Compiling the latest just to get a grip on this, since the diggers are still in the park and the governor’s office has not indicated that it will change course. UPDATE: There are plans afoot for a block party at the site today, from 2 to 6.

THE PLAN
The governor indicated early this winter that he intended to create a monument to essential workers and would site it in Battery Park City. Community Board 1 registered its opposition to the location then.

On June 23, the governor’s office announced specific plans to install a monument in the southern corner of the Rockefeller Park lawn at the end of Warren Street. The construction would be completed by Labor Day. The plan was approved by a committee of 23 union leaders, according to the governor’s office.

THE MONUMENT DETAILS

• 3000 square feet in the southern corner of the Rockefeller Park lawn
• six existing mature trees would be cut down
• added hardscape paths & benches
• 19 ornamental red maple trees in a circle
• an eternal flame at the center

THE PROTEST
I wrote about it here on June 25; by then neighbors had a petition online.

On Saturday, neighbors first protested by gathering at the site. By then the diggers were in place.

On Monday morning, a good hundred neighbors arrived, as did tree removal crews. Adult and kids crossed the fence and took up residence for the day on the lawn. The tree removal crews left. On both Monday and Tuesday night, three to four tents were set up for the overnight shift.

THE RESPONSE

• The Battery Park City Authority first tried to ask people to leave the lawn on Monday morning and called the NYPD, but then decided to leave folks there alone.
• The local elected officials sent letters to the governor, including Congressman Jerry Nadler; state legislators Brian Kavanagh, Deborah Glick and Yuh-Line Niou; Borough President Gale Brewer; and City Councilwoman Margaret Chin.
• The local sports leagues sent letters to the governor.
• All the local real estate outlets covered the story of the announcement straight-up, but the protest story has since gotten some traction, including from The Post, NY1, City&State and CBS local.

THE REACTION
The orange fencing that outlined the site came down on Monday day. On Monday evening a crew arrived to install a tall chain link fence, but left soon after. There’s been no word from the governor’s office what the next move will be. (I’ve asked.)