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New York Mayor Expected to Abandon Plan to Replace Elizabeth Street Garden with Housing

cultural-heritage · 2026-08-12

The administration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is likely to drop its initiative to transform the Elizabeth Street Garden in Soho into affordable housing, concluding a legal dispute that has lasted nearly ten years. This one-acre garden, managed by a non-profit organization, is home to sculptures and serves as a venue for community gatherings, with notable advocates such as Patti Smith and Martin Scorsese. Joseph Reiver, the head of the garden's non-profit, seeks to maintain the garden while also addressing housing challenges. Originally intended for development into Haven Green, a 123-unit senior complex, former Mayor Eric Adams withdrew support after it was designated as parkland. A resolution is expected prior to a hearing on August 13, which includes plans for 180 affordable homes at 22 Suffolk Street.

Key facts

  • Mamdani administration expected to drop plans for affordable housing on Elizabeth Street Garden site
  • Garden is one-acre public space in Soho, Manhattan, operated by non-profit
  • Garden hosts yoga classes, outdoor films, and art contests
  • High-profile fans include Patti Smith, Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro
  • Garden started by Allan Reiver in early 1990s
  • In 2012, city transferred lot to NYC Housing Authority
  • Haven Green project proposed 123 affordable housing units for seniors
  • Developers include Pennrose, RiseBoro, and Habitat for Humanity
  • Former Mayor Eric Adams initially supported development, later reversed
  • Mamdani's mother, Mira Nair, disagreed with his stance
  • Adams designated garden as parkland in 2025
  • Developers sued city; resolution includes 180 affordable homes at 22 Suffolk Street
  • Court hearing scheduled for August 13

Entities

Artists

  • Patti Smith
  • Martin Scorsese
  • Robert De Niro
  • Allan Reiver
  • Joseph Reiver
  • Mira Nair

Institutions

  • Elizabeth Street Garden
  • New York City Housing Authority
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Pennrose
  • RiseBoro
  • Gothamist
  • The New York Times
  • The Art Newspaper
  • Hell Gate

Locations

  • New York City
  • Manhattan
  • Soho
  • Elizabeth Street Garden
  • 22 Suffolk Street
  • Lower Manhattan

Sources