TESTIMONY
Andrew Ellis, Yorkville Resident, on Opposition to Development Proposal Zoning
1:32:06
·
150 sec
Andrew Ellis opposes the current rezoning proposal for a 484-foot luxury rental tower in Yorkville, deeming it a poor deal for affordable housing and neighborhood character.
- Ellis supports lot rezoning but criticizes the proposed C28 and C4-6 zoning due to its incompatibility with the neighborhood.
- He argues for alternative zoning options, like R8X or C18X, which would better align with neighborhood aesthetics while fulfilling housing needs.
- The proposed development's 25% affordability component and minimal affordable housing units are highlighted as insufficient.
- Ellis expresses concerns over the luxury tower's impact on the area's light, air, and lack of open space.
- He urges the city council to consider an alternative proposal that better serves both affordable housing goals and the neighborhood's character.
Andrew Ellis
1:32:06
Thank you, and good afternoon.
1:32:08
My name is Andrew Ellis, and I have lived in Yorkville for 12 years now.
1:32:12
I would like to be clear that I support rezoning of this lot.
1:32:15
It is overdue as a manufacturer district.
1:32:18
However, I'm addressing you this afternoon in opposition to the rezoning as the application is seeking a C28 and a C4 6 zoning to enable a completely out of character, four hundred eighty four foot 40 six story luxury rental tower in the mid block with only a 25% affordability component, where a more appropriate r 8 x or c 1 8 x zoning for the whole block would provide for for the same much needed housing benefits while still being characteristic with neighborhood.
1:32:48
In other words, this rezoning is simply a bad deal for the city and the neighborhood.
1:32:52
It does not do enough for horrible housing and gives too much up in return.
1:32:57
First, it is not do enough for affordable housing.
1:33:00
25 percent at 60 percent AMI produces a 113 units, or the negotiated 30% at 80 percent AMI produces only 135 units.
1:33:10
These are the bare minimums required to build.
1:33:12
We are in a dire situation.
1:33:14
Why are we not fighting for a higher percentage?
1:33:17
This is a bad deal for affordable housing.
1:33:20
Second, what are we giving up for this minimum amount of affordable housing?
1:33:24
We are giving up our light and our air.
1:33:26
This four hundred eighty four foot forty six story luxury tower in the mid block is simply unprecedented and will be surrounded by low rise 5 to six story buildings.
1:33:36
You will be receiving written testimony that includes an analysis of all the buildings in the neighborhood, which will show you what a bad deal this is for the mid block and that a building of this type belongs on an avenue.
1:33:48
3rd, what are we giving up for our light mayor?
1:33:50
There's historically always been a trade off between height, affordable housing and open space.
1:33:56
In this instance, there is absolutely no open space or green space being created for the neighborhood in return.
1:34:02
Unlike other developments, why are we allowing such a bad deal to happen in this city?
1:34:08
In conclusion, if I may, You will also receive written testimony that includes a proposal that puts the neighborhood into context and outlines a proposal for how an r 8 x or a C18 x could meet the same affordable housing goals while spitting into the neighborhood, a leaving QME board 8's concerns.
1:34:26
I urge the city council to review this proposal and turn a bad deal into a good deal, and I look forward to the opportunity to work together, I'm making this happen.
1:34:36
Thank you.