By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — Welcome to the real world.
That was Mayor Michael Bloomberg's message to the Empire State Building owner who is fighting plans to build a massive glass skyscraper at 15 Penn Plaza for fear it would block the iconic landmark from view.
At a hearing Monday, Anthony Malkin described the proposed 69-story Vornado Realty office tower as a "monstrosity" that will permanently mar the city's skyline.
But Bloomberg dismissed Malkin's fears, saying the tower "would be great for the city."
"Anybody that builds a building in New York City changes its skyline. You don't have to run around to every other owner and apologize," Bloomberg told reporters Tuesday.
"You know, competition's a wonderful thing. One guy owns a building, he'd like to have it be the only tall building. I'm sorry, that’s not the real world nor should it be."
Bloomberg said the proposal should be seen as a symbol of the city's economic strength.
"If you ever needed an affirmation of people's confidence in the future, I think it's the fact that this group wants to build this building," he said. "It would be a great addition to our skyline."
But not all New Yorkers agree with the mayor.
A poll released by Malkin's supporters found that a majority — 63 percent — believe the City Council should either reject the project altogether or require the developers to revise its plans to make the building shorter and less bulky.
The City Council is set to cast its vote on the project Wednesday.
