Community groups are trying to force a public review of three planned projects in the Two Bridges area, a move that could force the developers to negotiate on building heights.
JDS Development Group, Starrett Corporation and a partnership between L&M Development Partners and CIM Group want the city to update a 1970s-era special plan so that they can build three separate buildings at heights ranging between 724 to 1,000 feet, Crain’s reported.
Michael Stern’s JDS is planning a 79-story tower at 247 Cherry Street, while L&M and CIM are working towards 62 and 69-story towers at 260 South Street. Starrett wants to build a 62-story building at 259 Clinton Street.
On Tuesday, community groups Good Old Lower East Side and CAAAV Organizing Asian Communities rallied outside the Department of City Planning. They want a full public review of the projects, which would hand veto power to city council member Margaret Chin, according to the publication.
Both Chin and Manhattan borough president Gale Brewer believe the changes should be a matter for public review, which would take seven months and ultimately end with a City Council vote. [Crain’s] — Miriam Hall