Chelsea vs. Nycha: Let the Battle Go On

By Brian J Pape, AIA

On April 10, 2024, the Atlantic Theater was the scene for the 300 West 20th Street Block Association community meeting, convened to discuss the NYCHA redevelopment plans for the Fulton, Elliott-Chelsea Houses (FECH). This theater houses the 199-seat mainstage Linda Gross Theater, located at 336 West 20th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, in the former parish hall of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. It was built in 1854 and renovated in 2012 for the theater. It sits among lovely brownstone townhouses on the block.

According to the flyer posted in the neighborhood, “The developer behind Hudson Yards is planning a neighborhood-changing, large-scale, decades long construction project for Chelsea with towers up to 39 stories. It’s not too late to get involved, share our concerns, and take action. Join us to learn more about the project and what you can do.”

Every seat in the theater had a copy of a June 28, 2023 New York Magazine article by Errol Louis, A Make-or-Break Moment for Public Housing in New York City. Louis begins with, “New York’s troubled 88-year-old experiment in public housing is about to face one of its most important tests.” He describes the FECH plans and some of the horrible, dilapidated conditions that persist.

Having previously attended public meetings explaining the NYCHA plans, this reporter has seen the disruption that has occurred when different opinions are expressed in a forceful manner. Fortunately, the evening’s presenters were able to get through the PowerPoint images and agenda almost without interruption until the question and answer period at the end.

The speakers were long-time Chelsea residents and Community Board 4 members. Carol Ott, recently elected as president of the block association, made introductions. Architect David Holowka gave an overview of the NYCHA plans, including the 2021 RFP (Request For Proposals) where the city asked developers for new strategies and cost estimates, but did not also require independent cost analysis of the proposals. Urban planner Tom Lunke noted that from 1986-1996, the Chelsea Working Group had gotten agreement that there would be no mass demolition of buildings for NYCHA. He called for more transparency about the changes of building demolition and the possible zoning changes.

Layla Law-Gisiko, President of the City Club of NY, emphasized that it is not too late to comment to Congress and council members. Pamela Wolff, a member of Save Chelsea, presented the example of the General Theological Seminary in Chelsea, which first proposed a new glassy skyscraper on Ninth Avenue between 20th and 21st Streets. With strong community pressure, the developer was persuaded to reduce the height and choose masonry finishes that blend well with the neighborhood.

So, the case was made that the community could still possibly alter the plans for NYCHA if they come together in numbers. Comparing this presentation with the information this reporter has heard from the official development team at public meetings, the information at this meeting was accurate with the public record.

It was then that the tone of the meeting changed dramatically as Miguel Acevedo, President of the Fulton Houses Tenant Association, supported by several other residents with handmade signs, declaring “Let the Residents Decide!!!” stood up and criticized the panelists for creating obstacles for progress towards better housing conditions at FECH. He said the neighborhood group was against change and wasn’t considering what delays were doing to the residents (of FECH). Acevedo repeated for the audience what he said to Louis. “I challenge anybody who’s saying that there’s ways to preserve it (FECH). Come live with us. I’ll give you one of my bedrooms, so you can see how we’re living.”

When the shouting match continued, the panelists called an end to the meeting. The purpose of sharing information had been accomplished, whether any minds were changed or not. There are still many steps in the journey to construction, and plans may change. Stay tuned for announcements.