New York City Council
Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises
Jan 23, 2024
·
11:00 AM
2 hr 17 min
Summary
Presentations, hearings, and testimony on rezoning and special permits for several sites, including 962 Pacific Street, Whitestone Lanes, 2226 Third Avenue, 166-11 91st Avenue, and 230 Kent Avenue.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Council Member Riley Opens the Hearing
Council member Riley opens the hearing for the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning before turning it over to Council member Hudson for her opening remarks.
0:03:21
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112 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Council Member Hudson's Opening Remarks
Council Member Hudson delivers her opening remarks for the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning hearing before Richard Lobel's presentation on the rezoning. She addresses the subcommittee, detailing concerns over the piecemeal …
0:05:14
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3 min
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Presentation Intro
In Richard Lobel's intro to the presentation on the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning, he notes that their Land Use Application began not in 2022 when the neighborhood rezoning was announced, …
0:09:19
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138 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Explanation of the Rezoning
Richard Lobel explains the rezoning for 962 Pacific Street in detail before passing the microphone to Nicholas, who discusses the architectural aspects of the design.
0:11:38
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8 min
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Explanation of Architecture
Nicholas discusses some of the architectural aspects of the design.
0:19:47
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3 min
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Question Regarding Why Applicant is Trying to Get Ahead of Community Planning
In this exchange, a council member states that the council has put in a lot of effort and time preparing a comprehensive plan. He asks why the application is trying …
0:23:44
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166 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Question Regarding Why Applicant Feels Their Application Should be Prioritized
A council member states that application can change, especially when they get the council. They ask why the applicant feels like their application should be prioritized over the public review …
0:26:31
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102 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Exchange Regarding Why Applicant Added Office Space
A council member asks a question about why the applicant added office space to the building.
0:28:14
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106 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Question Regarding How This Plan Fits in With the Council's Comprehensive Plan
A council member asks a question about how the applicant's plan fits in with the council's comprehensive plan.
0:30:00
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3 min
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support from the Bishop of Glory Tabernacle Church
Bishop Robert Butler from Glory Tabernacle Church testifies in support of the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning. He supports the project because of its provisions for early childhood development and because …
0:35:18
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127 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Untranslated Testimony
An individual named Jose testifies but the transcript does not make sense in context. A council member states that they did not have an interpreter at the meeting and thanks …
0:37:25
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98 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony With Background Context Relating to Displacement
Kevin Williams, the environmental consultant of this project, provides background context relating to the displacement of African American communities and those that economically disadvantaged.
0:39:04
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124 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support from the Bishop of New Life Tabernacle
Bishop Eric Figueroa from the New Life Tabernacle in Crown Heights. He states that he is enthusiastically in support of the 962 Pacific Street project because it will provide badly …
0:42:16
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130 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Untranslated Testimony
An individual named Marco testifies but the transcript does not make sense in context. A council member states that members of the public who wish to have an interpreter have …
0:44:27
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86 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support from Pastor James Neville
Pastor James Neville supports the 962 Pacific Street project citing that it aligns with the needs of his community, prioritizing real affordability, building much needed community space and resources, and …
0:45:54
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138 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support from the Executive Director of 5th Avenue Committee
Michelle De Laus, the Executive Director of 5th Avenue Committee testifies in support of the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning. She cites the applicant's willingness to build more affordable housing than …
0:48:45
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158 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support from Evergreen Inc.
Steven Fabian, Program Manager of Real Estate and Planning from Evergreen Inc., testifies in support of the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning. Evergreen is part of the applicant team as an …
0:51:23
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139 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support from the Owner of Brooklyn Preschool of Science
Carmelo Piazza, the owner of Brooklyn Preschool of Science, gives testimony in support of the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning. He cites how the project prioritize real affordability, community spaces and …
0:53:41
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144 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support from a Local Citizen Who Lives Next Door
Daniel Wong works at the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), founded in 1974 and specializing in sustainable and affordable housing projects. He also lives next door to 962 Pacific Street and …
0:56:06
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137 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support from a Local Resident
Leola Holmes, a resident of the community, testifies in support of the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning. She cites that the project is needed because her children and her children's children …
0:59:17
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135 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support From a Lifelong Brooklyn Resident
Gregory Smith, a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, NY, testifies in support of the 962 Pacific Street rezoning. He shares his personal struggles as a victim of displacement because there was …
1:01:33
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137 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support from a Former Property Owner
Chris Williams, a former property owner on Pacific Street, testifies in support of the project. He starts telling a story but does not have time to finish it. He states …
1:03:51
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162 sec
962 Pacific Street Rezoning: Testimony in Support from a Longtime Resident Born on Atlantic Avenue
Charles Bogle, a longtime resident, testifies in support of the 962 Pacific Street Rezoning. In support, he states that the development of additional housing stock is necessary, that the project …
1:06:34
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79 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Public Hearing Opens
A council member opens the hearing for the Whitestone Lanes Rezoning proposal before turning it over to Council member Ung for her opening remarks.
1:08:44
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72 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Council Member Ung's Opening Remarks
Council member Ung delivers her opening remarks in the hearing on the Whitestone Lanes Rezoning.
1:09:56
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33 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Presentation Intro
In Eric Palatnik's intro to his presentation on the Whitestone Lanes Rezoning, he notes that their Land Use Application began 6 years ago. He shares support to-date for the Land …
1:11:14
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179 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Presentation
Eric Palatnik delivers his presentation explaining the Whitestone Lanes Rezoning.
1:14:13
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6 min
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Question Regarding How the Applicant Has Responded to the Borough President's Recommendations
A council member asks Erik Palatnik: "How have you responded some of the borough president's recommendations such as those around affordability levels, job opportunities, or enhancements around open space, and …
1:20:54
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3 min
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Question Regarding if the Project Can Be Built Without a 421A Tax Abatement
A council member asks Erik Palatnik if the project can be built without a 421A tax abatement. Erik Palatnik states that this is possible and shares additional context and caveats.
1:24:19
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86 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Question Regarding Applicant's Willingness to Work With the 32BJ Union
A council member states concerns that the 32BJ union has not yet signed an agreement with the applicant. Erik Palatnik shares context about conversations he has had with 32BJ, sharing …
1:25:59
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92 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Testimony from 32BJ Stating Concern Regarding an Agreement to Work on the Project
Sarah Penenberg, the political coordinator at the 32BJ union, testifies at the public hearing. She shares her concern that the applicant has not come to an agreement to work with …
1:28:14
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106 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Testimony in Support From a Member of the Mitchell Linden Civic Association
Marilyn, a member of the Mitchell Linden Civic Association, testifies in support of the Whitestone Lanes Rezoning. She states that the project was very different when it was initially presented …
1:31:06
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72 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Testimony in Support From the President of the Mitchell Linden Civic Association
Arlene Fisherman, the President of the Mitchell Linden Civic Association, testifies in support of the Whitestone Lanes Rezoning. She states that she was dead set against the project when first …
1:32:19
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90 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Testimony in Support from the Chair of Community Board 7
Eugene Kelty, Chair of Community Board 7, testifies in support of the Whitestone Lanes Rezoning. He shares that they pushed very hard to get the residential component in the rezoning …
1:33:50
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163 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Testimony in Support From from the Land Use Chair of Community Board 7
Chuck Opelian, vice chair and land use chair of Community Board 7, testifies in support of the Whitestone Lanes rezoning.
1:36:34
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176 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Introduction of Next Testimony Panel
In this short procedural segment, the next panel giving testimony is introduced.
1:39:31
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13 sec
Whitestone Lanes Rezoning: Testimony in Opposition from a Member of Local 157
Christian Beatrice, a member of Local 157, a carpenter's union, testifies in opposition to the Whitestone Lanes Rezoning. He cites that they have not come to an agreement with the …
1:39:46
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3 min
2226 Third Avenue Rezoning: Presentation
Richard Bass delivers a short presentation on the 2226 Third Avenue Rezoning. In this case, the application is different because the building already exists. The applicant is seeking to permit …
1:46:04
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3 min
2226 Third Avenue Rezoning: Question Regarding the Need for the Rezoning
A council member asks Richard Bass to elaborate on the need for the rezoning given that the uses proposed could be developed under the current zone. Richard Bass states that …
1:49:40
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127 sec
2226 Third Avenue Rezoning: Question Regarding the State of Conversations with Council Member Ayala
A council member asks what the state of conversations are with Deputy Speaker Ayala, whose district the project is in.
1:51:47
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28 sec
166-11 91st Avenue Special Permit: Public Hearing Opens
A council member opens the hearing for the 166-11 91st Avenue Special Permit proposal before turning it over to Richard Lobel for his presentation on the proposal.
1:52:47
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69 sec
166-11 91st Avenue Special Permit: Presentation
Richard Lobel delivers a presentation on the 166-11 91st Avenue Special Permit. The special permit is in order to waive height restrictions in the downtown Jamaica district.
1:54:36
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4 min
166-11 91st Avenue Special Permit: Question Regarding How the Development Will Include Environment Sustainability Features
A council member asks Richard Lobel to describe how the proposed development will include environment sustainability measures as part of its design. He states that the one concern that was …
1:59:08
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58 sec
166-11 91st Avenue Special Permit: Question Regarding the Outreach the Applicant Has Done to Fill the Space
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2:00:07
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47 sec
230 Kent Avenue Rezoning: Public Hearing Opens
A council member opens the hearing for the 230 Kent Avenue Rezoning proposal before turning it over to Council member Restler for remarks.
2:01:45
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89 sec
230 Kent Avenue: Exchange Regarding Site Remediation and Sustainability Measures
Council member Restler asks the applicant how much money was spent to remediate the site, and what kinds of sustainability measures the applicant has incorporated in the design plan. The …
2:04:20
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142 sec
230 Kent Avenue Rezoning: Presentation
Judy Gallant, land use counsel to Kent Riverview LLC, the owner of 230 Kent Avenue, delivers a presentation explaining the 230 Kent Avenue rezoning.
2:06:42
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8 min
230 Kent Avenue Rezoning: Question Regarding if Con Edison Has Engaged With the Applicant
A council member asks the applicant if Con Edison has engaged with the applicant team regarding the rezoning.
2:15:38
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41 sec
