Downtown elected leaders formally ask EDC to share their Seaport plans
A coalition of downtown officials sent a letter to the NYC Economic Development Corporation on Oct. 31 imploring them - along with the Howard Hughes Corporation - to be more transparent about their plans to develop the South Street Seaport.
The letter, addressed to NYCEDC Executive Director Kyle Kimball, said, "There is a great deal of frustration within Community Board 1 and within the community regarding lack of information about plans for future development in the South Street Seaport. Residents are concerned by the prospect of inappropriate height and density in the Seaport."
In addition to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, the letter was also signed by Congressman Jerry Nadler, Borough President Scott Stringer, Senator Daniel Squadron and City Council Member Margaret Chin.
The letter goes on to say that the east side of lower Manhattan is one of the fastest-growing residential areas in the city and that there's been a "lack of meaningful outreach" to the community regarding development on behalf of the city and the Howard Hughes Corporation.
The City Council approved the Dallas-based Howard Hughes Corporation's plan to rezone the South Street Seaport in March, which includes Pier 17, the Tin and New Market buildings, Peck Slip and the Fulton Fish Market area.
Seaport residents and opponents of the rezoning have long expressed frustration that the EDC and the Howard Hughes Corporation have not been forthcoming about their plans to develop the area. Many fear it will be turned into a shopping mecca that will erase the historic character of the Seaport.
Cheese Farmers Visit the City
On Friday, November 8th, 75 New York State and New England dairy farmers arrived in the Big Apple to personally give thanks to New Yorkers for their loyalty and support during the Cabot Dairy Farmer Gratitude Tour.
Coach buses, wrapped in signature Cabot plaid, traveled throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn dropping off the farmers at their food market posts, where shoppers sampled an array of cheddars. The farmers also encouraged passersby on the street to jot down "Why I Love Farmers" (or "Why I Love Cows") and snap a shot with a farmer to enter an Instagram contest. The winner would receive a 3-day Farm Stay Vacation at Liberty Hill Farm in Vermont.
"Meeting so many New Yorkers in one day was a terrific experience for me," said dairy farmer Rene Boardman. "I don't think I've seen so many people in one day - ever!"