URGENT UPDATE: Developers behind the controversial Haven Green affordable housing project have just announced a lawsuit against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, escalating the fight over the future of the Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, claims that Adams overstepped his authority by designating the site as parkland, effectively halting the construction of a much-needed 123-unit building for low-income seniors.
The stakes are high as the Adams administration recently shifted its stance on the project. Earlier this year, officials planned to evict the garden to clear the way for the development but reversed course in June 2023. This change came after an agreement to build affordable housing in nearby areas, with Adams ultimately declaring the garden site parkland shortly after the general election. The designation aims to prevent future administrations from pursuing development on this green space.
In their lawsuit, the developers argue that the mayor’s action is an “extraordinary act of executive overreach” and undermines a project that has been approved and is ready to break ground. They assert that any new park must pass through the city’s land-use process, requiring City Council approval. The group stated, “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.”
Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani previously supported the eviction of the garden but has since acknowledged the challenges posed by Adams’ recent declaration. He indicated that major construction on designated parkland would necessitate approval from the state Legislature, making the housing project “nearly impossible” to realize.
The Elizabeth Street Garden battle has ignited strong emotions among city residents. Supporters of the garden argue for its preservation due to its “environmental, cultural, and artistic significance.” In response to the lawsuit, the garden’s operators have expressed their willingness to collaborate with Mamdani’s administration to maintain the green space.
The ongoing debate reflects a broader conflict in Lower Manhattan between housing advocates who emphasize the urgent need for affordable living options and residents who cherish the garden as one of the last remaining green spaces in their neighborhood. First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro confirmed in June that plans were underway to advance over 600 units of affordable housing in areas surrounding the garden, with construction expected to begin by the end of the year.
As this story develops, the implications for both the housing crisis and urban green spaces in New York City remain critical. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how city land is utilized and protected in the future. Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation unfolds.
