Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 3:32AM
Manhattan, New York (WABC) — The New York City Council’s Land Use Committee approved a five-year permit for Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Monday.
The permit will allow MSG to continue operating over Penn Station in Manhattan.
The council subcommittee blocked the approval of the long-term permit, citing the ongoing conflict between Penn Station and MSG.
Many believe MSG needs to be relocated to allow for a proper upgrade of the nation’s busiest passenger train station.
“We can’t wait five years to talk about this again and develop a plan; we need to seize the moment and work now to develop a sustainable strategy for the district and the train stations beneath it,” said Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Advocate.
At the same time, proponents of the license see MSG as a staple of the community.
“We are disappointed,” MSG Entertainment said in a statement. “These councils are doing New Yorkers a disservice today, and this short-sighted action will further erode the city — now and five years from now.”
Still, if approved, the permit will be temporary. At best, it would stall the matchups for another five years: MSG has no permanent home, and Penn Station has no long-term plans for a revamp.
The plans approved by the City Council subcommittee still need to be approved by the full City Council. The vote is expected to take place on September 14.
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