Last week I came across a New York Times article about a development plan that threatens to gentrify Manhattan’s west side in ways similar to the plan proposed by Extell Development Company. General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church plans to knock down a four-story building on its campus in Chelsea and replace it with a 17-story building. The seminary would take up the first four floors, and the Brodsky Organization (the real estate company), would use the top floors to build luxury apartments in a glass tower.

Unlike the Extell plan I previously blogged about, this proposal is still in its early stages. While Extell was able to build “as-of-right,” the seminary still has to get the plan approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission and receive a special zoning permit from the City Planning Commission to construct a building that well exceeds the legal limit for the area.

Just as Upper West Side residents object to Extell Development’s plan to build two large towers, Chelsea residents are furious about this proposed development project. As described in the article, 75 Chelsea residents expressed their objections at a neighborhood meeting.

I have proposed that West Siders for Responsible Development and the Chelsea residents join forces to stop these development projects in their tracks. I would also like them to join forces with the Broadway Dance Center, located on West 57^th Street. It is one of the largest dance studios in the city and has been around for more than 20 years. As the landlord of the building, Extell Developtment Company’s newest plan is to push them out of the building so they can develop the property.

I believe that these three examples reflect how the real estate market is squeezing “real people” out of the city (artists, teachers, etc.) to make room for wealthier residents. If these opposition groups unite in their struggle to resist irresponsible development of this kind, they will likely have more power and influence. While social software would facilitate communication and planning between these groups, those spearheading the opposition efforts do not seem to be of the “social software generation.” My initial efforts to build virtual bridges between these groups have stopped short of being productive.