SPURA Development Plan Approved by CB3

Last night at their full board meeting, Community Board 3 unanimously approved the proposal set forth for the redevelopment of SPURA. The Economic Development Corporation, which owns these parcels of Lower East Side land, is delivering 900 apartments and nearly a million square feet of commercial space.

City Councilwoman Margaret Chin and Borough President Scott Stringer fought to have half the residential housing deemed affordable in perpetuity (not the previous 60 years clause). This is believed to be the linchpin that helped along the cause. Stringer noted in a release: “The City’s commitment demonstrates the positive results that can be achieved through community based planning and responsive city agencies.”

Despite the steady progress in SPURA land this past year, it should still be taken with some mounds of salt. If past in precedent, even minutia can derail these efforts.

[via Curbed and Observer]