Lawmakers Want To Close East Harlem Playground To Make Way For A New Tower

June 21, 2017

Playtime’s nearly over at an East Harlem playground, which may be relocated to accommodate a $1 billion development that will include the area’s tallest residential tower.

With backing from city lawmakers and Mayor Bill de Blasio, state Sen. Joe Serrano and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto introduced bills that would shut down the Marx Brothers Playground on Second Avenue and East 96th Street within the week, reported the New York Post.

The 1.5-acre playground is on the site of a 1,100-unit mixed-income residential tower that will be the tallest apartment building north of 60th Street.

The project is a partnership between developer Avalon Bay and the NYC Educational Construction Fund. In addition to a 720-foot residential tower, plans call for three new schools.

The developers plan to build a replacement playground on the site.

But neighborhood advocates aren’t satisfied. “This would set a very bad precedent for developers and city officials being able to go around existing zoning regulations,” said Geoffrey Croft of NYC Park Advocates. “Literally, no parks and other public land would be safe in the city.”

A spokesperson for the mayor said the developers would bring the first new high schools to East Harlem in 50 years. “They come alongside 300 permanently affordable apartments, new jobs for local residents and a full replacement of the playground,” Freddi Goldstein, the spokesperson, said.

Via source


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Harlem World Magazine, 2521 1/2 west 42nd street, Los Angeles, CA, 90008, https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
We're your source for local coverage, we count on your support. SPONSOR US!
Your support is crucial in maintaining a healthy democracy and quality journalism. With your contribution, we can continue to provide engaging news and free access to all.
accepted credit cards

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles