Major de Blasio Fundraiser and Lobbyist Continues Push
to Transform Neighborhood

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From the 14th Street Tech Hub upzoning to multiple towers up to 1,000 ft. tall that sidestepped zoning approvals, from a huge new hotel on East 11th Street for which five “landmark-eligible” buildings were demolished without objection by the City to lifting a deed restriction allowing housing for seniors with AIDS to become luxury condos, Capalino+Company has been one of the most successful lobbyists in New York City. Particularly in the East Village/Lower East Side, even as its principal has been one of the Mayor’s most prodigious fundraisers. As reported in today’s Daily News, this pattern of getting (or avoiding the need for) approvals from the City while supporting the Mayor’s fundraising activities is breathtaking in its scope. In this one community board, this lobbyist is shepherding through projects dramatically transforming the character of this neighborhood.

Capalino+Co. projects (from top. l.) Moxy Hotel, 112 E. 11th St.; Tech Hub, 120 E. 14th St.; (middle) Rivington House, 45 Rivington St.; (bottom)Two Bridges Towers, Cherry St.; Former CHARAS/P.S. 64, 605 E. 9th St.

Capalino+Co. are seeking to build upon that success with approval of an air rights transfer on St. Marks Place that would allow a planned ‘boutique’ office tower to grow 20% larger than zoning normally allows. With the approval they also recently secured for the “Tech Hub” upzoning on 14th Street from the Mayor and City Council last year, the transformation of the area south of Union Square into an extension of ‘Silicon Alley’ and Midtown South is in full swing.

Current conditions (l.) and proposed boutique office tower enlarged by air rights transfers on St. Marks Place and Third Avenue.

Community Board #3 Manhattan has already opposed the transfer, as have State Senator Brad Hoylman and Assemblymember Deborah Glick. Borough President Gale Brewer, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the City Planning Commission, and ultimately City Councilmember Carlina Rivera and the City Council will vote upon and decide whether or not this latest project is approved.

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Major de Blasio Fundraiser and Lobbyist Continues Push to Transform Neighborhood

Major de Blasio Fundraiser and Lobbyist Continues Push
to Transform Neighborhood