REMARKS
Council Member Crystal Hudson's remarks on 962-972 Franklin Avenue rezoning
0:04:58
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177 sec
Council Member Crystal Hudson delivers a statement on the 962-972 Franklin Avenue rezoning proposal, expressing concerns about the project's impact on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and affordable housing requirements. She emphasizes the importance of protecting cultural assets and ensuring adequate affordability in the development.
- Hudson begins by quoting Ayana Elizabeth Johnson on climate futures and the importance of transformation.
- She outlines the current proposal as approved by the city planning commission, including building specifications and affordable housing units.
- Hudson raises concerns about shadow impacts on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and requests for changes to affordability requirements.
Crystal Hudson
0:04:58
Thank you, Sherry Riley, for the opportunity to make a statement on the 962-972 Franklin Avenue rezoning.
0:05:05
First, I'd like to read a brief excerpt from what if we get it right, visions of climate futures by Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson, who's a world renowned marine biologist, policy expert writer, native Brooklynite, and constituent.
0:05:19
And I quote, we find ourselves in a time of reckoning at an inflection point for humanity What will what we will inflect toward is not clear.
0:05:27
It has not yet been determined, how much global temperature will increase, how much sea levels will rise, how we will adapt to the inevitable and prevent the worst, or how we will treat each other amidst it all.
0:05:38
Set aside your resignation and nihilism.
0:05:41
There is a wide range of possible futures.
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Apparel and possibility coexist.
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A few things feel clear about this world we must build together.
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There can be enough for each of us.
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There can be a home for each of us.
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There can be a role for each of us.
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The imperative is transformation, and the goal is to thrive.
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Even if that's all we know for sure, it's enough to get started.
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Now, will we get it right?
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I have no idea.
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It's a long shot, but we could.
0:06:09
Good morning.
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Members of the sub committee and members of the public.
0:06:12
My name is Crystal Hudson, and I'm the council member representing the 35th District in Brooklyn where this project is located.
0:06:18
I'm sure everyone has followed this project and its various iterations over the years.
0:06:22
But I want to speak specifically about where we are as of this moment.
0:06:26
As approved by the city planning commission, the applicant could build an 11 story mixed use building with 355 residential units, including a range of 91 to 106 affordable units ground floor commercial space.
0:06:39
Even with this modification, I continue to have concerns about the proposal.
0:06:44
Throughout this process, I've made my position clear.
0:06:47
We must ensure that unique open spaces and cultural assets like the Brooklyn Botanic garden are not unduly harmed by shadows from development.
0:06:55
And the shadows we speak of are not simply shadows that reduce the light beaming into one's bedroom window for a few more minutes on most days during the winter.
0:07:03
The shadows we speak of would impact the light wired for the Brooklyn Botanic garden to quite literally provide the very plants for a garden that not only Brooklynites enjoy, but for one that is treasured by the entire city.
0:07:14
Any development in this area must prevent harmful shadows from being cast onto the garden And while the applicant has proposed changes that would lessen the impact and duration of shadows on the garden, I still have concerns.
0:07:26
Additionally, the applicant is requesting that the council revised the required NIH affordability on the site, which would minimize the number of units price below market rate for those in greatest need.
0:07:36
Outstanding issues remain concerning the detrimental effect of shadows cast onto the Brooklyn Potenac garden, lack of community services, and the number of depth and the number and depth of affordable units under NIH.
0:07:48
I look forward to the applicant's presentation and hearing the public testimony on this rezoning.
0:07:53
And thank you again, Sherry Riley, for the opportunity to speak.
