By Nicole Breskin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
NOLITA — Watch out real estate developers, there's a new community sheriff in town.
A new neighborhood activist association in NoLIta was recently launched by Debra Zimmerman, who single-handedly (well, almost) stopped the Shake Shack empire from expanding into the area.
The Northern Little Italy Community Association was formed by Zimmerman to take on a variety of issues from illegal hotels on Mulberry Street to cutbacks to the neighborhood’s public library.
“We are going to use the energy and creativity of this group to make sure the neighborhood stays quiet, beautiful and safe,” said Zimmerman, 53, who lives on Prince Street next to the site of the proposed Shake Shack she shot down. “We will be the community’s eyes and ears.”
The group, which Zimmerman co-chairs with her neighbor, Kim Martin, covers a swath of Little Italy, NoLIta and SoHo.
“It’s a need-driven organization,” said Suzanne Monto, 34, who joined the group while fighting development on her block at Elizabeth Street. “It also adds to the sense of the community as a neighborhood.”
Mulberry Street resident John Wilhelmy, 28, who also recently joined the group to protect his area's historic character, said the past successes of the organization’s members makes it a huge draw.
“I thought there was no way you were going to stop such a major player,” he said, referring to Danny Meyer, the restaurateur behind Shake Shack. “I’m genuinely amazed they pulled that off and I’m thrilled a group like this popped up.”
Zimmerman said since taking down Shake Shack she’s received a flood of positive feedback from across the neighborhood and beyond.
“A woman from New Jersey contacted me saying she was having water problems in her house in Vermont. She asked me what she should do,” said Zimmerman with a laugh. “I’m glad I’ve given inspiration to people.”
Zimmerman believes the group’s challenges are not going to be easy to tackle, but she is not concerned about success with the organization’s growing network of support.
“It’s always hard work, but I accomplish what I have because I work the hardest,” she said. “You knock on every door until you get a response for whatever issue you’re trying to tackle.”
The group meets next on June 29 at the Parish House of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 263 Mulberry St. at 6:30 p.m.
