TESTIMONY
Ronda Wist, Board Member of Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, on the City of Yes Initiative's Potential Impact on Residential Areas
4:22:22
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122 sec
Ronda Wist highlights potential negative effects of the City of Yes zoning update on residential areas.
- Emphasizes that the piecemeal approach could lead to conflicts between residential and commercial occupants, reducing neighborhood safety and living quality.
- Warns about risks like increased noise, loss of housing to commercial use, and missed opportunities to use vacant storefronts.
- Criticizes the allowance of manufacturing in commercial zones and nightlife establishments in residential areas, citing noise, sanitation, and safety concerns.
- Urges the city council to reconsider proposals that could undermine community and business strength, advocating for revitalization that benefits all New Yorkers.
Ronda Wist
4:22:22
Good afternoon, sir Riley.
4:22:23
I'm Rhonda Wist, board member of Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts.
4:22:27
And previously, I was director of land use city planning, and also the executive director of the Landmark's Commission.
4:22:36
Of course, friends supports updating the city's zoning resolution.
4:22:39
However, we're concerned that the piecemeal approach taken by this version of city of yes will have unintended consequences.
4:22:46
For example, increasing the square footage for home occupation as well as the number of employees could cause unnecessary conflicts between residential and commercial occupants.
4:22:56
Transient foot traffic could adversely affect the safety of residents.
4:23:00
Owners may prefer to convert apartments to commercial uses leading to a loss of available apartments further straining the housing market.
4:23:08
By allowing businesses to operate within apartments, city of yes reduces opportunities for reopening empty storefronts, making it even more difficult to refill vacant spaces.
4:23:18
We note that long standing protections for residents from noise, odors, and disruptions will disappear if the city allows commercial spaces to be adjacent to or above apartments.
4:23:29
While zoning can facilitate conflicts, zoning cannot create any useful way to regulate them.
4:23:35
Rather than strengthening the few manufacturing districts, this proposal allows manufacturing uses in commercial zones.
4:23:42
Since Since these uses are not required to be open to the public or produce goods that are locally needed, how can this help commercial streets?
4:23:51
Strangely, city of yes allows rooftop restaurants and bars atop residential buildings, as well as nightclubs to be located in residential neighborhoods.
4:24:00
These uses bring noise, sanitation, and safety concerns that will further reduce the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
4:24:06
We urge the city council to reject proposals that could inadvertently work against strengthening our communities and businesses.
4:24:14
New Yorkers need solutions that revitalize our commercial corridors and support the well-being of residence.
4:24:19
In short, a real city of yes that works for all New Yorkers.
4:24:23
Thank you for your consideration.