Flatiron Quarterly Report fi nds leasing
activity and pedestrian traffi c up
BY DEAN JAMIESON
In another sign of the City’s recovery, the
Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership has
released a ‘quarterly snapshot’ showing
that commercial offi ce leasing has shot
up a full 33% in the last two months, and
pedestrian volume up 80%.
“Leasing activity was led by a handful of
large technology companies including Infor
(90,000 SF), General Assembly (40,000
SF0),” said the report which gathered and
examined real estate data, news and trends
from April to June. Although the Partnerships
data – and the report’s fi ndings – are
specifi c to NoMad and the Flatiron District,
BY GETTY IMAGES their conclusions are still relevant to
trict.nyc.
the City as a whole, as it’s general economic
health is refl ected in mico-reports such as
these.
Alongside leasing volume, pedestrian
traffi c and CitiBike usage also increased
dramatically in the past months, as the
weather warmed up and vaccination
became more widely available. And although
the City has not fully recovered
– pedestrian traffi c remains at “63% of
pre-pandemic levels,” says the report – all
these fi ndings are yet more evidence that
the City’s decline, so much bemoaned by
politicians and celebrities, has been nothing
but headlines.
Read the full report online at fl atirondisPHOTO
Battle over East River Park resiliency
project reaches Stringer’s offi ce
BY DEAN MOSES
Fuming Lower Manhattan residents
called upon City Comptroller Scott
Stringer on Tuesday to halt progress
on the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project
(ESCR).
Ever since the devastation from Hurricane
Sandy wreaked havoc on Lower
Manhattan, a tug of war has raged between
residents and city agencies over the
proposed East River Park overhaul, which
will lead to an elevation of the East Side
waterfront. Opponents say the project will
destroy the existing public park and cause
various environmental impacts.
Nonetheless, the city approved the
ESCR, and the plan awaits Stringer’s
signature in order to free up the funding
needed to get it started.
According to the ESCR plans, the work
will raise the ground level to prevent
fl ooding, protecting against severe weather
disasters like Hurricane Sandy. Additionally,
the proposal includes amenities such
as a pedestrian crossing on Delancey Street
and East 10thStreet. However, those who
actually spend time in the park say the
groundwork will decimate the area and
even impact health.
“When they announced this plan, it
involves destroying the entire East River
Park, which is 46-acres and almost 1,000
mature trees,” said Fannie Ip, a member of
East River Park Action.
PHOTOS BY DEAN MOSES
On July 27, members of East River
Park Action tell Comptroller Scott
Stringer to stop construction on East
River Park.
The sidewalk outside of 1 Centre Street
was overfl owing with advocates who
chanted “Don’t sign it, Scott!” as well
as “Scott Stringer, kill the contract not
the park” — the rallying cry from members
of East River Park Action implored
Stringer to halt the lower bidders, IPC
Resiliency Partners, $1,272,221 construction
contract.
They claim the park’s future is in his
hands since he can choose whether or not
to sign it’s registration.
“We are just telling Scott Stringer to do
one thing: throw away the pen, don’t sign
the contract,” District 1 New York City
Council candidate, Christopher Marte
said, adding that Stringer has a legacy of
climate justice. “If he signs that contract, he
throws away that legacy. He throws away
all the good he has done for this city. Scott
Stringer, we know what side you should
be on. Throw away the pen and stand with
the people.”
During the afternoon rally, East River
Park Action delivered a letter to the Comptroller
stating their case and urging him to
withhold the contract’s registration.
A representative from Stringer’s offi ce
addressed the contract, saying that they are
still reviewing it and the concerns involved.
District 1 New York City Council candidate, Christopher Marte.
Schneps Media July 29, 2021 3