What 20th St. NIMBYs need to know
To The Editor:
Re “Secret Parks of Chelsea” (news, July 17, 2014):
I do not understand how “as part of their Affordable Housing plan, Community Board 4 has begun to seriously consider the long-standing efforts of Friends of 20th Street Park to convert a former Department of Sanitation lot into a micro-park.”
Actually, the Department of Sanitation lot had been considered as a possible site for the building of 60 low-income housing units. This worthy project provoked a strong opposition from the NIMBY property owners of 20th St. Wisely advised to emphasize the positive, they understood that “No Poor People Here” looks bad, but “Our Kids Need A Park To Play” looks good.
Furthermore, as one of my neighbors, keen on keeping her unspoiled views, stated, 60 housing units were not going to make a dent on the current housing crisis.
My point exactly. We need hundreds of small lots to build some 60 housing units. As mentioned by Cynthia in her Letter to the Editor [July 17 issue], “It would be great to see the building on Seventh Ave. and 22nd St. be torn down and replaced with affordable housing.” — as it would be great to have affordable housing on the 20th St. lot, and to replace many walk-ups in dismal condition. People looking for parks should read the Chelsea Now article and consult the excellent map of Arnold Bob.
Michelle Raccagni
Reader Comments from ChelseaNow.com
Re “Secret Parks of Chelsea” (news, July 17, 2014):
Great Chelsea Now park issue, especially the “secret park” stuff. Too many parks that exist are indeed secret (public space exchanged for bigger, taller new buildings giving higher returns to landlords, builders, etc.).
But to present the case re: the 20th St. space that has been promised for affordable housing, which is scarce (and getting even scarcer with each passing day) in Chelsea: It is essential that this opportunity, small as it is, supplies at least some portion of the need for housing, for teachers, policemen, fireman, artists, longtime Chelsea residents, etc. a place to live.
I guess many of us who have fought the losing battle for affordable housing when West Chelsea was rezoned for the very wealthy only, have been too quiet for too long.
So here’s one voice still reminding us — keep Chelsea a community of all kinds of people, not just those at the top of the income bracket.
Gloria Sukenick
All we are saying: Just give peace to ants
Re “Making Some Noise About After Hours Construction” (news, July 17, 2014):
We live across the street from the Brooklyn Bridge. Since June 2010, the NYC Noise Code has been effectively waived to permit jackhammering, demolition, movement of heavy construction equipment and a rain of particulate matter, pollution and noise into our lives which has obviously damaged our health and peace of mind.
We live at the mercy of the After Hours Variance and a city administration that stands aside as its citizens are massacred by developers. This is certainly not the mark of a progressive city. Gallons of press ink have documented the plague of noise and sleeplessness to no avail.
If residents shrug off this nightmare as the price of living in NYC, they have it wrong. We are the ants to be stepped on.
Roberto
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