Welcome To the

Community First Development Coalition

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.

Donate

Your generous donation helps us empower the community in building a future Tribeca.

Get Involved

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

Explore

Review advocacy and educational information developed by experts at the coalition.

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Subscribe to our email newsletter for updates on our work.

CFDC News & Views

  • Development at Any Cost? Is New York Getting the Balance of Oversight Wrong? 

    Development at Any Cost? Is New York Getting the Balance of Oversight Wrong? 

    This article is the first in CFDC’s new Development Disasters series, which examines troubled projects to understand what went wrong, what safeguards failed or were missing, and what those cases can teach us about responsible development. New York City needs more housing, as well as more investment in affordable housing. And it needs to keep…

  • Watch Out for ICE

    Watch Out for ICE

    Hello. It’s me. Carl the Crane. I have been watching a parking garage. That is not unusual for me. When you have been standing in the same place for several years, you become interested in things other people might overlook. This particular parking garage is at Independence Plaza. Until recently, it was open to the…

  • Our Picnic: The First-Ever “Longest Table” in Tribeca

    Our Picnic: The First-Ever “Longest Table” in Tribeca

    On Sunday, June 14, in partnership with The Longest Table, the CFDC hosted the first no-charge community potluck in the neighborhood. The picnic brought together a broad range of New Yorkers from all backgrounds to share a meal at one long communal table. While the crowd enjoyed the opportunity to meet, eat, and celebrate what makes…

  • Tribeca Chronicles: Sommer Omar, Attorney and Community Activist

    Tribeca Chronicles: Sommer Omar, Attorney and Community Activist

    Sommer Omar shares her thoughts on working with both the Tribeca community and the local organizations that ensure the spirit of our neighborhood is sustained into the future. CFDC: What is your connection to Tribeca? SO: I’m the new State Committee member representing Tribeca. This little-known volunteer role is largely what you make of it.…

  • 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…

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