On March 14, 2013, the New York City Council heard testimonies from various parties regarding the new development of the South Street Seaport by the Howard Hughes Corporation. While the hearing was meant to center around the proposed plans of the new Pier 17, concern was voiced for the future of the historical buildings in the area as well as the effect future renovations might have on area businesses such as the New Amsterdam Market.
On March 20, the Council’s Sub-committee on Zoning and Franchises and its Land Use Committee approved the HHC's application for the redevelopment of Pier 17 (a $200 million dollar plan) providing they comply with modifications that ensure the preservation of the historical buildings and the businesses that utilize them.
The testimonies of Wall Street Walks and other concerned parties no doubt proved instrumental in highlighting these concerns and ultimately modifying the deal so that the South Street Seaport could be "saved."
The following is our testimony from that day:
March 14, 2013
To the
members of the City Council:
I own and
operate “Wall Street Walks," a New York walking Tour Company focused solely on
Lower Manhattan's history, the neighborhood, and its landmarks and museums.
I would like
to speak about the significance of two city-owned landmarks, the Fulton Fish
Market Tin Building (1907) and New Market Building (1939).
Markets are
part of a centuries-old tradition. Long
before the construction of the F.D.R. Drive or even the Brooklyn Bridge, the Fulton
Market was the largest and most important food showcase in Greater New York. Indeed, locals have been buying and selling
fish (and meat, cheese and produce) along this stretch of East River shoreline
since the mid-1600's, when the first food markets of New Amsterdam sprung up
around the ferry landing at Peck Slip.
Commercial
development will promise employment and tax dollars to the city, but it cannot do
justice to the neighborhood’s storied past.
Will the development by the Howard Hughes Corporation, or any corporation
in the future, be sensitive to the history of the area?
The Fulton
Fish Market Tin Building and the New Market Building buildings are of national
significance. They could be restored
& dedicated as a new wholesale and retail markets. Please protect and preserve these buildings.
The Highline
development has changed the meat packing district into a premier New York destination. The Fulton Fish Market Tin Building and New
Market Building could do the same for the Seaport area. It could solidify the South Street Seaport as another
premier destination for New Yorkers and visitors from around the
world.
Thank you,
Annaline
Dinkelmann
Owner and
President
Wall Street
Walks
