“Community Board 12-Manhattan is deeply disappointed in the decision by the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) to grant a special permit to Zeta Charter School to construct a high school on 181st Street and Broadway.
“The application for a special permit is to build a school on the relevant lot. Notably, Zoning Resolution 73-133 requires a finding that traffic must be able to controlled ‘so as to protect children going to and from the school.’ We do not believe that finding has been met.
“It is our firm belief that a school at this intersection will cause significant disruption to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in this area. We also do not believe the application materials sufficiently addressed health and environment concerns regarding the lot’s neighboring gas station.
“The Board opposed the application in April 2026, and Chairperson Anthony Viola appeared before the BSA on behalf of CB12M on two occasions to express our concerns. Despite this, the BSA has decided to ignore the community’s input and grant the special permit.
“With the BSA’s decision now final, CB12M urges Zeta to engage and commit to work closely with the Board, the community, and other stakeholders as this project moves forward. We hope Zeta will take into account the existing conditions at 181st Street and Broadway and work with us to address concerns related to traffic and the safety of its students, pedestrians, motorists, and the surrounding community.
“The Board strongly encourages Zeta to consider the recommendations and concerns that have been previously raised throughout this process. We will continue to monitor Zeta’s development at 181st Street and Broadway and ensure the community’s voice is heard at every opportunity.”
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