journalfront

Construction

Tangled City Agencies & Secret Construction on W35th St by Developer

2024-12-12

The future of a newly-built 25-story hotel on W35th Street has reached a critical juncture. Community leaders and city records reveal that the developer, Weihong Hu, has repeatedly defied stop work orders and even rented a storefront on an adjacent street to secretly continue construction. This property, located at 317 - 319 W35th St (bw 8/9th Ave), where two tenement buildings once stood, has been a source of contention for nearly a decade.

Unraveling the Legal and Ethical Quandary of a Hotel's Construction

History of the Controversy

In 2016, members of Manhattan Community Board 4 noticed the illegal demolition of two century-old tenement buildings in a "preservation area" of the Garment District. Despite the DOB's disapproval of the demolition plans, Hu and her team met with various authorities over the next three years to create a plan for a hotel with 11 units of permanently affordable housing. However, in 2019, they went silent for two years. Then, in March 2021, the community discovered that the buildings' facade had been illegally demolished. The DOB promptly issued a stop work order and a $1,250 fine, but lifted it in November 2022 without notifying the community. Moreover, they approved a plan for a full hotel development without any affordable housing units.

After THE CITY's investigation in the spring of this year revealed Hu's close ties to Mayor Eric Adams and his administration, the DOB issued a new stop work order and met with community members. The commissioner of the DOB apologized for the mistakes and admitted there was no communication between the DOB and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

The Illegal Storefront Operation

Despite the stop work orders, Hu rented a commercial storefront on W36th St to bring construction materials and workers into the W35th St building undetected. This illegal activity continued until October 3 of this year when the DOB issued another stop work order.

Less than two weeks later, through newly-acquired attorneys, Hu presented a new plan including affordable housing. Attorney Alvin Schein accompanied by Eric Palatnik assured the community that they were there to make things right and that they were in the process of acquiring additional development rights from an adjacent building to convert the mechanical space into residential units.

Current Status and Future Plans

To "make it happen," the developer needs to rearrange the mechanical equipment between the second and fifth floors to make way for 10 affordable housing units. On November 27, the DOB partially rescinded the stop work order to allow for weatherization, but other work remains on hold until the new development plan is finalized.

At an MCB4 meeting last week (December 5), board members were generally favorable but expressed concerns about the security of the elevator and fire stairs shared by affordable unit residents and hotel guests. Schein assured them that once the plans were approved, they would proceed as quickly as possible as it was in the developer's interest to open the hotel and start earning money.

The construction industry is set to make a grand return to the heart of Washington, DC this May. AEM, along with its members and construction industry partners, are gearing up to showcase the latest advancements and initiatives in the field. This event promises to be a showcase of cutting-edge innovations, workforce development efforts, and sustainability initiatives.

Unparalleled Opportunity for Education and Engagement

The second Celebration of Construction on the National Mall, scheduled for May 14 - 16, 2025, will feature the latest in emissions technology, alternative power sources, building materials, and construction methods. These advancements are aimed at creating greater efficiencies, enhancing worker safety, and developing the workforce. It will also facilitate substantive policy discussions with agency officials who directly impact regulations critical to the off-road equipment industry.During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with policymakers who craft programs and legislation that affect construction equipment manufacturers and their customers. The exhibition area between the Capital Building and Washington Monument will showcase construction equipment, components, and hands-on exhibits from industry partners.“AEM Vice President of Construction and Utility John Somers emphasizes the significance of this event. For the second time, the construction industry will be at the forefront in our nation’s capital, demonstrating the immense impact it has on building our country and the world. The timing is perfect as our industry takes center stage with the 119th Congress and new Administration coming into shape. It is crucial that we work together to educate individuals about the equipment, materials, tools, and people needed to build the infrastructure for our country’s prosperity,” said Somers.With policymakers in Washington set to debate critical issues for off-road equipment manufacturers in the coming year, this celebration provides an unparalleled opportunity to educate those who impact the industry and establish AEM as a trusted leader capable of facilitating future discussions.Those interested in participating in this unique industry event are encouraged to contact AEM’s Nick Tindall directly at ntindall@aem.org. Due to limited space, it is essential to reach out in a timely manner.The construction industry’s presence on the National Mall will not only showcase its achievements but also pave the way for future collaborations and growth. It is a time to come together and celebrate the progress made while looking towards a brighter future for the construction sector.The event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and enthusiasts to discuss the latest trends and challenges in construction. It will serve as a platform for sharing ideas and best practices, and for forging partnerships that will drive innovation and development in the industry.In conclusion, the second Celebration of Construction on the National Mall is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the construction industry. It offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and be part of something truly special.

Google is set to make a significant leap in the realm of augmented and virtual reality with the launch of a new Android-based XR platform. This move is aimed at accommodating the growing demand for AI features and providing a unified ecosystem for app development across different devices.

Revolutionize Your XR Experience with Google's Android XR

Android XR: The Foundation for Immersive Experiences

Google has announced the launch of Android XR, a platform that will serve as the backbone for immersive experiences. It will support app development on a wide range of devices, including headsets and glasses, opening up new possibilities for developers and users alike. The first developer preview is set to be released on Thursday, bringing with it existing tools like ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR.This platform holds the potential to transform the way we interact with digital content. It allows for seamless transitions between a fully immersive experience and the augmentation of real-world surroundings. Users will be able to control the device using Gemini and seek information about the apps and content they are engaging with.

The Smasung-Built Project Moohan Headset

Android XR will initially launch with the Smasung-built Project Moohan headset. Scheduled for availability next year, this headset is set to be a game-changer in the XR space. However, the launch has faced some delays, with reports suggesting that it was originally supposed to be shipped earlier this year. Despite the setback, Google remains confident in its potential.The headset's ability to easily switch between immersive and augmented modes is a key feature. It offers users a unique and flexible experience, allowing them to seamlessly integrate digital elements into their real-world environments.

App Ecosystem and Gemini

Since Android XR is based on Android, most mobile and tablet apps on the Play Store will be compatible with it. This means that users purchasing an Android headset will have access to a vast library of apps through the Android XR Play Store. This is a significant advantage over other XR platforms that may have limited app availability.Google's strategy with Android XR is also to counter Apple's Vision Pro. While Vision Pro had a limited number of apps at launch and its high cost has been a deterrent for many users, Android XR aims to provide a more accessible and app-rich experience.Google is redesigning various platforms like YouTube, Google TV, Chrome, Maps, and Google Photos to enhance the immersive screen experience. It has also taken steps to ensure better app access for users.The company is adding an Android XR Emulator to Android Studio, enabling developers to visualize their apps in a virtual environment. This emulator features XR controls for using a keyboard and a mouse to emulate navigation in a spatial environment, making development more intuitive.Furthermore, Google is pushing Gemini for Android XR, providing additional screen control and contextual information. It will also support the Circle to search feature, enhancing the overall user experience.

Support for Other Devices

Google hopes to expand the reach of Android XR to glasses with "all-day help" in the future. Prototype glasses are already being seeded to some users, although a specific consumer launch date has not been specified.Demos have shown the potential of Android XR on other devices. For example, a person can ask Gemini to summarize a group chat and get recommendations for buying a card. Another demo demonstrated using glasses to ask for ways to hang shelves.Companies like Lynx, Sony, and XReal, which utilize Qualcomm's XR solutions, will be able to launch more devices with Android XR. Google will also continue to work with Magic Leap on XR, although it remains unclear if Magic Leap will adopt Android XR.Google's past attempts at AR and VR with Project Tango, Daydream, and Cardboard VR have laid the groundwork for its current Android XR effort. The company is now focused on building a sustainable ecosystem that will attract both hardware makers and software developers.