Silvercup West project passes major hurdle.

Silvercup West, one the largest film and television production centers ever proposed on the east coast, passed a major hurdle last week when the project was approved by the New York City Council.

Approval from the council marks an end to the city's mandatory Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, a seven-month public approval process more commonly known by its acronym, ULURP. Completion of this process clears the way for development of the massive 2.7 million-s/f studio, office and residential facility, which is to be built on the Queens East River waterfront, immediately south of the Queensboro-59th Street Bridge.

"We've done the environmental work and we've done ULURP. At this point, everything else is mechanical," said Alan Suna, who co-owns Silvercup Studios with Stuart Match Suna. "We have to finalize our designs, do remediation and file our construction documents, but the hard part is over."

Sometimes punishing for developers, the Silvercup plan made it through its public review process enjoying widespread support from Queens residents, the city and New York's film and television communities.

"Silvercup Studios, one of the pioneers in reviving the film and television industry in New York City, keeps on growing with the exciting addition of Silvercup West, which will create jobs for New Yorkers and generate additional revenues for the City," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in a statement. "New York City's production industry employs 100,000 New Yorkers and generates $5 billion for the City annually, and we are committed to expanding our share of this vital industry."

Developed by the co-owners of Silvercup Studios, Alan Suna and Stuart Match Suna, and designed by Richard Rogers Partnership in collaboration with NBBJ New York as the architect of record, the mixed-use development will include eight soundstages, studio support, commercial office and cultural spaces as well as 1,000 residences.

The project's design calls for the creation of a public waterfront esplanade designed by landscape architectural firm The Olin Partnership.

The esplanade ranges in width from 40 to 90 feet. There is also a publicly accessible roof terrace overlooking the Manhattan skyline. In addition, Silvercup West will include public plazas along Vernon Boulevard. Further, there will be a new street end public open space where 43rd Avenue meets the East River.

The project will be marked with signage near the base that evokes the famous "Silvercup" sign atop the existing studio complex.

"Silvercup West will be a part of the revitalization of the Long Island City waterfront creating a true 24/7 community. Not only will it enhance New York's skyline, but the project's world-class design scheme serves as a gateway to the borough of Queens," said Alan Suna.

Silvercup West will include a mix of uses including residential space (1,000 units), office and retail space (650,000 square feet, 70,000 square feet respectively), a catering hall (40,000 square feet), and cultural space (100,000 square feet).

The developers also have agreed to build 15 percent of the total number of market rate units as affordable housing near the project.

Once designs are finalized and environmental mitigation work on the site is complete, construction work will begin.