The proposal involves a rezoning of this protected district's perimeter, a move that will allow larger buildings to be constructed there. The hope is that it will ensure the longevity of Broadway theater while providing a planning strategy and urban design controls for Eighth Avenue. But opponents contend this isn't about theater at all. They said the plan, cloaked in good intentions, is actually a land grab ultimately serving real estate interests and developers with deep pockets. Many of Hell's Kitchen residents, such as Rockafellow, who work in the theater, are steadfastly opposed to the measure, worried that their affordable, low-density neighborhood would be destroyed.
Critics maintain the plan comes at a suspicious time.
Times Square is charged, coming off the biggest season in recent history, and 60 percent of the audience is comprised of tourists. One aim of this plan is to address the need for large musical and theatrical productions, the kind tourists flock to. This leaves many residents with fiery opinions wondering what lengths the city will go to capture the big tourist dollars. The Broadway Initiative is nothing more than a pacifier. It is through such presentations and dialogues that everyone's point of view is heard, she said.