Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, expressed strong criticism on Thursday regarding outgoing Mayor Eric Adams’ decision to block a proposed affordable housing project at the Elizabeth St. Garden in Manhattan. Mamdani characterized the move as rendering the project “nearly impossible” to complete, a stark contrast to his usually optimistic outlook.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Adams’ administration designated the Nolita garden, which occupies city-owned land, as “parkland.” This designation prohibits any construction on the site unless the state Legislature undergoes a process known as “alienation” to allow for development. The action severely impacts a previously supported plan to create 123 affordable apartments for seniors while maintaining parts of the garden.
Mamdani, who aims to revive the Elizabeth St. Garden housing project, stated at a press conference, “The actions that the Adams administration has taken now make it nearly impossible to follow through with that.” His comments came during an unrelated event, where he also remarked on Adams’ attempts to solidify a “legacy of dysfunction and inconsistency” in his final weeks as mayor.
The original housing initiative, championed by Adams, faced heavy scrutiny from community members who feared it would jeopardize the beloved green space. Despite this, the mayor had shifted his stance earlier in the year and sought to end the project, culminating in the recent parkland designation.
In response to whether he would seek to have state lawmakers “alienate” the garden after assuming office on January 1, 2024, Mamdani indicated that his primary focus in Albany would be to advance his broader “affordability agenda.” This agenda includes plans to expand subsidized childcare and implement free public buses, alongside a proposal to increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and corporations.
Mamdani’s remarks are notably pessimistic, especially considering that during his campaign, he emphasized the possibilities for progress within city governance. He acknowledged the stark contrast between the Adams administration’s current actions and its previous commitment to addressing the city’s housing crisis, which has been exacerbated by soaring rents and a lack of available apartments.
The reversal on the Elizabeth St. Garden project was reportedly influenced by First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro and came after a coalition of high-profile celebrities, including Robert De Niro, Patti Smith, and Martin Scorsese, publicly advocated for the preservation of the garden.
In defending his administration’s decision, Adams articulated that the commitment to preserving the garden aligns with his promises to the community. “It’s not about a legacy of dysfunction,” he stated. “It’s about protecting a legacy and the promises that I made.”
While Adams claims to have secured an agreement with local Manhattan Councilman Chris Marte to redirect the housing project to nearby locations, these alternative sites will require extensive city land use processes that could extend for years. In contrast, construction could begin immediately on the city-owned garden.
The future of the Elizabeth St. Garden project remains uncertain as Mamdani prepares to take office, with ongoing debates about land use, community needs, and housing availability continuing to shape the discourse around urban development in New York City.
