Manhattan Community Board 1 rejects proposed location for delivery charging hub
Board chair Tammy Meltzer says the board was asked to review the proposal to replace the newsstand for a delivery hub on the basis of its compatibility with the historic landmark district.
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A proposal to replace an old newsstand near City Hall Park with a delivery e-bike charging hub was met with rejection by Manhattan's Community Board 1.
"We would love to be the first to get a deliverista hub, but it’s got to be in a place that’s really good for not only the deliveristas but the people that walk and circulate around the community," said Tammy Meltzer, chair of Manhattan Community Board 1.
Meltzer says the board was asked to review the proposal to replace the newsstand for a delivery hub on the basis of its compatibility with the historic landmark district. The board voted no. Ultimately, concerns over both the location and its impact on sidewalk usage led to the rejection.
"That is the location where people are protesting. That is a pedestrian location, it’s accessible to the subways, people walking up and down - there are tourists, people going to work," added Meltzer.
The city’s Parks Department, in collaboration with advocacy groups, proposed replacing the vacant newsstand with a pioneering e-bike hub. The hub design included nearly 50 battery charging stations, a bike repair facility and amenities for cyclists.
However, Meltzer suggested alternative locations, such as the 1 Centre Street Plaza, as more suitable options. "We think that this location to consider for a deliverista hub is amazing because you could have everything - you could have a charging hub, you could have a public restroom and even if they can’t get the public restrooms built, there’s a public restroom inside our building right here," she stated.
Melzer also added that the plaza is right off of a two-way bike lane. A spokesperson for the Parks Department expressed readiness to collaborate with the community board and present the proposal to the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Meltzer emphasized the board's eagerness to engage in discussions with City Hall.
"We’re waiting for City Hall. We’ve heard nothing," Meltzer added.
The next review of the proposal is scheduled with the board’s Landmarks Preservation Commission on April 16.
