Developer Must Reveal Final Plans For Upper West Side Site: Elected Officials

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Elected officials are calling on Extell Development to "be open and honest with its neighbors" about a development site the firm has assembled on the Upper West Side.

City Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal, State Senator Brad Hoylman and State Assemblyman Richard Gottfried wrote a letter to Extell's Gary Barnett demanding that the high-powered developer reveal the ultimate plans for 36-44 West 66th Street — located between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.

In 2015, Extell filed plans for a 25-story building on the site but have recently refused to confirm if those plans were final, elected official wrote in their letter. Upper West Siders are concerned that Extell will eventually file plans for a larger development due to recently-acquired development rights "far in excess" of the 2015 proposal.

"If Extell has plans for the site other than the plans that have been filed, Extell should be forthright about it and amend what is on file with the DOB. Even if such plans are incomplete, it is not acceptable to leave neighbors to react to and plan for a building that is never intended to be built," Rosenthal, Hoylman and Gottfried wrote.

Extell's development history may also concern Upper West Siders. Barnett's firm is developing some of New York City's most ambitious projects including the 75-story, 1,005-feet-tall One57 and the planned 95-story, 1,755-feet-tall Central Park Tower on "Billionaire's Row."

Should Extell chose to file new plans for a larger development at 36-44 West 66th Street it would "surely provoke a reaction from the community and from our offices," elected officials wrote in their letter.

"An open and communicative process that engages local residents and stakeholders is critical to maintaining good relations with the community throughout the development process," Rosenthal, Hoylman and Gottfried wrote."

"Extell must do the right thing and be open and honest with its neighbors starting today."

Extell Development did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Check out the entire letter below:

Photo by Google Maps street view