LITTLE ITALY, Manhattan (WABC) — Manhattan’s Little Italy residents and A-list celebrities are speaking out after the city plans to replace a garden in the neighborhood with affordable housing.
The Elizabeth Street Garden is tucked away in the neighborhood and has been maintained by an army of volunteers. But the city is planning to build a development in the future with roughly 120 affordable housing units for seniors in its place.
“It’s like a spiritual home for me, where I come to breathe,” said supporter Robin Kahn.
Opposition of the development has been fierce, as thousands of letters have been sent to Mayor Eric Adams. One of them even came from Martin Scorsese. Singer Patti Smith — who performed in the garden — and legendary actor Robert De Niro also voiced their concern saying the city is “erasing part of the city’s unique cultural history and heritage.”
“The whole community recognizes the need for affordable …