Adams administration intensifies efforts to terminate Elizabeth St. Garden housing project.

In a notable development within New York City’s housing landscape, Mayor Eric Adams’ outgoing administration is proposing an alternative site for a much-discussed affordable housing project, following contentious disagreements over the fate of the Elizabeth Street Garden in Manhattan. The administration’s decision to designate the garden as “parkland” has further complicated the situation regarding urban development and affordable housing.

The project, named Haven Green, has long been a point of contention. Initially supported by Mayor Adams, Haven Green was to feature 123 affordable apartments specifically intended for senior citizens. The development group, consisting of Pennrose Properties, Habitat for Humanity, and RiseBoro, had been chosen for this endeavor several years ago. However, the recent involvement of First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, aligned with opponents of the housing initiative, has prompted a shift in the administration’s stance.

Under Mastro’s influence, Adams reversed his earlier support, leading to concerted efforts to block the construction of Haven Green on the Elizabeth Street Garden site, which has been cherished as a green space in the community. The recent designation of the garden as parkland presents significant barriers to any potential housing project, igniting a legal response from the developers through a lawsuit arguing that this decision constitutes an unlawful obstruction of affordable housing.

In a move to alleviate some of the tension, Mastro formally proposed that the developers abandon their lawsuit in exchange for permission to construct a modified version of the Haven Green project at a different city-owned lot located at 22 Suffolk Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This new site, while offering a larger number of 100% affordable apartments, will require navigating the city’s extensive land-use processes, which could delay construction for several years.

The alternative site was initially designated for a new public school but has since been considered as a fallback option amidst efforts to preserve the Elizabeth Street Garden. This shift is particularly notable in light of public support for the garden, which has garnered attention and backing from notable figures, including celebrities and community advocates, who argue that developing the garden would detract from essential green space in the neighborhood.

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has campaigned on a platform aiming to revive the Elizabeth Street Garden housing initiative, faces an uphill battle, especially if the current administration succeeds in persuading the developers to drop their legal appeal. Under a new agreement, the Elizabeth Street Garden Inc. will continue managing the garden without incurring new rental fees, while also addressing outstanding debts to the city.

As negotiations progress, the developments surrounding the Elizabeth Street Garden project reflect a broader challenge in New York City’s approach to addressing affordable housing demands while maintaining valuable community spaces. The evolving dynamics between the outgoing and incoming administrations will be critical in shaping the future of housing initiatives in the city. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for urban development and affordable housing strategies in the broader context of New York City.