Lots 13 and 20 on East 5th Street are owned by the City of New York. Both are derived from two schools that were constructed there in 1876 in Flemish revival style.

The Manhattan School for Career Development provides equitable education, promoting intellectual and social growth, empowering students for success in a global, digital society. District 75 offers rigorous, individualized programs for diverse learners.

In 2004, the DOE entered into a temporary agreement with the NYPD to use half of Lot 20 (324 E. 5th St) as a shared parking lot. Recently efforts have focused on utilizing Lot 20, without consideration towards Lot 13, which the community cites as once open to the public, nor upgrading the school's general facilities. Although Lot 13 is opened once per year at Christmas.

Between 2010 and 2023, New York City’s housing stock increased by only 4%, while jobs grew by 22% during the same period. Nearby, rising developments continue to clamor for frontage and airspace volume without offering access to more affordable residences nor enough public and much needed permanent greening space.

New York City currently ranks last for amount of green space per resident among major US cities. (F)

5SPC seeks to build upon existing community desire for affordable housing, greenspace, public community space and a new public school play area to develop a comprehensive rezoning plan.