New York City Council
Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises
Aug 27, 2024
·
12:30 PM
1 hr 53 min
Summary
A hearing on three rezoning proposals:
- A mixed-use development at 150 Mill Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn
- A residential development with affordable housing at 31-17 12th Street in Astoria, Queens
- Legalizing an existing medical office building at 250 86th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
Discussions focused on preserving industrial uses in the Industrial Business Zone in Red Hook, community benefits, affordable housing, and appropriate zoning for wide streets.
The 150 Mill Street proposal faced the most scrutiny, with debates over office space in an industrial area and promises of community amenities.
Features testimony from local residents and community representatives.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Kevin Riley opens the meeting
Council Member Kevin Riley, chair of the subcommittee on zoning and franchises, opens the meeting and outlines the agenda for three hearings. He explains the hybrid format of the meeting, …
0:00:23
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4 min
Council Member Alexa Avilés discusses concerns about 150 Mill rezoning application in Red Hook, Brooklyn
Council Member Alexa Avilés presents her concerns about the 150 Mill rezoning application in Red Hook, Brooklyn. She emphasizes the importance of preserving industrial use within the Industrial Business Zone …
0:04:28
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4 min
Introduction and overview of the 150 Mill Street rezoning project
Richard Lobel introduces the 150 Mill Street rezoning project, highlighting its long development process and strong community support. The project has been in the works for nearly 4 years and …
0:09:56
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39 sec
Proposed zoning map amendment from M1-1 to M1-5
The application proposes a zoning map amendment to change an existing M1-1 district to an M1-5 district. This rezoning would affect multiple lots in the area. - The rezoning would …
0:10:35
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29 sec
Proposed 10-story mixed-use building specifications
The proposed development is a 10-story, 64,000 square foot mixed-use building with various components to serve the community. The building will include commercial, light manufacturing, community facility, and office spaces. …
0:11:04
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66 sec
Community benefits of the proposed development
The project offers several community benefits that have been discussed with stakeholders and the community board. These benefits aim to address local needs and improve the quality of life in …
0:12:11
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100 sec
Zoning map, area context, and rationale for rezoning
The presentation provides an overview of the zoning map, area context, and rationale for the proposed rezoning. The site's location and surrounding area characteristics are highlighted to support the rezoning …
0:13:52
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3 min
Introduction to the architectural design and project background
Nicholas Liberis, the project architect from Archimaera, introduces the architectural design and provides background on the project's development. He emphasizes the extensive community outreach and efforts to cater to local …
0:17:49
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92 sec
Ground floor layout and supermarket plans
The ground floor of the proposed building is designed to accommodate a supermarket and address the challenges posed by the adjacent highway. The layout prioritizes accessibility and safety for pedestrians. …
0:19:21
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4 min
Second floor community and light manufacturing spaces
The second floor of the building is dedicated to community spaces and light manufacturing uses, reflecting the commitment to providing local benefits and preserving industrial uses in the area. - …
0:24:17
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140 sec
Upper floor office spaces and building design considerations
The upper floors of the building are designed for office use, with features that enhance the working environment and address environmental considerations. The design also incorporates elements that benefit the …
0:26:37
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59 sec
Closing remarks on community engagement and appeal for support
Richard Lobel concludes the presentation by emphasizing the project's deep community roots, extensive engagement process, and the multifaceted benefits it offers to the local area. - The project developers have …
0:27:38
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124 sec
Council Member Kevin Riley questions applicants about 150 Mill Street rezoning proposal
Council Member Kevin Riley questions the applicants about the 150 Mill Street rezoning proposal in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The discussion focuses on the appropriateness of developing an office building in …
0:29:43
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3 min
Comparison of 150 Mill Street proposal to 40 Richards Street development
Council Member Avilés challenges the applicant's comparison of the 150 Mill Street proposal to the 40 Richards Street development. She argues that the comparison is incorrect because 40 Richards, while …
0:33:02
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68 sec
Changes to the 150 Mill Street application since 2021
Council Member Avilés inquires about changes to the 150 Mill Street application since their first meeting in 2021. The applicant team, represented by Nicholas Liberis, explains the modifications made to …
0:34:12
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101 sec
Breakdown of commercial and manufacturing space allocations in the 150 Mill Street proposal
Council Member Avilés presses the applicant team for specific details on changes to space allocations in the 150 Mill Street proposal. Nicholas Liberis provides information about the second floor's layout …
0:35:53
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94 sec
Discussions with supermarket purveyors for the 150 Mill Street project
Council Member Avilés questions the applicant team about their discussions with supermarket purveyors and the concreteness of any proposals received. The team provides information about their outreach efforts and potential …
0:37:27
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81 sec
Rationale for proposing M1-5 zoning for the 150 Mill Street project
Council Member Avilés questions the applicant team about their rationale for proposing M1-5 zoning for the 150 Mill Street project. Richard Lobel, the attorney for the applicant, explains the reasoning …
0:38:49
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3 min
Enforceability of Community Benefits Agreements for the 150 Mill Street project
Council Member Avilés questions the enforceability of Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) for the 150 Mill Street project, particularly if the property is sold. The applicant's attorney, Richard Lobel, defends the …
0:42:20
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105 sec
Impact of the 150 Mill Street project on the Industrial Business Zone
Council Member Avilés questions how the 150 Mill Street proposal enriches industrial manufacturing and addresses the reluctance of the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SBIDC) regarding M1-5 zoning. The applicant …
0:44:05
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4 min
Engagement with neighboring properties for the 150 Mill Street project
Council Member Avilés questions the applicant team about their engagement with neighboring properties regarding the 150 Mill Street project. The applicant, Willy Pilku, provides information about their outreach efforts. - …
0:48:35
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95 sec
Oversight in engaging with the adjacent school for the 150 Mill Street project
Council Member Avilés questions the applicant team about their failure to engage with an adjacent pre-K center that would be significantly impacted by the 150 Mill Street project. - Avilés …
0:50:10
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3 min
Question on community confidence in non-binding industrial space commitments
Council Member Avilés questions the applicant's credibility in making non-binding commitments for industrial space, given their lack of experience in the industrial sector.
0:53:47
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96 sec
Construction impacts and land use context explanation
Kevin Williams, an urban planner, provides a detailed explanation of construction impacts, environmental assessment processes, and the land use context for the proposed development. - Construction impacts are evaluated in …
0:56:21
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4 min
Questions on construction impacts and commitment enforceability
Council Member Avilés follows up on construction impacts and inquires about the enforceability of commitments if the property is sold. The applicant's team provides clarifications on these issues. - Avilés …
1:00:59
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86 sec
Questions on community support and financial contributions
Council Member Avilés inquires about community groups supporting the application and any financial contributions made by the applicant to these groups. The applicant's team provides information on involved organizations and …
1:02:25
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3 min
Council Member Kevin Riley questions the binding nature of the proposed agreement on future buyers
Council Member Kevin Riley seeks clarification from Richard Lobel about how a future buyer would be bound to the proposed agreement if they are not currently part of it. Lobel …
1:05:47
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51 sec
Testimony by Karen Blondel, Founder of Public Housing Civic Association
Karen Blondel, founder of the Public Housing Civic Association, testified in support of the 150 Mill Street rezoning project in Red Hook, Brooklyn. She highlighted her experience in securing funding …
1:08:46
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140 sec
Testimony by Shirley Gilyard on Supermarket Needs in Red Hook
Shirley Gilyard testifies about the poor quality of supermarkets and food options in Red Hook, emphasizing the need for better grocery stores in the area. She describes issues with pests …
1:11:19
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42 sec
Testimony by Tyrell Gibbs, Red Hook Resident, on 150 Mill Street Rezoning
Tyrell Gibbs, a Red Hook resident, expresses support for the 150 Mill Street rezoning project. He argues that the development would bring positive changes to the neighborhood, which he feels …
1:13:02
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71 sec
Testimony by Marcella Williams, Red Hook Resident, on 150 Mill Street Rezoning
Marcella Williams, a 34-year resident of Red Hook, passionately advocates for the proposed development, citing the need for improvement in the neighborhood. She highlights longstanding issues such as crime, lack …
1:17:01
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140 sec
Testimony by Francis Brown, Red Hook Resident, on 150 Mill Street Rezoning
Francis Brown, a long-time resident of Red Hook, expresses support for the 150 Mill Street rezoning project. She praises the developers for keeping their word and criticizes the lack of …
1:19:26
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129 sec
Testimony by Marjorie Buff, Member of the Public
Marjorie Buff, a long-time resident of Red Hook, expresses her frustration with the lack of amenities and services in the neighborhood, particularly emphasizing the need for a proper grocery store. …
1:21:49
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63 sec
Testimony by Tiffiney Davis, Red Hook Resident
Tiffiney Davis, a Red Hook resident, speaks in support of the 150 Mill Street project, emphasizing the need for community spaces and resources for young adults in Red Hook. She …
1:25:43
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120 sec
Testimony by Father Raymond Mori, Priest from Red Hook
Father Raymond Mori, a priest who has been working in the Red Hook community for 15 years, provides brief testimony in support of the 150 Mill Street rezoning project. He …
1:29:25
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81 sec
Council Member Kevin Riley opens public hearing on 31-17 12th Street rezoning proposal
Council Member Kevin Riley opens the public hearing for the 31-17 12th Street rezoning proposal in Astoria, Queens. He provides an overview of the proposal, which includes a residential development …
1:31:50
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81 sec
Introduction to the 31-17 12th Street rezoning proposal
Frank Chaney, a land use attorney from Rosenberg & Estis P.C., introduces himself and the owner's representative, Demetrius, as representatives for the applicant and property owner of 31-17 12th Street …
1:33:43
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22 sec
Overview of proposed zoning actions for 31-17 12th Street
The application for 31-17 12th Street involves two specific zoning actions: a zoning map amendment and a zoning text amendment. These changes aim to facilitate the proposed development project. - …
1:34:06
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32 sec
Extent of rezoning area and affected lots for 31-17 12th Street proposal
The proposed rezoning will extend the existing R6B zoning district to cover the western half of the block, affecting multiple lots beyond the development site. The rezoning area will also …
1:34:39
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57 sec
Context of surrounding area for 31-17 12th Street rezoning
The area surrounding the proposed rezoning site is characterized by a mix of residential, institutional, and light industrial uses. The existing zoning reflects this diversity, with varying residential densities in …
1:35:39
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45 sec
Current conditions of the 31-17 12th Street development site
The development site at 31-17 12th Street currently contains five buildings, including a two-family house and four single-story commercial structures. The site is significantly underutilized based on its current floor …
1:36:26
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44 sec
Details of proposed rezoning for 31-17 12th Street
The proposed rezoning would change the zoning from R5B to R6B, allowing for increased density and building height. This change would enable the development of a larger residential building on …
1:37:12
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28 sec
Proposed development plan for 31-17 12th Street
The proposed development for 31-17 12th Street is a five-story residential building that maximizes the allowable floor area ratio under the new zoning. The building will provide a significant number …
1:37:42
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35 sec
Mandatory Inclusionary Housing for 31-17 12th Street development
The proposed development will comply with Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) Option 1, providing a significant amount of affordable housing within the project. This will contribute to the city's goals of …
1:38:18
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29 sec
Site plan and open space details for 31-17 12th Street development
The site plan for the 31-17 12th Street development balances building coverage with open space, including green areas and parking. The design aims to create a livable environment for residents …
1:38:50
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26 sec
Conclusion of 31-17 12th Street rezoning presentation
The presentation for the 31-17 12th Street rezoning proposal concludes, with the presenters expressing readiness to answer questions from the committee members. - Formal presentation of the rezoning proposal is …
1:39:18
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3 sec
Council Member Kevin Riley questions land use applicants about 31-17 12th Street rezoning proposal
Council Member Kevin Riley conducts a Q&A session with representatives of the land use applicant for the 31-17 12th Street rezoning proposal in Astoria, Queens. The discussion covers various aspects …
1:39:21
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3 min
Council Member Kevin Riley introduces public hearing for 250 86th Street Rezoning in Bay Ridge
Council Member Kevin Riley introduces the third and final public hearing of the session, focusing on the 250 86th Street Rezoning proposal in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He outlines the basic …
1:43:14
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31 sec
Existing zoning and proposed changes for 250 86th Street
The presentation outlines the current zoning of the property and adjacent parcels, as well as the proposed rezoning and text amendment. - Current zoning: R3-2 within the special Bay Ridge …
1:45:01
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41 sec
Project area and site description for 250 86th Street rezoning
The presentation provides a detailed description of the project area and site using tax maps and zoning information. - Site is currently zoned R3-2 in the Bay Ridge Special District …
1:45:41
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26 sec
Justification for the 250 86th Street rezoning
The presentation provides several reasons why the proposed rezoning is appropriate for the area. - 86th Street is a 100-foot wide major thoroughfare that can handle additional density - Current …
1:46:07
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49 sec
Surrounding area characteristics of the 250 86th Street rezoning
The presentation describes the characteristics of the surrounding area to support the proposed rezoning. - Buildings in the area reflect an R6B typology, mostly 3 to 4 stories in height …
1:46:56
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31 sec
Building typology and existing conditions in the rezoning area
The presentation provides detailed information about the existing building conditions within the proposed rezoning area. - 80% of properties (8 out of 10) in the rezoning area are currently non-complying …
1:47:27
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36 sec
Proposed building modification for 250 86th Street
The presentation briefly mentions the proposed modification of the existing building at 250 86th Street. - The modification would allow for a community facility medical office at the site - …
1:48:04
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28 sec
Council Member Kevin Riley questions applicant team on 250 86th Street rezoning proposal
Council Member Kevin Riley leads a Q&A session with Richard Lobel and other members of the applicant team regarding the 250 86th Street rezoning proposal in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The …
1:48:43
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3 min