TESTIMONY
Vienna Levitson, Representative of the Ridgewood Property Owners And Civic Association on Opposing the Expansion of Business Use in Residences and Adjoining Commercial Areas in Ridgewood
3:33:59
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163 sec
Vienna Levitson testifies against proposed zoning changes that would dramatically increase business use of apartments, homes, and commercial areas in Ridgewood.
- Argues the changes will make it impossible to enforce primary residence rules and allow building owners to bypass community input on commercial activity in residential areas
- Warns of potential disturbances from businesses in residential neighborhoods and difficulty enforcing restrictions on sales to the public
- Calls for strict noise and occupancy limits in mixed-use areas and requiring community board approval for all residential to business conversions
- Shares personal concerns about negative impacts to neighborhood character, safety, and quality of life, potentially forcing long-time residents to relocate
- Emphasizes the need to maintain clear zoning separating residential and commercial uses, calling the proposed blurring of lines dangerous and irresponsible
Vienna Levitson
3:33:59
Hi.
3:34:00
My name is Vienna Levaten, and I'm here to testify on behalf of my group, Ridgewood Property Owners And Civic Association, as well as myself.
3:34:08
Honorable committee members.
3:34:09
My group and I object to the breadth and radical changes that will allow dramatic increases in business use of apartments and homes, and residential neighborhoods, and adjoining commercial areas as follows.
3:34:21
Home Occupations, Expanding business use and residences of up to 1000 square feet to 49% capacity and including up to 3 employees shifted from home to business despite primary residence rules, make it impossible for any enforcement, allowing building owners to independently restrict or permit businesses bypasses community and neighborhood input on higher intensity commercial activity and residential areas excuse me.
3:34:49
Business restrictions on sales to the public are hard to enforce under this regime will likely cause disturbance in residential neighborhoods, nightlife.
3:34:59
Nightlife rules in mixed use areas must enforce strict noise and occupancy limits to prevent disturbance and protect the piece of nearby residential zones.
3:35:10
Increased conversions of residential buildings is to store into storefronts or businesses To maintain the balance between businesses and residential areas, local community boards must approve all business proposals.
3:35:23
Finally, my personal statement.
3:35:26
A home is more than just a dwelling.
3:35:28
It's a sanctuary that offers belonging, comfort, safe both emotional and physical.
3:35:33
A neighborhood is defined not just by geographic location within a city by the community and unity of its spirit.
3:35:39
The proposed rezoning of Ridgewood, who have lived for many years, will inevitably alter these very definitions.
3:35:46
Promuting home based businesses will result in increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic, elevated noise levels, diminished safety and security, an increase in garbage and rep infestation, and most importantly, a significant decline in our already compromised quality of life.
3:36:01
I will force people force my family and many others to relocate after living care over 30 years.
3:36:07
My partner and I visited over 100 countries, many of which I'm promised.
3:36:11
We've observed that in such places running business from home stems from necessity rather than choice.
3:36:17
These are the same countries many of our migrants come from While it's a matter of survival there, our community has a privilege of choice.
3:36:24
We must maintain clear zoning laws separating residential living from commercial activity blurring these lines is proposed.
3:36:31
It's not only dangerous, but irresponsible considering the abundance of patients.
Kevin C. Riley
3:36:36
Sorry, miss Levitt, and I have to cut you off.
Vienna Levitson
3:36:38
Of cross the neighborhood.
Kevin C. Riley
3:36:39
Thank you so much, and we'll I have your testimony right now.
3:36:42
Thank you.
Vienna Levitson
3:36:42
Alright.
3:36:42
Thank you.
