This morning, crews were expected to be on the scene at 215 Chrystie St. to begin preparing a development parcel for Ian Schrager’s 28-story Public Hotel. Specifically, they’ll be knocking down more than a dozen trees that have grown alongside 10 Stanton St., an adjacent affordable housing complex, for most of the past 30 years. Last night, a small group of residents from that building took a few moments to mark the bitter-sweet occasion.
The informal ceremony was led by Alysha Coleman and Debbie Gonzalez, 10 Stanton St. tenant association leaders. They said a prayer for the trees, precious commodities in the once-gritty neighborhood, and went around the circle to share memories. But at the same time, residents said the moment represented new life and new beginnings.
As part of the deal to build the hotel, the previous owner of the Chrystie Street parcel (Ruby Schron), agreed to extend 10 Stanton’s Section 8 affordable housing contract for 25 years. The tenant association, as well as Community Board 3, agreed to support the development project in exchange for this guarantee, protecting 147 units of low income housing for years to come. The arrangement also triggered improvements at 10 Stanton, including a new playground and garden, an exercise room, community room, computer lab and bicycle storage room. Last night, we got a peek at the renovations, which are nearly complete.
So while the tenants were initially less than thrilled about a luxury hotel rising in their backyard, they’re relieved to know that their homes are secure. “We’re still here,” one tenant leader said last night.
Ian Schreger, the renowned hotel developer, purchased the lot for $50 million in 2012. The project, which includes hotel rooms, a large nightlife complex and condo units, is being built in partnership with HFZ Capital.
After the Liz Christy Garden folks worked so hard to keep the Avalon height low, now this? There goes the sunlight on their garden, and all their work on the Avalon will have been for naught.