URGENT UPDATE: A major legal battle has erupted over the future of the Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita, as developers behind a controversial affordable housing project filed a lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday. The developers, Haven Green, are challenging Adams’ recent declaration that the lot is city parkland, arguing it undermines their plans to construct 123 affordable housing units for low-income seniors.
This lawsuit comes just days after Adams designated the lot as parkland, a move he claims is intended to safeguard the garden from future development. The mayor’s decision shifts the landscape of a long-standing debate, as housing advocates clash with local residents who wish to preserve the green space.
Haven Green’s legal filing accuses the mayor of “extraordinary executive overreach” by declaring the property parkland without following the proper city land-use process, which requires approval from the City Council. The developers emphasize that their project is the result of a lengthy public process and should not be halted by the mayor’s unilateral action.
In a statement, Haven Green said, “The Haven Green project is the product of an exhaustive public process and lawful governmental decision-making that has taken place for more than a decade.” They argue that any new park designation should go through established city protocols.
The controversy intensified after the mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, indicated during his campaign that he would support the eviction of the garden. However, following Adams’ parkland designation, Mamdani stated it would be “nearly impossible” to proceed with the housing project, as constructing on parkland necessitates state legislative approval.
The garden’s operators expressed a willingness to collaborate with the incoming Mamdani administration to maintain the space, citing its “environmental, cultural, and artistic significance.” They criticized the lawsuit as an attempt to overturn a lawful action aimed at protecting one of the last remaining green spaces in the neighborhood.
The protracted debate surrounding the Elizabeth Street Garden has drawn passionate responses from both sides, with housing advocates emphasizing the urgent need for affordable housing in the area, while others argue for the preservation of the garden as a vital community resource.
In June, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro announced plans to advance over 600 units of affordable housing in nearby locations, stating developers could begin construction on one of these new projects by the end of the year.
As this legal battle unfolds, the implications for both housing development and community preservation in Nolita remain critical. The court’s decision could set a significant precedent for future developments in similar urban green spaces across New York City.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as it has the potential to reshape the landscape of affordable housing and community spaces in the city.
