More than 100 Speakers Lambast Two Bridges Mega-Towers at City Planning Hearing

Posted on: October 18th, 2018 at 5:04 am by

Photo: Councilwoman Margaret Chin’s office

Yesterday was a day of reckoning for the Two Bridges community on the waterfront. The City Planning Commission held the final public hearing regarding the Environmental Impact State for a trio of controversial skyscrapers along South Street.

As previously reported, three developers (JDS Development, Starrett Corp., CIM/L+M) together seek “minor modifications” to the current zoning that would allow larger constructions than permitted under the Two Bridges Large-Scale Residential Development site plan (from 1972).

It was an eight-hour day stacked with testimony, in which more than one hundred people, from local populace to elected officials, registered to speak. The hearing was at capacity with a long queue for the remaining overflow. And almost all speakers were against the towers, insisting that the three out-of-scale projects be subject to the Uniform Land Review Process.

“The idea that these immensely tall towers are ‘minor modifications’ is appalling,” Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer noted. “These developments will have a negative impact and drastically and permanently alter the neighborhood.”

“The three proposed projects will deliver approximately 700 much-needed units of permanently affordable housing, representing one of the largest infusions of affordable housing in Manhattan in decades and a critical addition amid the ongoing housing crisis,” a statement excerpt from the developers read. “At the same time, the proposed developments include investments that will provide genuine and lasting benefits for current residents of the neighborhood.”

(The latter refers to improvements that include revamping the decaying East Broadway subway station, upgrades to Coleman, Captain Jacob Joseph, and Little Flower Playgrounds worth $15 million, and various streetscape improvements.)

The City Planning Commission did not schedule a date for vote, but will likely make its final determination within thirty days. In the meantime, the public has until October 29 to submit written testimony to the Commission regarding the waterfront development.

Recent Stories

Protest Violence: LES Small Businesses Vandalized

A fifth night of protests spilled onto lower Orchard Street yesterday, as several businesses were vandalized. The Roasting Plant coffee shop, R&D (formerly Brigitte) on Canal street, and the Alexander Olch boutique, were all hit. Shattered windows and looting. It’s unclear what was taken from each store. With regard to Olch’s store, vandals tagged it […]

Crime
Scenes from the Looted Streets of Downtown [PHOTOS]

A weekend of violent protests and looting – fueled by the death of George Floyd at the hand of Minneapolis cops – left downtown Manhattan charred and shattered. Businesses in SoHo up to Union Square were some of the hardest hit. Boogie contributor Eddie Panta was eyewitness to the smash-and-grab bedlam. Part I: The Nike Store […]

DIY Banner Hung Above FDR Drive in Tribute to George Floyd

Whenever an event of significance hits the news, neighbors can easily expect a new banner unfurled on the Delancey Street foot bridge over the FDR. Indeed, for the third time in as many months, a new message. “I can’t breathe,” a tribute to George Floyd, for whom these were final words. While being placed in […]

Despite Lockdown, ‘Bel-Fries’ Overcrowded Ludlow Street with a Major Party on Sunday

What lockdown? In Hell Square, it’s almost as if the last few months were in vain. Sunday afternoon saw an overflowing party for the opening Bel-Fries on Ludlow Street. It was seemingly planned for maximum marketing value, despite the COVID-19 lockdown. A “Miami style” event with luxury cars, deejay booth, professional photo rigs, and plenty […]

Real Estate
Aerial Photos Call into Question City’s Decision to Fully Demolish 70 Mulberry Street

On the evening of January 23, as Chinatown residents prepared for the Lunar New Year, a devastating five-alarm fire decimated the former PS23 at 70 Mulberry Street. Nearly five months later, many in the neighborhood continue to question the city’s choice to fully demolish the facility. Especially after the emergence of aerial photos showing the […]