October 20, 2005

Deputy Commissioner Rafael Cestero
Department of Housing Preservation and Development
500 Gold Streeet, Room 9A1
New York, NY 10038

Re:

Block 1649, Lot 9 (213-219 East 99th Street, between Second and Third Avenues), former P.S. 109 building

Dear Deputy Commissioner Cestero

Manhattan Community Board 11 voted on October 17, 2005 at its City Properties Land Use/Zoning and Housing Committee meeting and on October 18, 2005 at its Full Board meeting to support El Barrio Operation Fightback and Artspace Projects, Inc. proposal to build 66 tootal units of low and moderate income live/work housing for artists.

We believe this proposal provides truly affordable housing opportunities for our community's many artists while at the same time working to preserve both our cultural identity and a historic landmark building. We look forward to working with Operation Fightback and ARtspace in the future to identify local artists and fulfill the required 50% community preference.

Sincerely,

LINO RIOS
Chair

cc:

Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Hon. C. Virginia Fields
Councilmember Philip Reed
Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctorow
Commissioner Shaun Donavan
Ibo Balton, Director, Project and Pipeline Planning
Gustavo Rosado, Executive Director
Greg Handberg, Vice President