New York City Council
Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises
Jul 24, 2024
·
11:00 AM
1 hr 46 min
Summary
A hearing on several zoning proposals across New York City neighborhoods:
- A sidewalk cafe application for Wings and Seafood in Ridgewood, Queens facing concerns over outdoor space usage and parking
- The 500 Kent Avenue commercial development in Williamsburg with public open space and waterfront access
- The 712 Myrtle Avenue mixed-use residential rezoning in Bed-Stuy with affordable housing focus
- The 3033 Avenue V rezoning in Sheepshead Bay addressing existing tenant accommodations
- The 197 Berry Street proposal in Williamsburg to convert parking garage space to self-storage
- The Prince's Point residential project in Staten Island
Discussions covered appropriateness of uses, parking utilization, flood resilience, affordable housing priorities, public space accessibility, and development timelines.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Introduction and overview of the zoning and franchises subcommittee meeting
Council Member Kevin Riley opens the meeting of the subcommittee on zoning and franchises, introducing himself as the chair and acknowledging the presence of other council members. He outlines the …
0:00:26
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88 sec
Explanation of meeting procedures and public testimony guidelines
Council Member Riley provides detailed instructions for public participation in the hybrid-format meeting, covering both in-person and remote attendance. He outlines the rules for testifying, submitting written testimony, and observing …
0:01:55
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3 min
Council Member Holden introduces land use application for Wings and Seafood in Ridgewood, Queens
Council Member Robert F. Holden addresses the subcommittee on zoning and franchises regarding a land use application for Wings and Seafood, located at 785 Fairview Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens. He …
0:05:06
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47 sec
Council Member Holden outlines concerns about Wings and Seafood's sidewalk cafe application
Council Member Holden presents several concerns regarding Wings and Seafood's sidewalk cafe application and their current outdoor dining setup. He highlights issues such as underutilization of space, parking challenges, and …
0:05:53
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150 sec
Business owner's request for sidewalk cafe space and its importance
Mr. Wang presents his request for sidewalk cafe space, emphasizing its critical importance for the survival of his restaurant business. He explains that the sidewalk space is necessary to continue …
0:10:06
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113 sec
Council Member Riley questions Mr. Wang about his sidewalk cafe and business duration
Council Member Kevin C. Riley inquires about the duration of Mr. Wang's sidewalk cafe operation and his overall business in the area. Mr. Wang, the owner of Wings And Seafood, …
0:12:04
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61 sec
Council member inquires about Wings And Seafood's indoor and outdoor dining setup
Council Member Robert F. Holden questions Mr. Wang, the owner of Wings And Seafood, about the restaurant's current dining setup and plans for outdoor expansion. Mr. Wang provides information about …
0:13:05
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3 min
Council member raises concerns about Wings And Seafood's outdoor dining application
Council Member Robert F. Holden expresses concerns about Wings And Seafood's outdoor dining application, citing parking issues, illegal structures, and apparent lack of use of the outdoor space. Mr. Wang …
0:16:41
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7 min
Council member explains new street cafe guidelines to restaurant owner
Council Member Lynn Schulman informs restaurant owner Mr. Wang about new street cafe guidelines effective August 3rd. She emphasizes the importance of compliance with the new regulations, including specific design …
0:25:11
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3 min
Council Member Riley provides information on side walk cafe application and related DOT application
Council Member Kevin C. Riley reminds everyone that the application under discussion is for the sidewalk cafe. He also informs about a separate DOT application for a street cafe related …
0:29:29
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23 sec
Council Member Riley opens public hearing on Bronx Metro North Neighborhood Rezoning
Council Member Kevin C. Riley opens a public hearing on land use items 109 through 113 related to the Bronx Metro North Neighborhood Rezoning proposal. He explains the various mapping …
0:30:06
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109 sec
Council Member Riley opens public hearing on 500 Kent Avenue Resort proposal
Council Member Kevin C. Riley opens the third public hearing on land use items 114 to 116, relating to the 500 Kent Avenue Resort proposal in Council Member Restler's district …
0:32:36
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51 sec
Council member Restler's remarks on proposed development project
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses his support for a proposed development project, highlighting its benefits to the community. He emphasizes the importance of the community space within the development and …
0:33:27
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45 sec
Council member Restler's acknowledgments and request for presentation
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses gratitude to various individuals involved in the development project process and requests a brief presentation from the development team. He specifically thanks William Vidal from …
0:34:12
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46 sec
Introduction and team presentation for the 500 Kent Avenue project
Raymond Levin from Herrick Feinstein introduces himself and the project team, including representatives from Marvel Architects, MPFP landscape architects, and PHA environmental consultants. - Team members include Neville from Marvel …
0:36:24
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30 sec
Project overview and location of the 500 Kent Avenue development
The presentation outlines the location and context of the 500 Kent Avenue project in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The site is situated on Wallabout Channel with frontage on Division and Kent …
0:36:54
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71 sec
Proposed development details for the 500 Kent Avenue project
The presentation provides an overview of the proposed development's key features and components. The project includes a mix of office space, retail, public open space, and parking facilities. - Over …
0:38:07
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19 sec
Project objectives and community benefits of the 500 Kent Avenue development
The presentation outlines the project's aims and potential benefits to the neighborhood and broader community. The development seeks to link various parts of the area and provide multiple advantages to …
0:38:29
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61 sec
Architectural design and site plan for the 500 Kent Avenue project
Nebil Gokcebay from Marvel Architects presents the architectural design and site plan for the 500 Kent Avenue project. The presentation covers the building's orientation, massing, and integration with the surrounding …
0:39:30
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3 min
Landscape design and waterfront access for the 500 Kent Avenue project
Rick Parisi from MPFP Landscape Architects presents the landscape design and waterfront access features of the project. The design focuses on connectivity and public open space. - Three connection points …
0:43:03
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121 sec
Traffic and access considerations for the 500 Kent Avenue development
The presentation addresses traffic and access considerations for the project, including parking and loading dock arrangements. These aspects were developed in collaboration with city planning and the Department of Transportation. …
0:45:04
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78 sec
Zoning actions and requests for the 500 Kent Avenue project
Raymond Levin concludes the presentation by summarizing the zoning actions and requests being made to the City Council for approval. These include various amendments and permits necessary for the project …
0:46:26
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48 sec
Discussion on the appropriateness of commercial use for the rezoning site
Council Member Kevin C. Riley questions why the site is more appropriate for commercial use rather than maritime industrial use, given its location adjacent to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Raymond …
0:47:46
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130 sec
Consultation with the Brooklyn Navy Yard on development and public open space
Council Member Kevin C. Riley inquires about consultation with the Brooklyn Navy Yard regarding the development and public open space. Raymond Levin confirms that they have had discussions with the …
0:49:59
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36 sec
Council Member Lincoln Restler's introduction and acknowledgments
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the session with introductory remarks and acknowledges various individuals involved in the project. He thanks Teri Riley for the presentation and recognizes Lena and Brian …
0:50:35
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31 sec
Confirmation of no last mile facility at the site
Council Member Lincoln Restler asks for confirmation that there is no intention to introduce a last mile facility at the project site. Raymond Levin, representing the development team, provides a …
0:51:07
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13 sec
Discussion on climate resiliency measures for the waterfront site
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about how the site addresses climate resiliency concerns, given its location on the Williams River Waterfront. Nebil Gokcebay, an architect from Marvel Architects, provides a …
0:51:20
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95 sec
Viability of commercial office space in the post-pandemic market
Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires about the confidence in activating the commercial office space and ensuring financial viability, given the challenges in the post-pandemic marketplace. Raymond Levin provides a comprehensive …
0:52:54
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178 sec
Plans for recruiting and compensating building service workers
Council Member Lincoln Restler asks about the plans for recruiting building service workers and ensuring they receive adequate compensation. Raymond Levin provides a brief response, indicating their approach to this …
0:55:53
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46 sec
Council Member Riley opens public hearing on 712 Myrtle Avenue Rezoning proposal
Council Member Kevin C. Riley opens the 4th public hearing for the 712 Myrtle Avenue Rezoning proposal in Bedstuy. He provides details about the mixed-use residential development project and outlines …
0:57:09
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52 sec
Procedural matters and swearing-in of applicant panel for 712 Myrtle Avenue Rezoning hearing
Council Member Restler requests to ask questions before the presentation, leading to a brief interaction with Council Member Riley. The applicant panel, consisting of Richard Lobel and Kevin Williams, is …
0:58:02
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62 sec
Council Member Restler's remarks on the Olive Myrtle rezoning project
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses support for the Olive Myrtle rezoning project, highlighting its importance in addressing housing needs in the area. He emphasizes the project's potential to provide housing …
0:59:04
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54 sec
Q&A session on specific aspects of the Olive Myrtle rezoning project
Council Member Restler engages in a Q&A session with project representatives, covering various aspects of the Olive Myrtle rezoning project. The discussion includes confirmation of the project option, community benefits, …
1:00:00
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137 sec
Details of the rezoning request for 712 Myrtle Avenue
The presenter outlines the specific rezoning request for the 712 Myrtle Avenue project, including the proposed zoning changes and the resulting development possibilities. This chapter provides the core details of …
1:02:20
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52 sec
Specifications of the proposed development at 712 Myrtle Avenue
This chapter delves into the specific details of the proposed development, including its size, height, and amenities. It provides a clear picture of what the project will look like if …
1:03:12
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21 sec
Zoning context and appropriateness of the rezoning request
The presenter explains the broader zoning context of the area and argues for the appropriateness of the rezoning request. This chapter provides justification for the proposed changes based on existing …
1:03:33
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31 sec
Detailed site and area analysis supporting the rezoning proposal
This chapter provides a more detailed analysis of the specific site and surrounding area, further supporting the appropriateness of the rezoning request. It includes information on recent zoning changes and …
1:04:04
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95 sec
Building plans and unit composition with focus on family-sized apartments
The final chapter discusses the proposed building plans and unit composition, highlighting the focus on larger, family-sized units and the distribution of affordable housing. This section emphasizes the community benefits …
1:05:40
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66 sec
Council Member Riley introduces rezoning proposal and provides public participation instructions
Council Member Kevin C. Riley opens the discussion for items 117 and 118 related to the 3033 Avenue V rezoning proposal in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He provides an overview of …
1:07:29
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43 sec
Council Member Narcisse expresses support for 3033 Avenue V project
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse expresses her strong support for the 3033 Avenue V project, highlighting its importance in the current climate of housing needs in New York City. She thanks …
1:08:19
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68 sec
Q&A on retail spaces and tenant accommodations for 3033 Avenue V project
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse asks questions about the retail spaces in the 3033 Avenue V project, focusing on accommodations for existing tenants and potential community involvement. Neil Weisbard, representing the …
1:10:31
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167 sec
Introduction and zoning amendment proposal
Neil Weisbard from Seyfarth Shaw, representing Ford Coil Properties, introduces the proposed zoning amendment. The amendment aims to change the zoning map for a specific lot from an R4 residence …
1:13:21
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27 sec
Site location and current conditions
The presentation describes the location and current state of the site proposed for rezoning. The site is a 20,000 square foot lot on the north side of Avenue V, with …
1:13:49
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35 sec
Proposed rezoning map and surrounding area
The presenter shows the proposed rezoning map and describes the surrounding area. The area to be rezoned is highlighted in red, indicating the change to an R7D district with a …
1:14:26
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22 sec
Proposed building details and renderings
The presentation outlines the details of the proposed nine-story building, including its floor area, number of apartments, parking spaces, and setback features. Renderings of the proposed building are also shown. …
1:14:49
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51 sec
Transportation and accessibility of the area
The presenter discusses the transportation options available in the area. The site is described as well-served by bus service, with connections to nearby subway stations. - There is a bus …
1:15:41
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14 sec
Flood hazard assessment and mitigation measures
The presentation addresses flood hazard concerns and outlines mitigation measures. The area is described as having minimal flood hazard, with only a small portion in the 0.2% floodplain. - No …
1:15:56
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42 sec
Sustainability features of the proposed building
The presenter concludes by highlighting the sustainable elements that will be incorporated into the building design. These features aim to reduce the environmental impact of the development. - Sustainable elements …
1:16:40
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15 sec
Council member inquires about flooding concerns and community engagement
Council Member Riley raises concerns about flooding in the area as reported by Community Board 15, despite the developer's claim of less than 0.2% flood occurrence. He asks the developer …
1:16:56
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35 sec
Discussion on plans for existing businesses and tenant relationships
Council Member Riley inquires about the developer's plans for engaging with the Night Shift development and accommodating existing businesses in the new project. Neil Weisbard, representing the property owner, provides …
1:17:32
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79 sec
Council Member Riley introduces hearing on 197 Berry Street proposal
Council Member Kevin C. Riley opens a hearing on LU's 119 related to the 197 Berry Street proposal in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. He provides details about the proposal …
1:19:24
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55 sec
Swearing in of the applicant panel for 197 Berry Street proposal hearing
The applicant panel, consisting of Adam Taubman and Abraham Bannon, is called forward and sworn in for the hearing on the 197 Berry Street proposal. Council staff administers the oath, …
1:20:20
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31 sec
Introduction and project overview for 197 Berry Street rezoning
Adam Taubman from Kramer Levin introduces the land use application for 197 Berry Street. The proposal seeks a rezoning to reduce the accessory parking requirement for an existing building. - …
1:20:52
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17 sec
Site location and current zoning of 197 Berry Street
The presentation provides details on the development site's location and current zoning regulations. The site is situated in a special mixed-use district with various allowed uses and specific parking requirements. …
1:21:10
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69 sec
Existing building and uses at 197 Berry Street
The presentation describes the existing building at 197 Berry Street, including its current uses and the accessory parking garage. The building is a 3-5 story mixed-use structure with multiple levels …
1:22:19
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80 sec
Current parking situation and challenges at 197 Berry Street
The presentation highlights the current parking situation and the challenges faced by the existing garage. Despite having 142 spaces, the garage is severely underutilized and operates at a loss. - …
1:23:39
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127 sec
Proposed rezoning and its effects on 197 Berry Street
The presentation outlines the proposed rezoning for the site and its primary effect on the accessory parking requirement. The rezoning aims to eliminate the commercial parking requirement while maintaining other …
1:25:48
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50 sec
Parking supply study for the 197 Berry Street area
The presentation discusses a parking supply study conducted by environmental and traffic engineering consultants. The study found a surplus of both off-street and on-street parking spaces within a quarter-mile radius …
1:26:41
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90 sec
Proposed self-storage facility at 197 Berry Street
The presentation introduces the proposed self-storage facility that would occupy part of the existing parking area. The facility is designed for short-term use by local residents and small businesses. - …
1:28:13
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74 sec
Support for the 197 Berry Street rezoning application
The presentation concludes by highlighting the support received for the rezoning application from various stakeholders. This support demonstrates community backing for the proposed changes. - Supporters: Residents in the building, …
1:29:30
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15 sec
Council member inquires about parking utilization rate in the garage
Council Member Kevin C. Riley inquires about the current parking utilization rate in the garage and its potential impact on existing residents. Adam Taubman from Kramer Levin provides information on …
1:29:45
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39 sec
Discussion on pricing and challenges of parking spaces in the garage
Council Member Kevin C. Riley inquires about the pricing of parking spaces in the garage. Avi Benin, the principal applicant for 197 Berry St., provides detailed information on the current …
1:30:25
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61 sec
Introduction to the Prince's Point application hearing in Staten Island
Council Member Kevin C. Riley opens a hearing on the Prince Point application, a residential development project in Staten Island. The application seeks a tax amendment to extend the vesting …
1:31:48
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29 sec
Introduction and team presentation
Ellen Hay introduces the team members involved in the land use presentation. The team includes representatives from various organizations and specialties related to the project. - Rob Huberman from Herrick …
1:34:03
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24 sec
Site overview and historical context
The presentation provides an overview of the approximately 37-acre vacant site located in the Prince's Point Neighborhood, detailing its surroundings and recent ownership history. The site has been subject to …
1:34:28
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43 sec
Development goals for the site
The presentation outlines three primary land use goals that have remained consistent over the past 35 years of development efforts for this site. These goals focus on residential use, environmental …
1:35:13
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44 sec
Proposed actions for approval
The application seeks approval for three specific actions related to the development project. These actions involve city map amendments, zoning lot subdivision adjustments, and modifications to existing restrictive declarations. - …
1:35:59
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28 sec
Street mapping and public access details
Phil Rampulla explains the unique aspects of the project's street mapping and public access features. The presentation covers the transition from private to mapped streets, pedestrian access points, and connections …
1:36:26
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5 min
Project evolution and current proposal
The presentation outlines how the project has evolved since 2006, detailing changes in road widths, unit counts, and fire department regulations. The current proposal reflects the most recent requirements and …
1:42:08
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117 sec
Discussion on the operation of public access areas in the development
Council Member Kevin C. Riley inquires about the operation of public access areas in the proposed development. Ellen Hay and Phil Rampulla from the development team provide information on accessibility …
1:44:10
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55 sec
Commitment to not place gates at public accessible spaces
Council Member Kevin C. Riley seeks a commitment from the development team not to place gates at the entrance of public accessible spaces. After some initial confusion, the team clarifies …
1:45:07
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27 sec
Estimated timeline for project completion
Council Member Kevin C. Riley inquires about the estimated timeline for completing the project. Phil Rampulla from the development team provides information on the expected duration and start date. - …
1:45:36
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32 sec