Council Member Proposes New Measure To Block Planned Towers

LOWER EAST SIDE, NY — Council Member Margaret Chin is continuing her push against plans for massive new high-rises on the Lower East Side waterfront, proposing legislation that, if passed, would create a new avenue to block the planned towers.

Chin, who represents District 1 in City Council, proposed on Thursday legislation that would give more power to the full City Council to reject or approve new rezoning applications.

"I am proud to announce the beginning of a new legislative effort to fight back and stop these monstrous towers from irreparably destroying the character of the Two Bridges neighborhood," Chin said in a statement. "To be clear, our fight to save Two Bridges was not deterred last year, even when the Department of City Planning rejected my demand to subject these proposals to ULURP. The tools I announced today are critical to fulfilling the commitment I have made to residents to stop these proposed mega towers, and give them a real opportunity to shape the future of their neighborhood."

Currently, at least four mega-towers are in the works for the Two Bridges area. The towers have faced strong opposition from Lower East Side residents, who say the luxury developers' new projects will change the character of the Lower East Side waterfront and exacerbate increasing gentrification in the area.

Lead image via Patch.