Elizabeth Street Garden May Become Official City Park

The Elizabeth Street Garden, a cherished spot in SoHo, is actively being considered for designation as official city parkland, according to sources familiar with the situation who spoke to the Post. This move comes from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration as part of a last-minute effort before the new administration, led by Zoran Mamdani, takes charge.

A letter confirming this effort was sent on November 3 by Luis Molina, the Director of Citywide Administrative Services, with the news initially reported by Gothamist on Wednesday.

Mayor-elect Mamdani, who is set to take office on January 1, has voiced his intent to clear the beloved green space within his first year, aiming to make room for affordable housing developments.

This latest push from the Adams administration is part of a lengthy struggle—spanning over ten years—over private gardens on city-leased land. Notably, this debate has seen support from celebrities like Robert De Niro and Patti Smith, as well as thousands of letters from community members including seniors and students who appreciate this rare slice of nature in Manhattan.

In previous plans, Adams had committed to building 123 affordable housing units and a Habitat for Humanity office on the garden site. However, last June he shifted his position, agreeing to pursue a broader plan elsewhere.

As for Mamdani, he has not yet commented on the ongoing situation.

In response to Adams’ recent actions, affordable housing advocacy group Open New York expressed strong disapproval. They released a statement criticizing the move: “This disgraceful final act has once again forced the Adams Administration to prioritize elite comfort over affordable housing for vulnerable seniors. Eric Adams’ time at City Hall may be over, but this fight is not over,” they claimed, pledging to work with Mamdani, Governor Hochul, and state legislators to reverse this decision by 2026.