Just in from City Councilmember Margaret Chin:
“I applaud the SPURA Development Task Force for reaching a consensus on the proposed guidelines for the development of the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area (SPURA). After 43 years, I am pleased to say that the guidelines that will shape the future development of the area were derived, in large part, from the surrounding community. Community Board 3 members and residents spent countless hours envisioning what type of development would be the most beneficial for such a diverse community. This process not only brought the community together but laid the groundwork for the near unanimous vote achieved yesterday. I want to thank the Chair of Community Board 3, Dominic Pisciotta, and CB3 District Manager Susan Stetzer, and in particular Task Force Chair David McWater. The hard work and serious consideration by Community Board members, the Task Force, and concerned residents, over long nights and long months, made yesterday’s vote possible. This vote has shown both the diversity of the Lower East Side and the strength of unity in this neighborhood. I would also like to commend my colleagues in government for their support of the process, and in particular, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver for his prompt statement of support last night. I will continue to work on behalf of the community to obtain the resources that will move this project forward while ensuring a variety of housing options that meet the needs of the community as a whole.”
