EAST RIVERManhattan District Five council member Ben Kallos is proposing improvements to the East Side Esplanade between 65th and 77th streets. Kallos is proposing the transfer of some unused space in the 12-block-span to the Parks Department who could reappoint it as part of the esplanade, granting more space to one of the borough's districts with the least open space per capita. Kallos is also asking for the installation of a "green noise barrier" between the esplanade and highway to mitigate noise pollution and increase area greenery. [CurbedWire inbox; previously]
MIDTOWNToday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission announced the creation of the New York City Archaeological Repository. The repository will curate artifacts found in the city, that range in age from over 1,000 years old to the late 19th century. Artifacts were formerly kept in 13 locations across the city, but will now reside in a 1,400-square-foot climate-controlled space at 114 West 47th Street that was donated to the city by The Durst Organization to honor urban archaeologist Nan Rothschild. The collection will be overseen by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. [CurbedWire inbox]