and tax and tax revenues.
6:54:01
Thank you, and I will be submitting a written statement.