Report: Tech Hub receives CB3 committee support

Report: Tech Hub receives CB3 committee support
On Wednesday night, CB3’s Economic Development Committee and Land Use, Zoning, Public & Private Housing Committee voted in favor of creating a “workforce development and digital skills training center” at the P.C. Richard site on 14th Street at Irving Place. As the Lo-Down reported, committee members “rejected calls to require zoning protections in the area as a condition of approval.”The full CB3 board vote will take place on Feb. 27. Expect more debate between now and then — and especially during that meeting.Here’s a quick recap from the Lo-Down:Project supporters believe the center would bring desperately needed (free and low-cost) career training services to low-income youth on the Lower East Side. Critics, however, are worried that the glossy commercial complex would be a catalyst for rampant over-development in the blocks to the south of 14th Street. While Community Board 3 has already endorsed a protective zoning proposal for the Third and Fourth Avenue corridors, preservation activists want CB3 to go a step further — withholding support for the tech center unless the city agrees to a rezoning.Read their full article here.Patch had a reporter at the meeting as well. Find that article here.The mayor’s project requires several zoning changes, and faces many hurdles before getting the final OK. The full CB3 board, the Manhattan borough president and the City Planning Commission will still weigh in before the issue comes before City Council for a vote later this year.Previously on EV Grieve:Behold Civic Hall, the high-tech future of Union Square — and NYCSpeaking out against a ‘Silicon Alley’ in this neighborhoodP.C. Richard puts up the moving signs on 14th Street; more Tech Hub debate to come