Welcome To the

Community First Development Coalition

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Our Mission

To create an inclusive Tribeca that honors its past, embraces socioeconomic diversity, and thrives as a community for generations to come

The coalition provides information and resources to preserve and enhance Tribeca’s character. We advocate for thoughtful development that respects the neighborhood’s scale, historical integrity, and environment, while fostering community well-being, quality of life, and an increase in the amount of permanently affordable housing available.

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Lend your voice to our advocacy efforts or volunteer your time in support of the coalition mission.

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CFDC News & Views

  • Dear Ms. Ulker-Kacar

    Dear Ms. Ulker-Kacar

    You can join Carl the Crane in opposing the tower by submitting your written comments to the Department of City Planning through July 6. A sample letter is available on our Resources page. 26DCP143M_DL@planning.nyc.gov. Evren Ulker-Kacar, AICP, NYC Department of City Planning, 120 Broadway, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10271. Re: Independence Plaza Modifications — Draft Scope…

  • Before the June 25 Scoping Meeting: What Residents Can Do 

    Before the June 25 Scoping Meeting: What Residents Can Do 

    The public review process for a 1,000+ foot tower at Independence Plaza is moving forward, and this week presents an important opportunity for residents to make their voices heard. 1. Know Your Why Everyone comes to this issue from a different perspective. Perhaps your concern is affordable housing and ensuring that any housing commitments are…

  • June 18 Meeting Recap: Understanding the Tower Proposal and What Comes Next

    June 18 Meeting Recap: Understanding the Tower Proposal and What Comes Next

    Thank you to everyone who joined the CFDC Community Meeting on June 18. We were encouraged by the strong engagement from residents who care deeply about the future of Tribeca. You can review the full meeting video and summary below. The presentation slides are available here and on our Resources page. The meeting covered four…

  • CFDC Community Meeting, Thursday, June 18

    CFDC Community Meeting, Thursday, June 18

    If you care about the future of Tribeca and the proposed Independence Plaza tower, now is the time to engage and act. Over the past several weeks, Vornado has submitted multiple filings that continue moving this 1,000+ foot project through the public review process. Demolition is slated to begin in 2027, with construction starting in…

  • CFDC Testifies on Tower Impact at the CB1 LZE Committee

    CFDC Testifies on Tower Impact at the CB1 LZE Committee

    On Monday, June 8, CFDC President Stephanie Kelemen, along with representatives of the Tribeca community, testified at the Land Use, Zoning & Economic Development (LZE) Committee of Manhattan Community Board 1. The purpose of the meeting was to review the Environmental Impact Study draft scope of work (linked below) related to the proposed 1,000+ foot…

CFDC Impact

We educate and mobilize across four priority areas to realize a future Tribeca that is informed and inspired by our community today.

Permanent Affordable Housing

Enabling low- and middle-income residents to join and remain in the community

Environment

Safeguarding our ecosystem, green spaces, infrastructure and streetscapes

Scale & Architectural Integrity

Preserving landmark properties and honoring Tribeca’s distinct, historical aesthetic

Quality of Life

Ensuring the well-being of all Tribeca residents