The public hearing before the City Planning Commission regarding Jamestown Property's ULURP application to rezone Chelsea Market has been scheduled for next Wednesday, July 25th at 10:00 am. Details on the hearing can be found here. Today, the Borough President released his recommendations to deny the upzoning for Chelsea Market unless it is zoned back significantly.

I am strongly opposed to the current proposal for the Chelsea Market expansion as it is too tall and bulky, and out of context with the historic district in which it is proposed. I have several concerns about the proposal as it was certified by City Planning Commission in April.

Mainly, the height and bulk on the 10th Avenue building would block light and view corridors and cast shadows on the High Line, one of the area's few outdoor public spaces. Additionally, the façade is out of context with the neighborhood, particularly the historic buildings that surround the site. New York City may be changing, but we need to value the historic and contextual buildings and neighborhoods that we have and fight to protect them.

Please plan to attend the public hearing next week at the City Planning Commission if you are able. The hearing is scheduled to start at 10:00 am, but the Chelsea Market application may not be the first thing on the agenda.