Newsday from New York, New York • 37

Phone Items to (212) 303-2850 MANHATTAN CLOSEUP MIDTOWN Townsend Says City Is Business-Minded Hie city ia prepared to forgo billions of dollars in tax revenue to keep and lure businesses. Deputy Mayor Alair Ane Townsend told a womens real estate group Tuesday during a meeting at the Halloran But taxes are not foremost among their clients concerns about surviving in the city. During a question and answer period, Adrian Strizhak, an appraiser, former city planner and board member of the Association of Real Estate Women, said, "Finding homes for middle-income employees and a decent education for their children who cant go to private schools, are considered bigger obstacles. Surveys of businesses, die added in an interview later, consistently rank taxes far below a variety of quality of life issues most companies weigh when pondering a move. Townsend agreed that housing and education were important issues.

Were very cognizant that jobs fellow housing, she said. But she focused her 30-minute luncheon speech on explaining the tax cuts the city has crafted as business enticements. And she asked the groups 200 members for help. "If you know of any firms wanting to leave, she said, "tell them to wait and not make a decision before calling us." Townsend also critized Council woman Ruth Mesaingers proposed commercial rent control measure, predicting it would undo New Yorks surging economy. And she vowed to totally "get rid of the citys unique commercial occupancy tax, which now nets the city $600 million annually, in revenue.

The tax applied to commercial tenants averages 6 percent in Manhattan, less in other boroughs. Tm hoping the next budget will take a major step in cutting this tax, she said. Michael Moss XawalajBldiardLM Devetoper Jeffrey Glick, foreground, and artist Knox Martin touch up paintings on the wall of a eukkah on 14th Street. Is Heavy-Duty Harvest Hut Worlds Largest Sukkah? MURRAY HILL Esplanade Project Endorsed by City The city has endorsed plans submitted by developer Jeffrey Glick for construction of the initial part of the proposed East River Esplanade. The first phase of the project, between 36th and 38th Streets along the East River, was approved recently by the Planning Commission and will cost Glick more than $4 million, the developer said.

It calls for development of a half-acre of land and for a design of fountains, trees, shrubs and a jogging patch. Glick said the esplanade project also will include six exercise stations, outfitted with sit-up bars, parallel bars and an ailla stretch post. The East River Esplanade, originally proposed by Community Board 6 to provide the East Murray Hill area with new recreational space, eventually will stretch from 34th to 41st Streets, officials said. A Glick spokesman said the entire Esplanade project probably wont be completed for more than a decade, because of land restrictions and the need to obtain additional financing other phases of the project. NEWSDAV i'KL'HSDAY, OCTOBER 1987 NY-M By Carol Polaky In a city restless for the best, biggest and brashest, heres the latest: The worlds biggest sukkah.

A sukkah is a hut, usually small, made of cloth, plastic and wood perched in backyards or on urban balconies, in which observant Jewish families eat and sometimes sleep during the weeklong fall thanksgiving festival of Succoth. It commemorates the year's final harvest and the Israelites wanderings in the desert on their way to the Promised Land. It was only a matter of time before someone, in this case City Council President Andrew Stein, came up with a bolder concept a sukkah. A 9-foot tall sukkah, the worlds largest sukkah. Big cnmiffh to shelter 1,000 people on Oct.

13, when ceremonies celebrate the world hunger relief efforts of Israel, as part of a yearlong series of events marking the 40th anniversary of the State of Israel. The Jewish Community Relations Council had asked public officials to come up with anniversary events. On Monday, the feuding Mayor Edward Koch and developer Donald Trump set differences aside to shake hands briefly on the steps of City Hall as part of the event. Wednesday, Stein and developer Jeffrey Glick held their event, cutting the ribbon to the giant Tabernacle of Peace that Stein thought up, Glick financed, and volunteer students from the Ramaz School erected. Observant Jews can eat their Succoth lunches there between Oct.

11 and 14. The holiday runs from Oct. 7 to 16. "Its a huge tent and every wall will be covered with artwork, said Stein aide, Julie Frank! "Weve consulted with quite a number of groups in New York City and there isn't any other one that can hold 1,000 at one shot. Glick owns several parcels along 14th Street, farfnding the site where the sukkah stands, right near Union Square Park He had the parcel blacktopped, donated the bamboo roof, will supply the electricity fence it in, and provide security all for more than $60,000.

Evelyn Strouse, co-chair of the Union Square Park Community Coalition, said that some people had complained about a religious display going up in the neighborhood. But she said she had miad feelings Tm not so sure we need such a public display of any sort of religiousity It calls attention to him, but hes a developer, he has huge buildings that call attention to so perhaps this kind of public spirited gift of religion is the nicest way to call attention to yourself MIDTOWN Italians Honored During Columbus Day Ball U.S. Attorney Rudolph Giuliani and four other Italian Americans will be honored at the annual black tie Columbus Day Ball on Saturday, and special guests from Italy will take part in the Columbus Day Parade two days later. Giulianis public service leadership award will be presented by Gov. Mario Cuomo.

Also receiving awards will be Anthony Insolia, former senior vice praaidant and editor nfNawaday; Franco Mndiglia. ni; Nobel Prize-winner in economics; Rick Pitino, head coach of the New York Knicks; and Anthony Terracciano, president of the Mellon Bank. The ball begins at 8 p.m. at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Park Avenue and 60th Street. On Oct.

12, Guiliani will act as grand marshal for the annual Columbus Day parade. For information about the ball or parade call (212) 3.