SOUTH STREET SEAPORT — Elected officials are lending their voices to a call for more transparency regarding the city's seeming sudden plan to partially demolish two historic Seaport buildings that have fallen into disrepair.
Officials including CIty Councilwoman Margaret Chin, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, State Senator Daniel Squadron and embattled Assemblyman Sheldon Silver said they are concerned about what the city has called necessary "emergency work" that would tear down portions of the former Fulton Fish Market buildings — abandoned warehouses that preservationists have long fought to save.
The entire buildings may also need to be torn down if they're found to be unsafe once these sections are removed.
The politicians asked the Economic Development Corporation to give them the May inspection report that revealed parts of the buildings — the "cooler areas" — were "in danger of collapse."
The local officials also want clarification of whether demolition of either of the buildings were already in the works before a May inspection. As Crain's first reported, emails had indicated talk of the partial or full demolition of the Tin Building and New Market Buildings were discussed as early as April.
Controversy has swirled around the buildings — only one of which, the Tin Building, is landmarked — as plans by Howard Hughes Corporation to redevelop the Seaport called for tearing down the New Market Building and building a massive residential tower in its place.
The warehouses, used during the Seaport’s fish mongering days, sit at the base of Pier 17, which is being completely rebuilt by the Howard Hughes Corporation and will be remade, topped with a sleek, glass outdoor mall.
Officials also want assurances that work on Pier 17 hasn't affected the structural integrity of the buildings — something other local groups have also expressed concern over.
The letter also asks to know "well enough in advance" if the city will seek approvals for more, or the entire, buildings to be torn down.
An EDC spokeswoman said they recieved the letter and it is under review.
