Stephen Yang for the New York Post
Mayor Adams is moving full steam ahead with a tragically misguided plan to destroy a beloved community sculpture garden in Lower Manhattan to make way for measly 123 “affordable housing” units.
His team gave the Elizabeth Street Garden until Thursday to skedaddle.
Has Hizzoner lost all sense of perspective?
After all, what’s the point of building 123 units of housing if it means residents of the entire community (and, indeed, the city) will lose a precious green space in an area where such idyllic venues are already scarce?
The garden has served as a vital neighborhood site to relax for decades, boasting 200,000 visitors a year.
It’s hosted hundreds of free programs — poetry readings, musical performances, fashion shows, movie screenings and more.
Thousands of people have sent letters and signed a petition demanding Team Adams find another site for the housing.
Meanwhile, City Hall appears to be nixing perfectly reasonable alternative spots.
City Councilman Christopher Marte says he’s worked with the garden’s stewards to find new locations but the city has so far refused to lift its eviction order.
“This is our cultural center in Little Italy, and we don’t have the green space that others take for granted,” pleads Marte.
Yes, the city’s housing market is a mess, but heavy-handed government is a big reason why.
And Team Adams won’t solve the problem by tearing down parks and paving over green spaces.
It’s runs in straight opposition to the spirit of the mayor’s “City of Yes” initiatives, which are all about daring to do better, not robbing the city of existing gems.
We know you’re busy, Mr. Mayor, but take a few minutes to rethink this one: Saving this park will earn you a lot of good will.