Rally: New Yorkers Needs Housing, Not Luxury Tennis Courts

Megadeveloper Vornado's proposal for tennis courts in Midtown site contradicts promise from Gov. Hochul, who claims area can accommodate nearly 18 million sq. ft. of commercial space but not affordable housing; End Hochul's Hoax coalition to demand Hochul replace her disastrous plan for Penn area with one that prioritizes needs of community, embraces affordable housing

NEW YORK, NY (02/29/2024) (readMedia)-- TODAY, community members and housing advocates are rallying outside the former Hotel Pennsylvania to demand Governor Kathy Hochul and developer Vornado Realty prioritize urgently needed affordable housing before luxury tennis courts in the Penn neighborhood. Vornado's recent proposal to build tennis courts comes after the company admitted that commercial development in the neighborhood surrounding Penn Station could take more than five years, despite insistence from Governor Hochul that her plan to build more than 17 million square feet of luxury commercial space is still possible.

Amid the city's worst housing crisis in decades and no immediate plans to develop the area, the group will demand Governor Hochul abandon her real estate deal with Vornado and finally embrace a plan that puts affordable housing and community space over favors to her campaign donor.

This event will be livestreamed.

When: Thursday, February 29 at 11:00am

Where: Outside of former Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001; Corner of West 32nd St and 7th Ave

Who: End Hochul's Hoax Coalition, New Yorkers for a Better Penn Plan, Strong Economies for All, Members of Community Board 5, and more

What: Rally to demand Governor Hochul abandon her hoax for the Penn-area neighborhood and embrace a housing-first vision that prioritizes affordable housing over luxury tennis courts, commercial office towers