'Tech Hub' Plan For East Village Moves Forward

EAST VILLAGE, NY — A city plan to build a nine-story tech incubator in the East Village began its public review process on Monday, to the outrage of some activists who say it's moving forward without necessary protections for the neighborhood.

Mayor Bill de Blasio first unveiled plans for a new "tech hub" near Union Square last year. De Blasio outlined the building, which would be constructed at 124 E. 14th St., as a new addition to the neighborhood that would bring new jobs and innovators in the tech industry to the Union Square area. De Blasio's vision, outlined in detail by the city's Economic Development Corporation, included a tech-focused building that was part-training center, part workspace for tech innovators.

On Monday, the city's Economic Development Corporation officially presented its proposal to the city planning commission, beginning the public review process known as ULURP.

Multiple local activist groups have opposed plans for the tech hub out of fear that the the new development could exacerbate gentrification or be out of place in the predominantly residential area. Community groups including the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation have called on de Blasio and other city officials to implement protections for the neighborhood before moving forward with the tech hub plan.

"It is deeply disappointing but entirely expected that the Mayor would release his plan for a giant 'Tech Hub' on 14th Street without any of the protections or mitigations for the surrounding neighborhood that these affected communities have long called for," said Andrew Berman, the society's president, in a statement. "Thus we turn to the City Council, whose approval is needed for this plan, to stand up to the Mayor and demand that in order to get their vote, these measures, which enjoy broad community support, are implemented."

The GVSHP and other groups are calling for regulations including height limits on new developments along certain corridors in the neighborhood as well as a stipulation that most new development along University Place, Broadway and the Third and Fourth Avenue corridors be predominantly residential and affordable.

Image credit: Rendering Courtesy of the NYC EDC