Low-cost housing for Nolita

THE CITY is set to move forward with plans to build affordable housing on the site of the neighborhood’s beloved Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita.

“I think it’s a win-win situation for all of us because we are now getting a lot of units — 121 units of affordable senior housing — and a beautiful open green space,” City Councilwoman Margaret Chin, who represents the area, told the Daily News on Thursday.

Plans to turn the site into housing have been fought bitterly by the neighborhood’s community board, residents, civic groups and political clubs — becoming a hot topic at a town hall Chin and Mayor de Blasio held in the district. It also was a major issue in a close Democratic primary race that Chin ultimately won.

Community Board 2 Chairwoman Terri Cude said the neighborhood needs affordable housing, but it should be built elsewhere, because it also needs the garden. “Affordability should never be pitted against livability,” she said Thursday night, after seeing outlines of the city’s proposal.

The development, dubbed Haven Green, will be permanently affordable and open to seniors earning between $20,040 and $40,080. Rents will range from about $331 to $761, according to early estimates.

The green space, which is smaller than the existing garden, will be maintained as a privately owned public space, the city said.