©REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What are some well-known parks or green spaces in your country?
- How does the government in your country typically inform the public about new construction projects?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- dealer /DEE-ler /
- alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/
- stick with /stik with/
- conflict /KON-flikt /
- urban /UR-buhn/
[noun] – a person who buys and sells goods or services
The art dealer managed to sell a rare painting for a significant amount.
[adjective] – different from the one that is usual or expected
We need to find an alternative route because the main road is closed.
[phrasal verb] – to continue to use or follow something
Despite the challenges, she is sticking with her original plan.
[noun] – a serious disagreement or argument
There was a conflict between the two departments over the budget allocation.
[adjective] – of or in a city or town
The urban landscape has changed significantly with the new development projects.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The Elizabeth Street Garden in Manhattan’s Little Italy is set to be demolished after its lease ended on September 10. Started in 1991 by an antiques dealer, this garden has been a vital green space in a crowded area. In 2013, New York City proposed building a 123-unit affordable housing complex for seniors on the one-acre garden. Despite opposition from public figures like Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Patti Smith, who highlight its cultural and environmental value, the project is proceeding. Alternative locations for up to 700 housing units were suggested, but city officials are sticking with the original plan. With the lease expired, stopping the garden’s closure is now difficult.
Mayor Eric Adams has made increasing affordable housing a top priority because of the city’s serious housing shortage. The vacancy rate in New York City has dropped to 1.4%, the lowest level since 1968. Adams’ “City of Yes” plan, started in 2022, aims to build 500,000 new homes by 2032, including converting unused office buildings and allowing apartments above shops. Critics are concerned that these changes might cause overcrowding and change the character of some neighborhoods, but supporters believe these actions are necessary to solve the housing crisis. The situation with Elizabeth Street Garden shows the ongoing conflict between urban development and preserving green spaces in New York City.
Mayor Eric Adams has made increasing affordable housing a top priority because of the city’s serious housing shortage. The vacancy rate in New York City has dropped to 1.4%, the lowest level since 1968. Adams’ “City of Yes” plan, started in 2022, aims to build 500,000 new homes by 2032, including converting unused office buildings and allowing apartments above shops. Critics are concerned that these changes might cause overcrowding and change the character of some neighborhoods, but supporters believe these actions are necessary to solve the housing crisis. The situation with Elizabeth Street Garden shows the ongoing conflict between urban development and preserving green spaces in New York City.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Who started the Elizabeth Street Garden, and in what year?
- What type of housing is proposed to be built on the garden site?
- What is Mayor Eric Adams’ plan to address the housing shortage called?
- What does the “City of Yes” plan aim to achieve by 2032?
- What ongoing issue does the situation with Elizabeth Street Garden highlight?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a public garden or green space that was important to your community? If so, what made it special to you? If not, can you think of a local place that might be similar? How would you feel if it were in danger of being removed?
- Have you ever been involved in a campaign to save a local landmark or green area? If yes, what actions did you take, and what was the result? If not, what local landmark or green area would you be passionate about protecting, and why?
- Do you think it’s okay for the city to build affordable housing on the Elizabeth Street Garden even though it is important for culture and the environment?
- Do you think it’s right to focus on building new housing instead of keeping existing green spaces? What could be good or bad about this decision?
- What are some ways that cities could balance the need for new housing with the importance of preserving green spaces?