Standing Up to Preserve Fulton Houses Playground

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), in conjunction with Artimus Construction, plans to construct an 18-story affordable residential building with 158 units and community facility uses on a site currently used as a parking lot at 429-433 West 18th Street. Earlier this month, community members learned that the proposal – a hard-fought provision of the 2005 West Chelsea Rezoning – had been modified without any community consultation to include the demolition of an existing playground, used by residents of the adjoining Robert Fulton Houses, to provide for accessory parking. On July 10, I spoke out against this outrageous plan at a public forum held by HPD and Artimus at the Fulton Houses Community Center. I also sent a letter to HPD urging the agency to work with CB4, the Fulton Houses Residents Association, local elected officials, and other stakeholders to ensure that our critical recreational space is preserved. Yesterday, DNAinfo New York reported, and I confirmed with HPD, that the plan to destroy the play area has been abandoned. While we celebrate this victory, I will continue to work to ensure that the remainder of the affordable housing plan meets the standards of this community.  Please see my letter to HPD below.