As you know, on Tuesday night, the East Fifth Street Block Association had a community meeting with Matthew Moss, principal of the Peck Moss Hotel Group, the developer of the Cooper Square Hotel. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and raise any concerns about the hotel's impact on the neighborhood. Several community leaders were in attendance, including CB3 District Manager Susan Stetzer and SLA & DCA Licensing Chair Alexandra Militano. I asked Stuart Zamsky, head of the East Fifth Street Block Association, two questions in a follow-up e-mail.
I wanted to get your thoughts on how you think the meeting went. Do you think some progress was made?
I think the meeting went well. I think the community was civil yet persuasive. And, I think that Stetzer and Militano were great assets who were clear and decisive in their thoughts. And, I think it sank in to the hotel/Matt.
The one thing that was missing (and has been missing from the whole process) is a strong showing by 207 [E. Fifth St.] residents. This was their strongest showing yet, but it was too little too late. I am dumbfounded at their lack of verve and participation, considering what they have at stake.
What were you thoughts when you saw the party afterwards at the Cooper for the $280,000 DBS Volante Convertible?
The cause of the party did not faze me. It's a ritzy hotel and will host high-end clients for special events. Rich/poor...that's NYC. That it went on too late, in a noisy fashion, and seemed unstoppable is worrisome.
207 has been fighting this since it began, with a continual display of concern, including demonstrations, petitions, 311 calls and showings at meetings. It might be worth noting that one of the 207 residents complained about the hotel bar noise and you said "It doesn't really bother me" - well thanks a bunch for that. I wonder how much support you really do want, if it challenges your little Caesar's empire...
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