[NYguy]

http://tribecatrib.com/content/seapo...e-alternatives

Seaport Advocates Slam Developer's Plans and Propose Alternatives





By ALINE REYNOLDS
Jan. 16, 2014

More than 200 people crowded into a public forum at Pace University on Jan. 13, most there to show their opposition to the Howard Hughes Corp.’s proposed redevelopment plan for the South Street Seaport. Many who spoke at the Community Board 1-sponsored meeting attacked the 600-foot-high residential tower the developer has proposed for the site of the New Market Building.

The tower had already received vehement criticism at a CB1 meeting in November, when Hughes Corp. representatives publicly presented its development plans for the first time.

Michael Sosin, a 24-year-old resident of the residential complex Southbridge Towers, near the Seaport, said that erecting “modern” buildings in the neighborhood would be a “blight” on its historic character. “I have grown up here, gone to school in this area, and plan to live here a very long time,” he told the audience. “I want my neighborhood to retain the charm and essence that makes this area unique, and keep the peaceful atmosphere that makes the Seaport a great place to live.”

The tower, said Andi Sosin, another Southbridge resident, is “an obscenity that will destroy the iconic image that right now is known around the world as an attractive advertisement for New York City.”

Some speakers presented their own visions of the future Seaport. Michael Kramer, a lead member of Save Our Seaport, a group opposed to the Hughes Corp.’s plan, suggested preserving the New Market Building for use by the South Street Seaport Museum—and turning the Tin Building into a public school or a community center. Marco Pasanella, chair of the Old Seaport Alliance—a group formed after Sandy to promote the area’s businesses—suggested that the developer transform the Seaport into a “food capital,” featuring a “large-scale” food market, a culinary school and Food Network events. Pasanella also suggested that Seaport Museum boats might be converted into “floating hotels,” with the revenue dedicated to their preservation.

Robert LaValva, founder of the New Amsterdam Market who also opposes the Hughes Corp. plan, has joined architect Gina Pollara to launch a campaign called “JustPressPause.org.” The pair want to stop the upcoming city approval process until a grassroots “master plan” is developed.

That plan, LaValva said, must consider the Seaport and its structures as public assets. “Just what that public purpose will be remains to be determined, but one thing is certain,” he said, “it cannot, and will not be determined behind closed doors, and without all stakeholders involved.”

Following the meeting, Curry said he had taken notes and will consider the many comments. “We heard a lot of input from the community,” he said, “and we’re going to look at it and determine how it might impact the way we’re thinking about our process.”

January 19, 2014