{"value"=>"<p>The 42nd Street Development Project was a collaborative undertaking of the City of New York and the New York State Urban Development Corporation (UDC). The project aimed to alleviate urban blight in the Times Square area by eliminating crime, rehabilitating buildings, and providing support and incentives for neighborhood businesses. Arkraft Strauss was awarded contracts to design, build, market, and manage outdoor advertising for four key sites covered by the plan.</p> <p>General Files document Artkraft Strauss activities as a partner in the 42nd Street Development Project through internal administrative records including project proposals; memoranda; correspondence with the UDC, City agencies, lawyers, and vendors; design guidelines; and environmental impact statements. Also included are files relating to condemnations initiated by the New York State Urban Development Corporation (\"UDC\") through eminent domain procedure to acquire parcels of property for redevelopment. Artkraft Strauss had many signs installed on these properties, and frequently wrangled with the UDC over use and occupancy fees, relocation assistance, fixture awards, and other compensation. Site Files document the development of Artkraft's installations at 42nd Street Development Project locations between 1988-1999 through contracts, work orders, correspondence, and other related material. Some files predate Artkraft's participation, including environmental impact statements and proposals for projects which did not come to pass.</p> <p>Files are arranged alphabetically. Some locations are identified only by site numbers assigned internally by the UDC; Addresses for these locations or identification of signs installed at these sites have been provided when this information was available. No standard naming convention was implemented by the company, so material may be listed under location, project name, or subject.</p>"}