We can't get the image of the neon red lights invading Kramer's apartment in the episode of Seinfeld when Kenny Rogers Roasters opened up a joint right outside his bedroom window. The affliction for Northeastern University residents in the proposed building wouldn't be the sleepless nights, apartment trading, and addiction to rotisserie chicken, rather perverse Village People nightmares as the YMCA sign flashes into the evening. If approved, the GrandMarc, a proposed 34 story tower, would be constructed behind the iconic YMCA building on Huntington Ave using a parcel of land purchased from the YMCA and would involve demolishing part of the current Y building.

The proposal was submitted to the Boston Redevelopment Authority for approval and the period for public comment ended last week. While the building is not officially linked to Northeastern the targeted tenants are clearly Northeastern students with the proximity to campus, fully furnished residences, and included utilities. The Northeastern News reports that two independent real estate companies (Phoenix Property Co. and Lincoln Property Co.) have teamed up and submitted the proposal – to mixed reaction from the public. Some are decidedly against it, others are in full support. The nay-sayers have the focus in this type of debate asserting that a 34 story tower has no place in their neighborhood. In the tradition of the BRA's action plans Boston won't likely have a decision on this development plan anytime soon. A scoping project will take place in July, and a full report will be followed by rejection or acceptance of the plan, well, when they're good and ready to get to it.

Photo Courtesy Phoenix Property Co.