Downsizing of Sunset Park Tower Formalized

There was a meeting and press conference at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Sunset Park yesterday to formalize the agreement cutting a controversial proposed new 12-story building on 42nd Street in half. The developer signed a commitment memo and also agreed to consult with the community on future projects. The press conference was hosted by Council Member Sara M. González, who helped broker the deal.

"I am pleased to see that this developer listened to that message and brought down the size of this building – proving that responsible development can also be profitable," says Randy Peers, chair of Community Board 7. "But we all this is but one battle in a war to prevent out-of-context development in Sunset Park. The community board is pleased to see that a group of neighbors is coalescing around this important issue, much the way groups came together in other parts of our community district."

In the audience were members of the Sunset Park Alliance of Neighbors (SPAN) whose planned demonstration against the new project on Sunday has been transformed into a celebration where they will formally welcome the group. SPAN's march and rally tomorrow (Sunday) starting at 12:30pm tomorrow at 420 42nd St, site of the NOW 6 story building.

It's very likely that the debate over the development and the success in downsizing it, will lead to a broader move to downzone Sunset Park as has happened in neighboring communities.

Related Post:
Sunset Park Tower of 42nd Street Succumbs to Pressure