"Save Chelsea Market!"
That was the cry from the majority of its neighbors at a meeting Wednesday night to discuss its possible expansion by Jamestown Properties, reports DNAinfo.
Friends of the High Line was the only voice speaking in its favor, considering the elevated park would exit the deal with a $17 million contribution.
Jamestown's proposal is to add nine floors to the historic building at 75 Ninth Avenue, adding 240,000 square feet of office space on top of its 10th Avenue side and a massive hotel of 90,000 square feet on its Ninth Avenue side.
To make this idea reality, Jamestown must convince the City Council to make a zoning change, putting Chelsea Market into the Special West Chelsea District. The Special West district was made largely to assist construction of the High Line.
It would require a lengthy rezoning process after the plan is certified by the city's planning department, which may happen February 27.
If all goes according to plan, Jamestown Properties would be required to make the hefty donation to the High Line Improvement Fund, as well as add 3,000 square feet of activity space, 1,000 square feet of storage and a freight elevator to the park.
Local residents have formed a community group called Save Chelsea that is working to oppose the project. They voiced that zoning officials shouldn't feel pressured to suit the needs of a single developer, and that another hotel would only add to the already "choking" traffic along Ninth Avenue.
Save Chelsea members also said the expansion would be out of character with the historic building, would block light to the High Line and possibly cause rent to increase in the neighborhood.
For more information on this story, visit DNAinfo.
Chelsea Market: 75 9th Ave., bet. W 15th and 16th Sts.
