Remember the plans for Little Italy on the Hudson? They're alive and well after the Hudson River Park Trust trimmed the list of contenders for Pier 57 redevelopment from four to two. Proposals from two community groups were axed in favor of those from Chelsea Piers (the gym people) and the Cipriani Restaurant Group (whose scheme, Leonardo, is above).
Those who worry that business interests may be unfairly influencing the selection process should be calmed by the words of James Ortenzio, a former chairperson of the Hudson River Park Trust board of directors. He tells The Villager, "I would be in favor of a government of Finland proposal to keep reindeer or cheese on the pier if they paid $3 million a year."
· Pier 57 plans down to 2: Chelsea Piers vs. Cipriani [The Villager]
· Chelsea Pier 57 Development: Little Italy on Hudson? [Curbed]