Downtown’s endangered Elizabeth Street Garden has its share of A-list supporters, ranging from Robert DeNiro to Martin Scorsese and Patti Smith — all of whom have spoken out in support of the bucolic Nolita green space.
But the most fashionable protest yet took place last night, as the sculpture-dotted oasis joined New York Fashion Week celebrations as the venue for the Libertine show, which made its feelings about the local treasure’s future clear.
Models walked the makeshift runway to the tune of Joni Mitchell’s anti-development Big Yellow Taxi, some pushing dirt carts while others carried garden tools. Packets of seeds were left for guests, including Martha Stewart and designer Thom Browne.
And in case the message wasn’t getting through, designer Johnson Hartig appeared at the end of the show holding a sign that read “Save the Garden,” Vogue reported.
“We’re thrilled to be here in the gardens today doing our part to raise awareness; we just hope it’s not too late,” he was reported as saying.
The space has long been a designer favorite, used in other years for shows by Kate Spade, Stella McCartney and Cynthia Rowley.
The stylish social act comes as the garden faces the wrecking ball in September. 10 – the first step towards redeveloping the site into affordable housing and office space.
“The garden is not only an oasis of green space within our city, but it truly stands as a work of art,” singer Smith, 77, wrote in a letter to Mayor Eric Adams in August. 14. Smith organized a protest concert in the garden.
“Our great city is in danger of becoming a developer’s unchecked haven, and we hope you will help us set a lasting precedent for how New York City will protect public art and green spaces for the future,” pleaded the “Gloria” singer.
A spokesperson for the Department of Housing Preservation and Development told The Post earlier that the demolition would go ahead as planned, despite the protests.
The planned project would replace the 20,000-square-foot space with 123 units of affordable senior housing. The mayor has veto power and is able to shut down construction before the novation begins.
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Image Source : nypost.com