Community Board 2 backs expansion of Lower Manhattan Community Middle School into grades 6–12

The Manhattan Community Board 2 Executive Committee voted to support a resolution backing the expansion of Lower Manhattan Community Middle School into grades 6 through 12.

The resolution, introduced as new business by Janine Ammar and prepared with Patricia Laria and Mar Fitzgerald, asks that any future use of the building prioritize coherent single-facility programming and that all stakeholders collaborate on implementation. The chair, Valerie Zeller Rosa, put the matter to a voice vote and said, “Seeing none, all those in favor? Aye.” The committee recorded no opposition, abstentions, or recusals and carried the resolution by voice vote.

Supporters told the committee the building already has contiguous, unused space after a nearby high school closed this year, and that an expansion likely would not require major immediate build-out. Committee members explained the common practice is to add grades one year at a time — for example, extending a 6–8 school to 9th grade, then adding subsequent grades in phases — to make growth manageable.

Members also noted prior community engagement, including a March resolution by Community Board 1 and multiple public meetings and forums where parents and neighbors raised support for expansion. The resolution’s authors said LMC draws students from across Community Board 2 and the city and that conversion of the vacated high school space would better serve neighborhood students.

The committee did not set implementation deadlines or require immediate capital work; the resolution instead requested coordination and planning among the school district, parents, and community stakeholders. The chair said a fuller discussion and any necessary follow-up would occur at the full board meeting later in the week.

The Executive Committee then closed its public portion and moved into an executive session for board members only.