City Should Limit MSG’s Operating Permit to Five Years

There have been some who have argued that the MSG operating permit is a minor administrative matter. MAS begs to differ with this thinking. The role of stadiums in New York City life and culture is rightfully considered by many to be as important as the city’s theaters, and art museums. They both provide vital stages for sports teams and musical performances and draw both city residents and out-of-town visitors. However, their very stature and importance to New York City mean that they should play the role of respectful and responsible civic partners in the broad community needs of the city. The terms of this operating permit call the question of whether MSG will be that respectful and responsible civic partner and recognizes the complex dynamics that drive the visioning for the redevelopment of Block 781.

MAS has long believed that MSG should move to allow for a robust rethinking and ultimately rebuilding of Penn Station to take place. Over the few years, we have also come to believe that New York City also deserves a better MSG. The lack of deep civic dialogue about what is best for both Penn Station and MSG has left the civic community with little choice but to call repeatedly for a relocation. It is neither the civic community’s job to envision a better stadium for MSG, nor to find it the right location. However, for decades that is what we have tried to do. It is also not the public sector’s responsibility to pay for it.

The operating permit before you is an opportunity for the City to express its support for the transformation of both Penn Station and MSG. We hope that you will provide that strong direction with the appropriate balance of carrots and sticks.

The City Planning Commission (CPC) should grant an Arena Special Permit for a maximum of only five (5) years, not in perpetuity as requested by MSG. This will encourage our elected officials and MSG to act, and work with all stakeholders and the public to find a solution for the future of Penn Station that reflects its importance to the economy of New York City and the Northeast region, with its reconstruction being publicly funded and embracing many functions: a transit hub, critical neighborhood infrastructure, and a part of a commercial and residential district.

In recent weeks, a new approach to Penn Station and Madison Square Garden has renewed hope for achieving a grand train hall and gracious public space. At the moment, the proposal has no standing. However, it holds promise to resolve critical issues such as pedestrian circulation, establishing street presence, internal station coherence and wayfinding, placemaking, and freight access. This proposal should affect the current decision-making regarding the operating permit. It shows that we have vastly more expansive options than have been presented to the public for an improved train hall and area circulation. We must not shy away from exploring and selecting amongst the most innovative options, within the real practical constraints of the moment, including the availability of Federal funding.

The Department of City Planning’s (DPC) proposed Zoning Text Amendment to Section 74-41 to incorporate additional required findings for the Arena Special Permit clearly signals that the ongoing development of Penn Station as a main transit hub with suitable public realm amenities above-ground for the movement of people must be the priority for Block 781. Indeed, the public use of Penn Station must be paramount to all the uses on the block, including Madison Square Garden and 2 Penn.

MAS recommends the City Planning Commission (CPC) approach the future of MSG in two phases. The first phase, assuming the special permit is granted for five years, should produce substantial improvements to Penn Station above- and below-ground with MSG remaining in its current location and configuration. Phase two would be executed as part of a subsequent permit, when MSG has moved to another site or is reconfigured on-site.

MAS’s specific recommendations are outlined below.

1. A revitalized public open space is essential for improvements to Penn Station. The addition of benches, planters, and decorative pavers are nice amenities, but are not sufficient. DCP should prioritize pedestrians and commuters along all adjacent streets and avenues and the 33rd Street corridor (Plaza 33) should be expanded westward toward 8th Avenue to provide appropriate proportions and quality design of public space that facilitates public use and a better pedestrian circulation network, pursuant to DCP’s proposed Findings #2 and #3, respectively.
2. MSG’s Loading and Staging must first and foremost be responsive to the changing configuration of Penn Station. In addition, the plan should be referred to the Chief Public Realm Officer for review, be consistent with the recommendations of the Public Realm Task Force, and finally be referred to the Public Design Commission for review of the overall public open space, for DCP’s due consideration, pursuant to their proposed Findings #5.
3. MAS urges CPC and the City Council to compel MSG to be a responsible partner to city and regional infrastructure. MSG must produce a long-term plan for the creation a vibrant pedestrian/commuter corridor between 31st -33rd streets, consistent in color and design with the open areas along Moynihan Train Hall’s Eighth Avenue frontage, pursuant to their proposed Findings #2 (aforementioned), #3 (aforementioned), and #6.
4. The Special Use Permit should not be extended beyond the 5 years unless there is objective evidence that the reconfiguration or re-siting of MSG has made significant planning progress at the time of an extension application. Significant progress will be evaluated on the basis of written agreement amongst the parties on Block 781 including MSG, and/or the existence of substantial plans for that reconfiguration or re-siting is submitted with the extension application.

Thank you for this opportunity to submit written testimony and welcome any opportunity to discuss these comments with your committee.

Yours truly,

Elizabeth Goldstein
President