Here’s an update from the Essex Crossing development team. In the coming weeks, you’ll start to see more activity on some of the sites that will make up the big project in the former Seward Park urban renewal area. Spokesperson Annel Cabrera tells us:
- The initial phase of construction will begin on Site 1 the week of May 8. This parcel is the Municipal parking lot at Ludlow and Broome streets. Yesterday, Cabrera noted that quite a few car owners have ignored signs indicating that the lot was closing April 15. She said the cars remaining in the area would be towed. The preliminary work will include clearing the parcel and beginning excavation. It’s expected to last about four weeks with work hours Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
- As for site 5 on Broome Street between Suffolk and Clinton streets, demolition of the old firehouse is expected to begin later this week. It should take about two weeks with hours of 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays.
- As you may recall, two families remain in 400 Grand St., the tenement on the southern end of site 5. According to Cabrera, the city has reached agreement with those families to move out of their apartments on or before May 4.
Essex Crossing includes 1,000 apartments, as well as a new Essex Street Market, a 14-screen movie theater, a park on Broome Street and a grocery store, among other amenities.
