REMARKS
Council Member Alexa Avilés discusses concerns about 150 Mill rezoning application in Red Hook, Brooklyn
0:04:28
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4 min
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 (IBZ) and expresses skepticism about the application's commitment to industrial jobs and uses.
- The application proposes changing the zoning from M1-1 to M1-5, potentially allowing for a 10-story commercial building.
- Avilés stresses the need for a strong commitment to industrial use in the IBZ to maintain middle-wage jobs with low barriers to entry.
- She mentions the upcoming city-wide industrial strategic plan that will provide better analysis for zoning decisions in IBZs.
Alexa Avilés
0:04:28
Thank you so much, chair.
0:04:30
Good morning.
0:04:32
We've been here for hours.
0:04:34
Good morning, everyone.
0:04:35
Good to see you.
0:04:37
Again, thank you, Chair, and thank you to members of the committee who are here today.
0:04:41
I'm council member, Lexavi Les, here to discuss the 100 the 150 mail rezoning application.
0:04:50
The application proposes a zoning map amendment from an m 11 to an m 15 to facilitate the development of a new ten story commercial building in Redhook Community District 6, Brooklyn.
0:05:02
The development site falls within the Southwest Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Business Zone, the IBZ.
0:05:10
While the application seeks a higher density industrial zoning designation, the development proposal as filed in the official documents with the Department of City Planning describes an entirely commercial and so called community facility building, very little space for industrial or manufacturing uses.
0:05:28
The proposed M15 does not require or insist device industrial space.
0:05:34
From the start, unfortunately, applicant never sought to use tools specifically geared for industrial manufacturing.
0:05:41
I'm dedicated to the growth and the preservation of the industrial sector and industrial jobs in district 38.
0:05:48
Despite the historic decline of manufacturing sector in New York City, the larger industrial sector remains an important source of middle wage jobs with low barriers to entry.
0:05:58
According to an analysis by DCP, 33% of all New York City jobs at least pay $50,000 and are available to those without a college degree and are in the industrial sector.
0:06:12
Because this property falls within the industrial business zone, we must see a strong credible commitment to industrial use.
0:06:21
I'm passionate about keeping the character and function of the IBZ alive as this is a major land use principle I use to guide development in our district.
0:06:30
This sentiment has been evident throughout the application process and made clear to all parties involved.
0:06:37
Well, I appreciate the applicant's involvement throughout the EUO process.
0:06:41
I feel this application falls short of a credible commitment to an industrial use while falling within the IBC and the heart of industrial businesses.
0:06:50
I do not wish to see the integrity of the IBC compromise, mapping an M15 dash or tear without a concrete, incredible plan to preserve and grow industrial drops could set a precedent for commercial conversion of this entire portion of the IBC.
0:07:08
As the Barr president's recommendation, for disapproval states without a viable mechanism to hold the applicant to a commitment that maintains industrial character and uses.
0:07:19
The proposed zoning change introduces flexibility, contrary, to the broader goals of the IBC.
0:07:26
The Department of City Planning is about to begin intensive work on a city wide industrial strategic plan required by local law 172 of 2023.
0:07:39
The IDSP will involve detailed analysis of city wide needs and trends for the industrial sector, and each IBZ including recommendations for economic development goals.
0:07:52
Potential capital investments, and land use policy goals.
0:07:57
This plan will provide much needed analysis to better inform appropriate zoning districts and policy goals for each IBC.
0:08:06
I would like to I would like to thank Community Board 6, the Board President, the City Planning Commission, and my colleagues on the zoning committee sub committee in the council for their thoughtful evaluation of this proposal.
0:08:18
I look forward to hearing from the development team from my constituents and from the public at today's meeting to further address the concerns and I many other stakeholders have about this proposal.
0:08:30
Thank you, chair.
Kevin Riley
0:08:31
Thank you, counsel, Mister Villas.