PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Alfred Brand, Chairman of the Kew Gardens Civic Association
2:55:52
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116 sec
Alfred Brand, representing the Kew Gardens Civic Association, speaks against the City of Yes proposal. He argues that the proposal would reduce public input, concentrate power in the mayor's office, and potentially destroy the balanced residential character of many NYC neighborhoods.
- Brand criticizes the lack of provisions for substantial affordable development and infrastructure improvements
- He emphasizes that Kew Gardens has a mix of residential types, carefully zoned over years
- He urges the council to vote no and develop a plan that encourages appropriate development without harming existing communities
Alfred Brand
2:55:52
Thank you.
2:55:52
My name is Alfred Brand.
2:55:54
I'm Chairman of the Board of the Q Gardens Queen Civic Association, which has been representing residents of cue garden since 1914, 110 years.
2:56:03
I'm speaking against the proposal for the city of yes.
2:56:08
It will remove some of the protections of Euler that will concentrate power in the mayor's office.
2:56:13
And reduce or eliminate the opportunities for public input and for city council approval of development projects.
2:56:21
There is no provision for substantial affordable development.
2:56:27
There are no provisions to improve infrastructure in advance of development.
2:56:32
There are no provisions to expand the building department to deal with existing code enforcement issues and to control future development.
2:56:42
It will eliminate 1 and 2 families owning, which will promote uncontrolled development and ultimately destroy the balanced residential character of many New York City neighborhoods.
2:56:55
Cute gardens has a mix of residential types.
2:56:59
We have multifamily apartment buildings, which are rentals, coops, and condos.
2:57:04
We have 2 family homes, and we have 1 family homes.
2:57:08
Our neighborhood zoning has been crafted through years of careful planning to be a blend of residences suitable for a wide variety of personal life preferences and economic ability.
2:57:22
A mix of densities enhances the quality of life for all.
2:57:28
I urge you to vote no and force the Adams administration and whatever administration follows to craft the plan which will have a middle vision, which encourages appropriate residential development without harming existing communities.
2:57:46
Thank you.
2:57:47
Thank you.
