Early plans show two new projects to bring 1.7M sf of residential units to LES

Preliminary plans for two new developments on the Lower East Side would add more than 2,100 residential units to the area.

The Starrett Corp. submitted a pre-application for 271-283 South Street, where the developer plans to build a 60-story building with 741 apartments, the Lo-Down reported. L+M Development [TRDataCustom] and the CIM Group also filed a pre-application statement for 260 South Street, where they plan to build a 1,400-unit building. Together, the projects would span more than 1.7 million square feet — nearly the same size as the massive Essex Crossing Project — in the Two Bridges neighborhood.

The proposals, of course, are just early plans and can change dramatically in the coming months.

State Assembly member Alice Cancel filed a Freedom of Information Law request to the city’s Department of Planning for the pre-applications amid complaints from residents about overdevelopment in the area. Cancel said she is still reviewing the pre-application statements.

“We need to map out a strategy to protect the neighborhood,” she said.

Other projects in the area include JDS Development’s planned 900-foot rental tower at 247 Cherry Street, which will be next to Extell Development’s 80-story One Manhattan Square. The Department of City Planning said in June that it would not approve JDS’ plans until it resolved a lawsuit over air rights at the site. [The Lo-Down] — Kathryn Brenzel