Dear Neighbor,

Since we sent you our December Newsletter, Community Board 8 scheduled an additional meeting on Tuesday, December 8 at 6:30pm to discuss the proposed Blood Center expansion project. 

If you would like to make your voice heard in support, opposition or with improvements to their plan, please RSVP to attend this virtual meeting.

In November, the New York Blood Center’s proposal for a 300-foot tall tower was presented to Community Board 8. The presentation, which included a shadow study of the impact of the new Blood Center project on St. Catherine's Park, is pictured above. Having seen the shadow study, I expressed my concerns at the beginning of the community board meeting and stayed to hear support, opposition, or solutions since I will have a vote at the end of the process. At the event, there were over 100 people in opposition, with only 20 or so in support. You can see the presentation at Community Board 8 for yourself.

Below are the full details and agenda for Tuesday's Community Board 8 hearing:

Community Board 8
Zoning and Development Meeting on the New York Blood Center
Tuesday, December 8, 6:30pm
RSVP

AGENDA:

1. New York Blood Center proposal to rezone the site to allow the construction of a 16-story, 334-foot-tall building,  The Blood Center is located in the mid-block, (66-67 st) zoned R8B- residential use   where the height limit is 75 feet, and it proposes to  rezone the site to allow the construction of a 16-story, 334-foot-tall building, their request includes 4 different changes in zoning.  The Blood Center has partnered with a commercial developer Longfellow who will rent out the space above the first 5 stories.   The Blood Center will occupy the 1st 5 floors.

An Environmental Assessment Study (EAS) has determined that this project will have an impact on the environment, which requires an Environmental Impact Study and a scoping session. At the session, you will be able to ask questions and propose items for the study to answer.

Environmental Scoping Session on the New York Blood Center
Tuesday, December 15, 2pm
RSVP Here

• Environmental Assessment Statement
• Draft Scope of Work
• Scoping Notice

Written comments will be accepted through Thursday, December 31. Comments can be submitted by email to [email protected]. I want to hear from you too, so please also submit your statements in support, opposition, solutions, or written testimonies to [email protected].

Regards,
Ben Kallos