The shift to remote-only civic meetings during the pandemic is impacting how communities get to weigh in on important city proposals, like rezonings. It’s led to more people attending — but there have also been problems, and criticism.
Sewer capacity is a vital concern for residents and stakeholders in Gowanus, where the city is proposing a neighborhood rezoning. The new rule helps but doesn’t go far enough, some residents say.
Next year will mark a critical time for New York land use and housing policies, as the city faces a looming evictions crisis and the de Blasio administration will push to approve its final neighborhood rezonings.
‘Neighborhood parks are not just nice amenities; they are real public health assets that support our communities’ physical and emotional well-being.’
Officials are planning six buildings of all affordable housing at the contaminated city-owned site, as well as a park and a public school.
At a Brooklyn Community Board 6 meeting Thursday, attendees raised questions about whether repairs for NYCHA complexes and opportunities for public housing residents would be included in the rezoning.
City Planning officials will present details Thursday on the rezoning proposal to Brooklyn Community Board 6, after the city’s ULURP process was paused for several months during the pandemic.
‘This planned rezoning is part of the all-too-familiar de Blasio approach of targeting working class neighborhoods, industrial hubs, and communities of color for luxury condo development.’
The last de Blasio rezoning is moving into a public review, where the pros and cons of virtual engagement will be on display.
‘Gowanus residents have the same right to meaningful civic engagement as other neighborhoods that were rezoned.’
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