'Poor Door' To Get Redesign At West Side Manhattan Skyscraper As Opposition To Them Mounts
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A developer and city officials say some changes have been negotiated in a plan for a so-called "poor door" for less-affluent residents of a Riverside Boulevard development.
People who live in the pricey condos at 40 Riverside Blvd. will still enter through the front lobby.
But The Wall Street Journal says residents of the affordable portion will now get shared access to a courtyard and a roof deck facing the Hudson River.
Executives from developer Larry Silverstein's company and its partner say they'll position that entrance to face a planned public park.
It also will feature custom wood and a lobby with a glass facade.
City Council Member Opposes 'Poor Doors'
City officials call the project a model for integrating affordable and market-rate apartments. But they're also hoping for changes in the law to forbid separate entrances.
"This is the 21st century, I don't think we need two entrances," City Council member Helen Rosenthal told WCBS 880's Rich Lamb. "What's so concerning is that there would be any opportunity for, really, segregation based on income. That in the same building you would have two separate doors, one for affordable tenants and one for market rate tenants."
Rosenthal is working with the de Blasio administration to close a loophole in the zoning law that would have the effect of banning the "poor doors," Lamb reported.
The Riverside Boulevard project, between 61st and 62nd streets, will have 219 units overlooking the Hudson River and 55 affordable units facing the street.
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