PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Tony Agusto, Union Representative from DC 9 Painters and Allied Trades
1:24:31
·
148 sec
Tony Agusto, a local resident and member of DC 9 Painters and Allied Trades, expresses strong support for the proposed development project due to the union jobs it will bring to the community. He argues that while the concerns about shadows on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are valid, the economic benefits of stable, well-paying union jobs for the neighborhood should take precedence.
- Agusto emphasizes the struggle of working-class families in Brooklyn with cost of living and economic uncertainty
- He believes modern construction methods can mitigate environmental concerns while allowing progress
- Agusto argues that union jobs strengthen the entire neighborhood by allowing workers to stay in their homes and support local businesses
Tony Agusto
1:24:31
Good morning.
1:24:32
My name is Tony Agusto, and I'm a resident of this Brooklyn neighborhood, as well as a member of DC 9 painters and allied trades.
1:24:41
I'm here today to express my strong support for the development project being proposed, particularly because of the invaluable union jobs that'll bring to our community.
1:24:55
While I fully understand the concerns regarding shadows and potential impacts on the nearby botanical gardens, I believe we must weigh the concerns against the critical need for neighborhood, stable jobs, for the people who live there.
1:25:11
Brooklyn is a borough of deep working classrooms, and we are in the midst of time when many families are struggling.
1:25:20
With the cost of living, housing, and security, and economic uncertainty.
1:25:26
This project which is committed to providing union jobs offers a direct solution by creating meaningful work that provides fair wages, benefits, and long term employment.
1:25:37
These jobs aren't just paychecks, their opportunities for our neighborhoods to support their families, invest in their futures, and stay in their community they love.
1:25:48
The opposition which primarily primarily focuses on the impact of shadows and the proximity to the botanical garden is is an understandable, but should not override their urgent needs for our local workforce.
1:26:02
The botanical gardens are a treasured part of our community.
1:26:06
And I believe we can find ways to mitigate any negative impact through responsible building practices and ongoing collaboration between developers and community leaders.
1:26:19
Modern construction methods can address concerns about shadows and environmental sustainability while still allowing progress to move forward.
1:26:28
We have to ask ourselves what kind of Brooklyn we want to live in and neighborhood that prioritizes athletics, or when that prioritizes the well-being of its people.
1:26:41
Union jobs just don't benefit the workers who hold them.
1:26:44
They strengthen their entire neighborhood.
1:26:46
When our community members have stable well paying jobs.
1:26:49
They can afford to stay in their homes, support local businesses, and contribute to social and cultural fabric that makes Brooklyn so special.
1:26:57
Thank you for your time.
