PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Nora Martins, Land Use Counsel to Baker Development LLC from Akerman LLP
3:03:20
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154 sec
Nora Martins, representing Baker Development LLC, testified in support of the Bronx Metro North Station area study proposal. She outlined plans for a mixed-use development on their 1.7-acre site near the proposed Parkchester Van Nest Metro North Station, emphasizing new housing with affordable units, local commercial services, and community benefits.
- The development would include 25-30% permanently affordable housing under the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program
- Plans include potential local commercial or community facility uses, such as a supermarket along White Plains Road
- The project aims to provide on-site accessory parking, green open space, and a design that transitions from taller buildings on White Plains Road to lower density areas
Nora Martins
3:03:20
Good afternoon, Chair Riley, and Councilwoman Marmirotto.
3:03:23
My name is Nora Martins from Akerman LLP, Land Use Council to Baker Development LLC.
3:03:29
I'm giving this testimony today in support on behalf of Arjun Jucci of Baker Development LLC.
3:03:36
Baker Development LLC is the owner of several lots assembled into an approximately 1.7 acre development site within the area of the proposed Bronx Metro North Station area study.
3:03:46
Our property is in the Van Ness neighborhood on the block bounded by White Plains Road, Baker Avenue, and the railroad tracks just a 5 minute walk from the proposed Park Chester Van Ness Metro North Station.
3:03:57
We strongly support City Planning's Bronx Metro North Station proposal.
3:04:02
If this proposal is approved, we plan to redevelop our property, the majority of which has been historically vacant.
3:04:07
With a mixed use development that includes new housing, including at least 25 to 30 percent, permanently affordable under the mandatory inclusionary housing program and potentially homeownership opportunities.
3:04:18
We also plan to include local commercial and or community facility uses such as a supermarket along White Plains Road, which as you know, is a very wide street at a 100 feet wide and has been lacking that kind of local services historically in this area.
3:04:34
We will also provide on-site accessory parking even if it is not ultimately required by the zoning as well as green open space, both of which we now are important.
3:04:43
To the surrounding community.
3:04:45
While we're still early in the design process, our strategy, consistent with the proposed R 6 1 and R6A zoning districts, is to locate taller portions of the development along White Plains Road with lower less dense developments situated along Baker Avenue And Garfield Street.
3:05:00
This would allow for a transition from White Plains Road and the more built up areas surrounding the new Metro North Station to the lower density, 1 to 3 family homes that make up the Van Ness neighborhood to the North And West.
3:05:13
We look forward to continued engagement with Council on Marmerado, local organizations, and city agencies to ensure that our development provides value to and is respectful of the surrounding community.
3:05:23
This includes working with the Van Ness Neighborhood Alliance as we proceed with our predevelopment planning, and with DOT to address concerns about traffic patterns on street parking and the current width of Baker Avenue.
3:05:34
We believe this initiative holds tremendous potential to provide much needed services, critically needed new housing, and economic opportunity within transit oriented developments such as ours.
3:05:44
We respectfully request that you approve the proposed bronchometric North Areas study.
3:05:49
Thank you.
Kevin C. Riley
3:05:50
Thank you.
3:05:51
I'm sorry for mispronouncing your last name.
Nora Martins
3:05:53
Oh, no problem.