Candidate Name: Christopher Marte

Office Campaigning for: New York City Council, District 1

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR POSITION ON THE ROLE OF PUBLIC GREEN SPACES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES.

I think public green spaces are vital for our communities, and that's why in my first year in office I am proud to have opened two new parks in our district!

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR POSITION ON HOW THE CITY PRIORITIZES PUBLIC OPEN GREEN SPACE AND HOW COMMUNITY GARDENS ARE OFTEN PITTED AGAINST THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

There is more than enough money in the city budget for both green spaces and an adequate amount of affordable housing. I have advocated and testified to have at least 1% of the City budget to go to Parks and community gardens

HAVE YOU EVER VISITED ELIZABETH STREET GARDEN? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE.

I have visited and volunteered at the garden for years. In addition, I have sponsored and co-host events at the garden and had the honor to be a judge at the Halloween dog costume event!

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE ALTERNATIVE SITE SOLUTION THAT WOULD USE 388 HUDSON — A GRAVEL- FILLED, CITY-OWNED LOT — TO PROVIDE UP TO 5X THE AMOUNT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND ADDITIONAL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE WHILE SAVING ELIZABETH STREET GARDEN?

I support this solution and have offered other solutions for the City to build affordable housing and protect the precious green space that Elizabeth Street Garden is.

ESG IS CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN TWO LAWSUITS TO SAVE THE GARDEN. One to stop HPD's attempt to evict the garden and the other within the appellate division of the State Supreme court led by attorney Norman Siegel. IF THE ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED BEFORE THE CHANGE OF OFFICE, ONCE IN OFFICE, HOW WOULD YOU WORK WITH ESG TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE ELIZABETH STREET GARDEN?

I am the only council member that has legally sued the City to protect our community. Recently, I wrote an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit and willing to do anything in my power to save ESG! Read our brief here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/581fb257b8a79bf741c673a9/t/645a87a75d74bf082fa6c618/1683654572008/scan_20230429032134.pdf

IF ELECTED, will you pledge SUPPORT for ESG'S PLAN TO SAVE THE GARDEN AS A CONSERVATION LAND TRUST? PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW ESG'S FUTURE PLANS FOR SAVING THE GARDEN AS A CONSERVATION LAND TRUST HERE: HTTPS://WWW.ELIZABETHSTREETGARDEN.COM/CLT

Yes

IF YOU ANSWERED "NO" TO THE ABOVE QUESTION, PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY.

N/A

IF ELECTED, WOULD YOU COMMIT TO SAVING ELIZABETH STREET GARDEN IN PERPETUITY?

Yes

IF YOU ANSWERED "NO" TO THE ABOVE QUESTION, PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY.

N/A