The Elizabeth Street Garden, a cherished green space in lower Manhattan, was at the center of a heated debate that pitted locals against affordable housing advocates and city officials.

Residents in the neighborhood, known as Little Italy, and beyond were deeply attached to the garden and rallied to save it , fighting plans to build a 123-unit affordable housing development for senior citizens on the site. Their efforts led Mayor Eric Adams to abandon the project .

Across New York City, park advocates have influenced proposed developments to protect their local green spaces. But their advocacy has derailed affordable housing projects, like the one proposed for Little Italy.

The city faces a severe housing crisis , with a significant shortage of affordable options for its residents. Many

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