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October 3 - 16, 2012
EDITORIAL Onboard with Lowline New York City has been home to some of the world’s most cutting-edge developments in urban planning. James Ramsey and Dan Barasch, the two bright minds behind the Lowline project — which seeks to construct the world’s first underground park in a former MTA trolley terminal beneath Delancey and Essex Streets — are now continuing that tradition of creativity. We think the Lowline is a great idea, and one that the city should actively support, for several reasons. First, it would incorporate groundbreaking solar-power technology in order to sustain a uniquely attractive park in a city that could always use a few more green spaces. A stunning sample of that “remote skylight” design was recently on display at the Lowline’s public exhibit on Essex Street, and it drew plenty of well-deserved nods of approval from community members. Second, the world’s first underground park would provide an innovative setting in which Lower East Side businesses and arts organizations could spread their wings and engage consumers in exciting new ways. And finally, the Lowline would be a complement to the upcoming SPURA development in that area. The park could provide a valuable public space to go alongside the new residential and commercial properties that will rise, giving local families as well as workers and tourists a great place to relax. Barasch and Ramsey have a long way to go, as they try to raise millions of dollars and drum up political support for a project that will take years to complete if the city OK’s it. But we think they deserve the encouragement needed to push the Lowline forward.
A better BID process Since its inception in 1992, the Lower East Side Business Improvement District has been a boon to businesses on and around Orchard and Allen Streets, by keeping the streets clean and drawing in crowds of patrons through creative promotional efforts. The BID’s DayLife events, which began in June and were held most recently on September 30, have been successful in filling a three-block stretch of Orchard Street with food and clothing vendors, high-profile DJs, games and, most importantly, foot traffic for small businesses. The BID has also hosted its much-loved annual Pickle Day event for the past decade, which celebrates the rich history of pickle vendors on the Lower East Side. The BID will soon seek the city’s approval for an expansion proposal that would triple its size. The planned expansion would stretch its boundaries west to Bowery, east to Clinton Street and south to East Broadway, covering a total of around 1,200 properties. We think the BID, under the leadership of Executive Director Bob Zuckerman, has done an excellent job of reaching out to small businesses, residents and community leaders over the past several years in order to build a solid base of support for the expansion. And it’s certainly paid off, as Zuckerman recently told us that, of the property owners and tenants who have replied to the BID’s ongoing ballot survey, more than 99 percent have voted “Yes” to the expansion. When Zuckerman sends out that proposal to the Department of Small Business Services in October — beginning the long process that, if greenlighted, would eventually end in the hands of the City Council — the city should take that diligence into account, along with all the great work the BID has already done to help businesses on the Lower East Side.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Newspaper’s spine lacks backbone To The Editor: Your editorial “Championing Chelsea (Market) Change” [Sept. 19] describes the proposed Chelsea Market zoning change — not “variance” as you minimize it — as unprecedented. There's a reason for this. No one in their right mind would change zoning to allow private development directly above a public park, at the sole request of the developer. Jamestown Properties is about to privatize and ring dollars out of open park space and High Line sky views made valuable by over a hundred million taxpayer dollars, meant to create a park for public enjoyment. This is an outrage, yet instead of investigating and reporting what's behind it — an inside deal between Jamestown, Friends of the High Line and the city, maybe? You fatuously cheerlead the results of a ULURP process that's become a joke and lecture community groups for rightly demanding accountability from those who should be our public guardians. We're warned that we won't be taken seriously when the next proposed change comes to Chelsea. You should worry about being taken seriously yourself. Is this the kind of analysis, insight and spine we can expect from Chelsea Now's new ownership? Or should we stop reading now? David Holowka
Passing felt by many To The Editor: Re “Chelsea activist, always on the move, dies at 65” (news article, Sept. 19): On September 12, 2012, at 12:28pm, a beautiful, loving, caring and kind lady left this earth. Phyllis C. T. Gonzalez, 65 (May 28, 1947), will be missed like no other. Her passing will be felt by many people. She was involved in everything imaginable. She gave and found ways to give even when you thought there wasn't anything left. She would have done anything for anyone, and did. She meant so much to me and my heart is saddened and at a terrible loss. I will never forget her or the things she did for me with love. I love and miss her, and always will. She will forever have a special place in my heart. May you rest in eternal peace, until we meet again.
person you want in your life. May she rest in peace. Her work is done. I will try to follow her example. Linda Lumpkin
Chelsea Now needs new name To The Editor: What has happened to Chelsea Now? Rename it Chelsea NOT, because your current stance in favor of the expansion of Chelsea Market is NOT for Chelsea at all. It's for money, tourism and business and ignores those of us who live here and for whom it’s not a “destination,” but it’s home. Simone Weissman
Affordable Housing doesn’t justify Chelsea Market change To The Editor: As the neighborhood tenant organization of 40 years’ standing, the Chelsea Coalition on Housing remains opposed to the Jamestown plan. The last-minute inclusion by the City Planning Commission of a contribution to an “affordable housing fund” doesn’t change our opinion. The prospect of a few housing units does not justify the Jamestown project. The detrimental effects, as well documented in the outpouring of testimony from Chelsea residents and so many of our community organizations in public hearings, are too great. And the history of similar housing promises shows that these are only promises. We are being kidded. To pretend that the Jamestown proposal will result in permanent affordable housing is a sham and a scam. Offers of affordable housing, when added to a harmful overdevelopment plan, never become reality, and that is just what will happen here. In fact, the community was ALREADY PROMISED, when the West Chelsea zoning plan was passed years ago, the very housing units — at the Fulton site on 18th Street — that the Jamestown contribution is supposed to fund. Why are city officials asking us for another huge upzoning, when they didn’t deliver on that promise? We call on Chelsea’s City Councilperson, Speaker Christine Quinn, to stop the Jamestown proposal. Norma Aviles, Roberta Gelb, Robert Martin, Linda Riera Chelsea Coalition on Housing
Julie Toole
A beautiful friendship with Phyllis To The Editor: Re “Chelsea activist, always on the move, dies at 65” (news article, Sept. 19): Phyllis will be so missed by all. Everyone who knew Phyllis had the honor of knowing a wonderful person. My mom, Betty (as well as myself), had such a beautiful friendship with Phyllis. I will truly miss her. Liz Legoff
Wish I had known her To The Editor: Re “Chelsea activist, always on the move, dies at 65” (news article, Sept. 19): I didn't know her, but wish I had. This is the type of
Quinn should hear, heed ‘overwhelming opposition’ To The Editor: I strongly disagree with your September 19 editorial, “Championing Chelsea (Market) Change.” The overwhelming opposition of the people of Chelsea to the Jamestown proposal — as demonstrated at public hearings and communications to public officials — should be of paramount concern to our representative on the City Council, Speaker Christine Quinn. Jamestown is asking for a rezoning of its block, not a zoning variance, as your editorial states. A variance would require showing a hardship. There appears to be no hardship here. The Chelsea Market is profitable. A presidential election mailing I received recently urged
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