The fate of the beloved 20,000-square-foot Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita may be sealed in the coming days as activists await a decision regarding whether its eviction will be paused. This will allow them to continue their fight against the city’s plan to build housing units, creating tension between the preservation of greenspace and the need for affordable housing.
A spokesperson for the Housing and Preservation Department emphasized that the city's commitment to affordable housing development is unyielding, stating, 'We will take repossession as soon as legally permissible and remain steadfast in our commitment to building more affordable housing in every neighborhood.' This indicates the city's prioritization of housing over existing green spaces.
Norman Siegel, an attorney for the garden, expressed doubt about immediate actions, stating, 'It’s very, very unlikely that anything will happen Wednesday,' indicating that the legal processes expected to unfold may delay a resolution.
City Hall representatives mentioned that the time for the garden to relocate its sculptures is 'currently ongoing and has been ongoing for years,' which highlights a possible disregard for the timeline and emotional investment of the community in preserving the garden.
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