STATEMENT
of the
Honorable Nydia M. Velázquez,
Park Row Press Conference in Chinatown
October 22, 2004
As you all know, the struggle to reclaim the streets of Chinatown and Park Row has been a long one! But today, we are proud to celebrate a real victory for Park Row and for Chinatown!
This is a huge celebration for the residents and small business owners in this community - and one that will pave the way toward greater economic growth and prosperity! Chinatown is, and always has been, a vibrant area of New York City, and has always been one of my favorites.
Yet, this community has had an ongoing struggle since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Since then, area small businesses and Chinatown residents have suffered because of the police barricades that closed off Park Row. This closure drastically impacted Chinatown's economic situation, and left many area businesses suffering.
But these aren't the only negative side effects. In addition, Park Row's closure has led to increased emergency response times, compromised pedestrian security, and greater air and noise pollution, which has threatened the health and welfare of local residents.
That is why we have joined together as a community to fight to get Park Row back. Over the past two years, I have met with police commissioners to end the NYPD's occupation of Park Row. We have been fighting for a long time to reopen Park Row and get this neighborhood back on its feet.
And finally today - the Courts have concluded that the NYPD does indeed need to prepare a full environmental impact statement. Their previous study was found to be flawed, and failed to take into account the traffic congestion in the secure zone, or to consult with NYU Downtown Hospital and Emergency Medical Service personnel.
Well, that was not right, and this area belongs to this community. The livelihood of the residents and businesses depends on this! This victory is a step in the right direction - it has finally been recognized that the City violated state environmental laws when it placed barricades around NYC Police headquarters after 9/11 - and that the Chinatown community as a whole was violated.
This is an important day for Chinatown - and it empowers local residents to have a real voice in the process. We must capitalize on this victory to rebuild this vibrant neighborhood. It is my hope that a thorough environmental impact statement will finally lead to the removal of barricades and closures from our streets!
I know this is possible. And fighting together, we can make it happen.