PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Zach Bernstein, Partner at Fried Frank, Land Use Counsel to Parkchester Preservation Company
2:35:49
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109 sec
Zach Bernstein, representing Parkchester Preservation Company, expressed support for the city's rezoning proposal while recommending modifications to accommodate the unique needs of the garage sites. He highlighted the challenges of developing these sites within the current height limitations and presented a thoughtful site plan that balances various community goals.
- The proposed site plan aims to provide on-site parking, improve pedestrian circulation, and create better connectivity to the new Metro North Station.
- Modifications to building height and zoning are suggested to achieve these goals, which have received support from area stakeholders and the Department of City Planning.
- The testimony emphasized the importance of balancing housing potential with community needs and improved urban design.
Zach Bernstein
2:35:49
And thank you, Chair Riley, majority leader, Farius.
2:35:53
I'm Zach Bernstein, partnered for Frank.
2:35:56
I'm Wendy's counsel to park just a preservation company, the owner of the garage sites.
2:36:00
I joined Brett in commanding the majority leader and her staff for their engagement with the communities surrounding the city's rezoning area.
2:36:07
We support the city's proposals with recommendations to take into account the unique configuration and redevelopment needs of these garage sites.
2:36:15
The garage sites are very long and relatively shallow.
2:36:19
Within the 175 foot height limit nation currently proposed, new development would create very long building walls obstructing visual and pedestrian access through this site.
2:36:29
The limited envelope would not accommodate the parking sought by the community together with the full housing potential envisioned by the rezoning.
2:36:36
The site plans you see in front of us prepared by Byron Blender Bell Architects thoughtfully mass buildings on these sites that balance a range of goals for the site.
2:36:46
On-site parking, including parking for existing residents and expected commuters.
2:36:50
Transparency and activation along East Tremont Avenue, new pedestrian circulation between the Parkchester community and East Tremont, creating better connectivity to the New Metro North Station directly across East Tremont from the site.
2:37:05
These programs are accommodated in a building form that has a strong presence on the street while stepping back from the street and the heating plan as the building rises.
2:37:14
The proposed modification to the building height and the zoning to achieve these goals has received significant support to date from area stakeholders.
2:37:22
The Department of City Planning has been supportive of the site plan shown here today and has confirmed that a change to the high limit would be within scope.
2:37:29
We again thank majority leader, Chair Riley and committee members for your consideration of modifying the city's proposals to achieve the goals outlined today.
2:37:38
Thank you.