The Council of Chelsea Block Associations (CCBA) is comprised of 15 Block Associations and 3 Tenant Associations covering an area spanning from the north side of West 14th Street to the south side of West 30th Street, and from the west side of Sixth Avenue to the east side of 12th Avenue. CCBA works, they note, “to improve the quality of life for those who visit Chelsea, work in Chelsea, and live in Chelsea.” We recently checked in with longtime local Susan Palmer Marshall, who just began her second year as CCBA President.  

Scott Stiffler, for Chelsea Community News (CCNews): In our February 2025 Q&A, you vowed to bring “my own vision and determination” to the presidency while also working closely with the Executive Committee. In what ways has your leadership style informed how CCBA functions, internally and with respect to matters of concern in the wider community?

CCBA President Susan Palmer Marshall (Susan): This past year has been about steady leadership, clear communication, and rebuilding momentum following a transition. My leadership style is hands-on, focused on coordination, information sharing, and consistent follow-through—keeping our member associations [individual block associations] supported. One way this is achieved is through weekly organized updates curated from city, community, and policy sources, that ensure delegates are informed and able to act on neighborhood priorities.

Working with the Executive Committee has been central to this effort. Together, we bring complex issues to the organization in ways that help members understand potential impacts on the surrounding community and shape their approach. I look forward to continuing this collaborative model as our leadership evolves.

Internally, I aim to foster consultation and clear decision-making, and to help CCBA present a consistent perspective externally. While we often make recommendations rather than dictate outcomes, this approach supports more coordinated advocacy and strengthens our credibility with elected officials, city agencies, and partner organizations.

CCNews: How has the CCBA worked with elected officials on matters of mutual agreement–and have there been issues where the CCBA has worked to broaden or evolve opposing viewpoints?

Susan: The CCBA maintains regular communication with elected officials at the city and state levels, particularly on land use and infrastructure issues. Where values align, collaboration is productive. When proposals do not fully reflect neighborhood priorities, CCBA provides data and community perspective to support informed decision-making. Beyond major planning matters, the organization engages on quality-of-life concerns such as trash and graffiti removal, outdoor dining, and other emerging neighborhood issues, ensuring that everyday community needs receive attention alongside larger policy debates.

CCNews: In your 2025 Q&A, “Encourage Direct Advocacy” and “Expand Public Engagement” were identified as goals. How did those strategies contribute to opposition to proposed casino developments [in the Hudson Yards, Western Rail Yards, and/or Times Square areas]?

Susan: Those strategies proved essential. CCBA encouraged block and tenant associations to advocate directly— to testify at hearings, contact elected officials, and submit written testimony. Rather than centralizing voices, CCBA coordinated information and timing so residents could engage confidently and effectively. This approach resulted in broad, consistent opposition across Chelsea, Hudson Yards, and Times Square. Residents showed up informed and persistent, making clear that casino rezonings lacked community support and helping shift the political calculus.

CCNews: What is CCBA’s current stance on the proposed NYCHA redevelopment at Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea (FEC) Houses? Talk about demolition vs. renovation, and the environmental concerns brought to light in late March, when NYCHA released the Final Scope of Work and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Redevelopment of Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Houses.

Susan: At our September 2025 meeting, CCBA voted to stand with Manhattan Community Board 4 in not supporting any of the FEC alternatives in their current form. The proposal raises serious unanswered questions—environmental, financial, and legal.

Recent court actions have brought increased scrutiny to NYCHA’s financial assumptions, underscoring the need for transparency and independent review. While the Draft Environmental Impact Statement released in late March highlighted construction and open-space concerns, environmental review alone is insufficient for a project of this scale. These campuses are home to thousands of New Yorkers, and any redevelopment must recognize that residents’ dignity, stability, and right to remain are paramount.

CCBA’s focus is on ensuring that NYCHA residents are protected, that no one is forced from their community, and that impacts on the surrounding neighborhood are fully considered. We are looking to Community Board 4 and our elected officials—particularly Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who has committed to serving as a watchdog, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani—to closely examine the data and guide a transparent, accountable path forward.

CCNews: What else would you like readers to know about CCBA’s work?

Susan: The organization has been undergoing a period of renewal and increased visibility. CCBA adopted a new logo and slogan—Chelsea Neighbors Stronger Together—and is preparing to launch a more dynamic, user-friendly website and begin posting on social media to clearly communicate its mission, keep the community informed, and foster connections within Chelsea.

Participation at Community Board 4, its committee meetings, and public hearings has strengthened CCBA’s voice. The organization attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Muhlenberg Library’s reopening and participated in events with our new neighbor, Vanderbilt University. Block associations have driven tangible neighborhood improvements in partnership with NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher’s office, including subway accessibility advocacy, tree planting, and streetscape enhancements to make Chelsea greener.

CCBA has expanded its presence at Chelsea street fairs to connect with residents, encourage new block association formation, and engage with elected officials on neighborhood concerns. Several member block associations are hosting community gatherings, bringing residents together and fostering the growth of their own associations, which in turn strengthens the broader organization. Beyond Chelsea, CCBA remains vigilant as a member of the Empire Station Coalition, closely monitoring plans for the future of Penn Station.

Looking ahead, public safety remains a concern, as the 10th Precinct continues to operate below full staffing levels. Additional priorities include mental health, quality-of-life enforcement, and maintaining clean streets and public spaces. As planning decisions become more complex and centralized, the role of local civic organizations is increasingly important, and with elected official positions shifting on the West Side, CCBA remains committed to early engagement, transparent processes, and advocating for growth that respects Chelsea’s character and livability.

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