A lot of people have big expectations heading into tonight’s fourth and final mediated discussion on the future of the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area (SPURA).  At the last session, in August, facilitator John Shapiro acknowledged members of Community Board 3′s SPURA task force are still far apart on the contentious issue of affordable/market rate housing. He urged participants to use the summer recess to decide whether they have the stomach for compromise.

Brett Leitner, a Grand Street resident who recently became involved in the SPURA debate, hopes the answer is “yes.” As the driving force behind a new organization called SHARE, he believes it’s finally time for the community to set aside old feuds and make a deal. Last week, I sat down with Leitner to discuss the infamous redevelopment site in the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge and what his group is trying to accomplish.