On March 25, 2016 Harlem council member stated that “I am truly disappointed by Mayor de Blasio’s decision to file an amicus brief in support of the construction of JHL tower.The construction of a 20-story tower directly adjacent to PS163 would pose an undeniable threat to the learning and well-being of more than 500 elementary school students.
Dozens of classrooms at PS163 directly face the development site. Because the school lacks air conditioning, the classroom windows are open much of the year–ensuring that children would be directly exposed not just to ear-splitting noise but also to dust and other particulates.
A thorough environmental study would have shone a light on these and other risks of the construction–but unfortunately the State Dept. of Health’s review of the project was seriously deficient. This was affirmed by State Supreme Court Judge Joan B. Lobis on December 9, in a ruling that stopped the project because of the State’s failure to complete the “requisite hard look” at the impact of noise and hazardous materials.
I believe the mayor is wrong to have filed a brief in opposition to this sensible ruling, and I will continue to fight for the safety of PS163 students and the surrounding community.”
Council Member Mark Levine · 500 W 141st St, New York, NY 10031, http://council.nyc.gov/d7/html/members/home.shtml, 212-928-6814
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