BY BILLY GRAY

Martin Scorsese, who grew up on the then-mean streets of Little Italy, has joined the fight to slow the luxurious transformation of the Bowery. The director recently wrote a letter to City Planning Commission Chair Amanda Burden that announced his solidarity with the Bowery Alliance of Neighbors as the organization seeks revised zoning limits on the east side of the thoroughfare, a former Skid Row and, before that, theater and vaudeville destination.

As towering new developments like the New Museum and Bowery Hotel have sprouted on the Bowery's east side, its western edge has maintained a low-rise skyline. That's because it falls under the protection of the Special Little Italy District, established in 1977, which caps building heights at 85 feet and mostly limits frontage to masonry. The Bowery Alliance of Neighbors wants to bring similar measures to the street's eastern half.

In a letter dated March 13th Mr. Scorsese wrote Ms. Burden saying he was a "lifelong supporter of the protection of [the Bowery's] history, character and integrity." He goes on to say that "the neighborhood and residents of the Bowery became clear catalysts for turning me into a storyteller"

Mr. Scorsese urges the CPC to "insure that the Bowery remains preserved and intact so its history continues to influence and inspire the upcoming artists of tomorrow" and not permit the unfettered growth of "high-rise apartment buildings and condos [that] only create more chaos, more disruption and ultimately offer the Bowery up to the elements of conformity."

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BY AL BARBARINO

Massey Knakal has arranged the $5.5 million sale of an apartment building at 104 Suffolk Street on the Lower East Side to a foreign investor, demonstrating the city’s continued status as one of the world’s few safe havens, The Commercial Observer has learned.

The 10,000-square-feet five-story walk-up consists of 20 residential units, 14 free market and six rent stabilized, with 18 one-bedroom apartments and two duplexes. Recent renovations include the entrance, common areas, roof and a dual fuel burner was recently installed.

“104 Suffolk Street was purchased by an overseas investor, which is a testament to the growing interest among the international community,” said Massey Knakal’s Michael DeCheser, who exclusively represented the seller in the transaction with CEO Paul Massey, Jr. and Guthrie Garvin.

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BY GUS DELAPORTE

Real estate private equity firm Savanna has donated space to the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council for its artist residency program for the second year in a row, it was announced earlier this week. LMCC will utilize 8,409 square feet at 100 Wall Street through summer 2013.

Last year, Savanna donated the entire 11,250-square-foot 21st floor at 80 Broad Street for LMCC’s use. The donated space is used as an incubator for dance, theatre, art and digital media. The organization will incubate up to 20 projects, according to Melissa Levin, director of cultural programs at LMCC.

LMCC, which hosts an annual event Downtown called the River to River Festival, requires temporary space for performance and visual artists to prepare. The space will also potentially host professional development workshops and support programs for artists, Ms. Levin noted.

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BY MICHAEL EWING

Commercial Real Estate Women of New Jersey will hold its monthly luncheon Thursday. The luncheon will feature special guest speaker Judith Nitsch, a founding principal and chairwoman of Nitsch Engineering, who will present a program titled “Casting Your Nets to Grow Your Business.” Registration is limited; tickets are $50 per person for CREW NJ members and $75 for guests.
CREW NJ Luncheon, Hilton Parsippany, 1 Hilton Court, Parsippany, N.J.; 11am-4pm, visit www.icrewnj.org for more information.

The Association of Real Estate Women is hosting a members-only tour of the Empire State Building. The group will meet in the lobby near Starbucks an hour early. It costs $25 for members.
March 21st Members Only Tour, Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue; 9:45-10:45am, visit www.arew.org for more information.

Real Estate Lenders Association is kicking off its March Madness Party with a presentation on the redevelopment of downtown Hackensack, N.J. The City of Hackensack recently approved the rezoning of 168 acres of land along Main Street with the intent of spurring economic activity and redeveloping retail and residential space. The presentation will be followed by a lunch at General Poor’s Tavern.
RELA New Jersey Presents: Main Street Hackensack & March Madness Party, Hackensack Cultural Arts Center, 102 State Street, Hackensack, N.J.; 11:30am-3pm, visit www.rela.org for more information.