Q&A
Inquiry about developments in Rockaway and comprehensive community development
0:21:07
·
3 min
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about developments in the Rockaway community and the need for comprehensive community development beyond just housing. Rampershad acknowledges the importance of follow-up on approved projects and consideration of infrastructure, schools, and healthcare in development decisions.
- Brooks-Powers emphasizes the need for comprehensive community development beyond housing
- Rampershad discusses the importance of post-approval follow-up on projects
- The conversation highlights concerns about infrastructure, schools, and healthcare facilities in development planning
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
0:21:07
So also just in line with the the votes that you've taken, there have been a number of actions taken in the 31st council district, particularly in the Rockaway community.
0:21:20
And I I always think it's important for us.
0:21:23
Like, after we make decisions to take a look back to see how those decisions may have ended up, if there were things that you would have maybe have looked to see done differently or or if you think it was perfect.
0:21:39
I'm I'm curious to know about some of the developments that took place in Rockaway in particular, what your what your thoughts are on them, and and I hear you in your commitment to housing.
0:21:51
But with CPC, you have a unique opportunity to look beyond just housing, but looking into a full community development.
0:21:58
So I'm just trying to see where those gaps may have been during those votes?
Oudeshram “Raj” Rampershad
0:22:03
Right.
0:22:04
It's it's a great question because one of the things I know I've also mentioned internally is I think we should get updates on projects that were approved.
0:22:12
That was one of my concerns was it gets approved, but does it actually get built?
0:22:16
And it's only in the rock ways.
0:22:17
It's it's said you why.
0:22:19
And I know some do get built.
0:22:21
Some probably get sold to another developer and and, you know, because we're only improving the zoning.
0:22:25
Right?
0:22:25
And whenever they show us this this image, it's not really necessarily what's gonna get built.
0:22:30
And, you know, when I look at a lot of these projects, especially in the rockways, I know that there's there's always obviously, the flying is totally in a flood zone.
0:22:39
I know there's a big issue with emergency services and healthcare, I will also look at the schools, number of seats for children and families because, yeah, I take it from my perspective with my nieces.
0:22:51
I wanted them to get into the school.
0:22:53
I wanted them to get into a charter school.
0:22:55
They couldn't get in.
0:22:57
All the seats are taking, and just as an example.
0:22:59
So I I think back about that too.
0:23:02
And I really wish I I can't answer specifically on that particular project because afterwards, we don't go back to see that unless I read something in the papers.
0:23:12
Or if it's actually in my community, then I'll know it better.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
0:23:15
But to that point, like, some of these votes took place, like, maybe a year or so in between one another.
0:23:21
So did you ever, like, look to say, okay.
0:23:23
Well, we just voted for this large project.
0:23:26
And then now we have another large project.
0:23:29
Maybe we should add in transportation or something with infrastructure or to your point schools or health care.
0:23:35
Like Yeah.
Oudeshram “Raj” Rampershad
0:23:36
And I'd mentioned that on several applications in the past, when something like that comes up, what is the developer gonna do to improve the infrastructure?
0:23:44
Or is it something that, I guess, they're negotiating with the city, whether it was DEP or DOT?
0:23:49
And a lot of times, we hit the same comment that We're in talks with them or they're aware of it.
0:23:54
I don't necessarily know what happens after that, and that's something that you bring up a great point with that because a lot of these projects, and Queen's Innovation was another one where I also brought that up because this is major major constructions on city blocks, and it will have a major impact on all the existing residential and commercial, all the residents in that community.
0:24:15
We already know the infrastructure, especially in Queens, the the DDP, the sewer system is overloaded.
0:24:21
We can see by any time we get a major storm with the flooding, it's a complete nightmare.
0:24:25
I I I can't even speak to how they would probably correct that, but it's something that needs to be acknowledged.
0:24:31
And DP, I would hope, is able to rectify as best of their ability.
