Mayor Eric Adams Addresses Chinatown's Concerns at Town Hall Meeting
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In our quest for community engagement and a voice in shaping our neighborhood's future, the recent Chinatown town hall held on August 10th, 2023, at PS2 proved to be a pivotal event. One of the highlights of the evening was Neighbors United Below Canal co-founder Jan Lee's question to Mayor Eric Adams.
Jan Lee addressed Mayor Adams with a timely question that echoed the concerns of our community: "Will we have a seat at the design table to ensure the right size, scale, and impact of the jail project, considering the increased criminal activity in our neighborhood?"
Mayor Adams responded with an acknowledgment of the challenges we face, especially regarding the criminal justice system and jail population. He highlighted that the jail population currently exceeds the capacity of the borough-based jails, emphasizing the complex nature of housing dangerous individuals. Adams reassured the attendees that they would indeed have a seat at the table and acknowledged the significance of collaboration with Councilman Marte, who has been vocal on this matter.
However, Mayor Adams also urged the community to rally together, encouraging us not to let Councilman Marte stand alone in this fight. He emphasized the need for unified efforts across council districts to address the problem holistically. Mayor Adams stressed that solutions must be found to prevent releasing potentially dangerous individuals back into our streets and stressed the need to engage with councilmembers who don’t have a jail in their municipalities.
This event highlighted the importance of securing our seat at the design table and engaging in a broader conversation about the future of our community. Mayor Adams' commitment to ensuring our input in the design process is a positive step forward. It underscores the importance of ongoing collaboration between community members, local leaders, and government officials to create a safe and vibrant Chinatown and, with the help of our elected officials, we are able to continue to engage with City Hall.
As we move forward, our focus remains on understanding the steps to achieve our goals and clarifying what it truly means to have a meaningful "seat at the table." Together, we aim to shape the future of our neighborhood while safeguarding the well-being of its residents.
The Importance of Influencing the Design
Though we are disappointed that the community’s plan for the jail site, adaptive reuse of the existing jail structures, was flatly refused by City Hall on Memorial Day of this summer, we must continue to demand a seat at the table to influence the design of the new jail. The process of designing a new jail in Chinatown presents an unparalleled opportunity for our community to exert its influence and advocate for a project that aligns with our unique needs, values, and future. Community involvement in shaping the design of the new jail, particularly considering the site's limitations, its impact on surrounding structures, and the necessity of a design that respects the scale and fabric of our neighborhood is a must.
A paramount consideration in the design process is the inherent constraints of the site itself. The fact that the site is open on only two sides inherently limits the flow and distribution of activity within the jail's premises. This limitation necessitates a design that maximizes functionality while respecting the available space. The community's input is invaluable here, as those who live and work in Chinatown understand the intricate nuances of space utilization in a way that outsiders might not. By actively participating in the design process, we can ensure that the jail's layout efficiently accommodates its purpose while minimizing disruptions to the surrounding area.
The age and fragility of the surrounding buildings constitute another crucial factor in design considerations. The neighboring structures have historical and cultural significance, serving as integral components of our neighborhood's identity. The community's participation in the design process can safeguard these buildings from damage during construction and ensure that the new jail harmoniously integrates with its surroundings. We must address the concerns raised by the presence of low-income housing, such as the Chung Pak building with its 80+ apartments, which resides within the jail's campus. The residents of this building deserve assurance that their lives will not be adversely affected by the construction or operation of the new facility.
A central concern shared by all is the scale and impact of the new jail. As a community deeply invested in the well-being of our neighborhood, we have a vested interest in a design that aligns with the aesthetics and character of Chinatown. An outsized or imposing structure would disrupt the visual harmony of the area and adversely affect both residents and businesses. Thus, our participation in the design process is essential to ensure that the new jail is appropriately scaled, respectful of the neighborhood's historic identity, and considerate of the needs and values of those who call Chinatown home.
The design of the new jail in Chinatown presents a unique opportunity for the community to exert its influence during the most critical stage in the process, the beginning, and ensure a project that truly resonates with our aspirations. By taking into account the site's limitations, respecting the fragility of surrounding structures, and advocating for an appropriately scaled and impactful design, we can collaboratively shape the future of our neighborhood. Our involvement is not only crucial but essential, we need to create a jail that safeguards the essence of Chinatown while serving its purpose effectively. Through meaningful community influence, we can forge a future for all who reside within Chinatown and Little Italy.
A Seat at the Table
The question posed to the Mayor wasn't a mere request for “a seat at the table” ; it was more precisely a plea for a seat at the design table. This deliberate inclusion of the term "design" underscored the community's demand for meaningful influence in the creation of the new jail. Mere participation in discussions is insufficient; we aim to actively shape the design to ensure the new jail's appropriateness in terms of size, scale, and impact on our community.
The significance of securing a seat at the design table is profound. Our intention isn't merely to occupy any available position during discussions concerning the new jail. Instead, we seek an active role in determining the specifics of the design. This emphasis on "design" signifies our commitment to making sure the new jail is meticulously planned, fitting seamlessly within the fabric of our community. Our goal is to have an impactful say in how the jail's design aligns with our neighborhood's character, and how it minimizes its effects on our community's well-being.
The necessity of involvement from the outset cannot be overstated. Waiting until a contractor is selected and the City and contractor embark on their independent processes would compromise the integrity of our input. By the time this stage is reached, many of the critical design decisions may have already been made, leaving our community's voice unheard in the most vital phases of development. This is particularly pertinent considering the chosen "design build" approach for all four borough-based jails. To have a meaningful influence, our seat at the design table must be secured early on, shaping the project's trajectory right from its inception.
Requesting a seat at the design table is more than a simple petition for inclusion; it is a demand for an active role in shaping the very essence of the new jail. By ensuring our input from the earliest stages, we can work together to create a facility that respects our community's needs, maintains our neighborhood's integrity, and mitigates its impact. Our pursuit of a seat at the design table is a steadfast commitment to the future of Chinatown, where our voice contributes to the evolution of a project that reflects our values and aspirations. As for the Mayor’s agreement that indeed we will “have a seat at the table” we will have to fight to make sure that this is not an empty promise, or a perfunctory box to be checked.