In New York City there is an affordable housing crisis and a vital need for smart urban planning that allows people to live affordably near public transit, good jobs, and public open space.
Fortunately, there's already a plan that will take on all of these issues at once, bringing affordable housing, jobs and economic development to Lower Manhattan's Seaport neighborhood, by transforming a 50-year-old parking lot into a dynamic, mixed-use building.
With a thoughtful design approved by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, the building will be a worthy gateway to the South Street Seaport Historic District, repairing an unsightly gap in the urban fabric, expanding access to the waterfront and increasing needed foot traffic to struggling local businesses. The plan will also generate funding to stabilize the beloved but imperiled South Street Seaport Museum.
We need your support to urge NYC lawmakers to approve this development.
Sign your name today and support this exciting project that is poised to play a vital role in the inclusive economic recovery of this special part of New York City when it needs it most.
Dear NYC City Planning Commissioners and City Council Members,
I strongly support the visionary proposal to transform a 50+ year-old underutilized parking lot at 250 Water Street at the edge of the Financial District and bring deeply affordable housing to one of the nation's most affluent neighborhoods. This plan will:
CREATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING: In New York City and across the country, there is a shortage of housing that allows people to live affordably near public transit, jobs and open space. At least 80 of this plan's 270 residential units will be permanently, deeply affordable for families earning at or below 40% of Area Median Income ($45,000 for a family of four).
GENERATE JOBS AND NEEDED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: This $850 Million proposal continues the work over the past decade to preserve the character and vibrancy of the Seaport, including the restoration of Pier 17 and historic Tin Building. Investment thus far of over $1 Billion has yielded 1,750 jobs and over $200 million in annual economic activity.
ADVANCE SMART URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN: With a thoughtful design approved by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, the building will be a worthy gateway to the Seaport Historic District, repairing an unsightly gap in the urban fabric, promoting resiliency, and increasing the energy and the vitality of the neighborhood.
SAVE THE SOUTH STREET SEAPORT MUSEUM: The proposal will help the beloved Museum to achieve financial stability. With its collection of artifacts, historic home and fleet of tall ships, the Museum is the recognized steward and interpreter of New York's maritime past. Funding generated from the sale of development rights will allow it to renovate, fully reopen and plan for future expansion.
Please support the exciting 250 Water Street project in the Seaport, which is poised to play a vital role in the inclusive economic recovery of this special part of New York City when it needs it most.
[Your additional comment here]
Respectfully,
[Your name here]
