The discussion about development, housing, rezoning and gentrification in New York City is sometimes painted as a tug of war between those who embrace change and those who resist it, hopelessly. In Bushwick, it’s clear that picture is inaccurate.
There were 44 votes in favor of the rezoning plan and two votes, by Staten Island Republican Councilmembers Steve Matteo and Joseph Borelli, against the plan.
The Department of City Planning says it will ‘continue to work to create a safe space’ for discussion about a possible rezoning of Southern Boulevard in the Bronx after city officials ordered a community engagement workshop shut down last Thursday evening when protests erupted.
City Limits’ editor appeared on BRIC-TVs 112BK to discusses the Gowanus rezoning, combined sewer overflows, the Queens DA race and Bill de Blasio’s run for president, among other things. Somehow, they got on to the topic of ‘mole people.’
All that’s left is a vote by the full City Council, and Mayor de Blasio will have achieved his sixth neighborhood rezoning.
The city released a draft scope of its proposed rezoning, which is projected to create 5,600 units of housing.
The plan would rezone 20 blocks of Staten Island’s North Shore and could lead to the creation of 1,800 new units of housing, including 1,300 income-targeted apartments. The city has promised $250 million in local investments.
Rafael Salamanca said a rezoning slated for his district would be ‘dead on arrival’ if the de Blasio administration did not provide estimates of how many residents and businesses might be displaced.
Two years after a 20-block chunk of the peninsula was rezoned, the city can point to progress. And neighbors can point to some of the inconveniences it brings.
Some are worried proposed height limits leave too much room for developers, or too little room for homeowners who want to sell. Affordability options and a playground project are also on residents’ minds.
City Limits uses investigative journalism through the prism of New York City to identify urban problems, examine their causes, explore solutions, and equip communities to take action.
Founded in 1976 in the midst of New York’s fiscal crisis, City Limits exists to inform democracy and equip citizens to create a more just city. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by foundation support, ad sponsorship and donations from readers.
Support local, investigative journalism that has informed and empowered New Yorkers for 45 years.
Support local, investigative journalism that has informed and empowered New Yorkers for 45 years.
