The summer has not exactly been a restful one for the team behind the “Lowline,” that proposed park James Ramsey and Dan Barasch envision building in an abandoned trolley station under Delancey Street. They’re gearing up for a large-scale exhibition in part of the Essex Street Market in September and have been keeping up a busy schedule of community outreach events and fundraisers (including one in the Hamptons this weekend). In the last couple of weeks, they have also picked up more support from the Lower East Side’s political establishment.
State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (nicknamed “The Sphinx”) told Ramsey and Barasch recently that he would sign on to the “Delancey Underground” as a supporter. State Senator Dan Squadron also offered his endorsement via social media. A few days ago, he tweeted, “As we continue to push for much-needed open, green space on the LES, I’m proud to support the Lowline.”
The project already had the approval of City Council member Margaret Chin, Community Board 3 and the LES Business Improvement District. Ramsey and Barasch have made support from elected officials and community groups a top priority. When the MTA, which controls the site, eventually starts soliciting proposals, they want to make a strong argument that the Lower East Side community is in their corner.
