Why is this "mandatory inclusionary affordable housing" important? Because without it, it's unlikely that much means-tested housing will be created at all, as of right. As we've seen, projects are cropping up right and left, and nearly none have and affordable units built in at all. I can hardly see how this isn't a win for sanity and decency. And yes, we'll likely allow residential on Empire, a much needed improvement that could help the City grow along transportation hubs. Look around the world and see what happens when you don't plan smart for growth. NYC, of all world cities, needs to figure out how to be denser smarter and with a diverse citizenry. To me, that's what it's all about. Oh, and a decent Empire Boulevard that doesn't feel like a mugger-burger paradise.
DCP claims they rarely come into a community until asked (unless the Mayor initiates it, like in East NY), so one would hope that the Board would approve this on Tuesday and the conversation and environmental review will begin. I'd be very happy to see any and all District 9 residents read up, learn up, even conduct their own studies to bring to the table. The time for specific screaming conversations about specific blocks will be a welcome change from the screaming about process and the illegitimacy of the community board. Let the new and improved screaming commence, I say.
5 comments:
Thumbs up. Moving right along. Thanks for the update.
I wonder how long it will take DCP to do a study. They have a lot of things on their plate at the moment.
"In it, a specific (wholly unrealistic) request is made that all new residential construction in rezoned areas must have 50% affordable, and 30% middle income, and 20% for higher incomes."
In the letter you posted I only see:
"We are requesting a set aside [sic?] of 50% of all Affordable Housing units (at location) for lower income residents to enable them to remain in their neighborhood."
Thx for the snag. That was the old draft; new one uploaded.
Mike: Sanmati Naik was the dedicated person to CB8 and CB9. She did the Crown Heights rezoning. She's been at all the meetings, and assuming SHE isn't too busy, I would hope it would take place at the appropriately deliberate but not dragging pace.
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