NYC apartment tower will alter its "poor door"

NEW YORK - A real estate developer and New York City officials say some changes have been negotiated in a plan for a so-called "poor door" for less-affluent residents of a Manhattan skyscraper.

The changes are a response to criticism that the original design was a form of segregation to keep the residents of the building's affordable units apart from its more upscale occupants.

While people who live in the pricey condos will still enter through the front lobby, The Wall Street Journal reports that residents of the affordable portion will now get shared access to a courtyard and a roof deck facing the Hudson River.

Executives from developer Larry Silverstein's company and its partner say they'll position that entrance to face a planned public park.

It also will feature custom wood and a lobby with a glass facade.

City officials call the planned 42-story building in Manhattan's Upper West Side a model for integrating affordable and market-rate apartments. But they're also hoping for changes in the law to forbid separate entrances.