PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Connie Murray, Long-time Resident of Long Island City
3:55:46
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124 sec
Connie Murray, a lifelong New Yorker and long-time resident of Long Island City, testifies against the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity (CHO) plan. She criticizes the mayor's administration and argues that the proposed development approach is not suitable for all areas, particularly highlighting the existing high-rise developments in Queens.
- Murray points out that despite numerous high-rise constructions in her neighborhood, rents have not decreased.
- She challenges the cited 1.4% vacancy rate, noting it's higher for units above $2,100 and that the average Manhattan rent is now over $5,000.
- Murray argues that current zoning can already accommodate significant population growth, while New York City has lost 800,000 residents in the past 6 years.
Connie Murray
3:55:46
Hi.
3:55:46
My name is Connie Murray.
3:55:48
I am a born in Rays, New Yorker.
3:55:51
It's born in Manhattan, and I've lived in beautiful Long Island City for almost 3 decades now.
3:55:59
The preceding panel finally, somebody mentioned the mayor.
3:56:06
So I'm here to urge you to vote against this plan.
3:56:13
And our corrupt mayor, his corrupt administration, and their paid lobbyists are the only ones pushing for a one size fits all development drift.
3:56:25
And as a queen's resident, I I we have so much construction.
3:56:33
We have high rises.
3:56:34
We have 80 story high rises.
3:56:37
70 story high rises, 60 story high rises in my neighborhood.
3:56:43
They're expensive.
3:56:44
None of the rents have come down.
3:56:47
And when people talk about the one point 4% vacancy rate, we're leaving out the fact that it is more than double that for units which are above $25100.
3:57:01
And Mark Levin just testified that the average rent in Manhattan is now above $5000.
Kate Van Tassel
3:57:09
So
Connie Murray
3:57:12
the data that we have for vacancies is a little outdated.
3:57:16
Very curious to see what newer numbers will bring because it doesn't feel vacant in my neighborhood.
3:57:25
And there's also Jamaica and Flushing.
3:57:28
Jamaica has these massive buildings.
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Flushing is building like crazy.
3:57:34
Current zoning, if never changed again, can accommodate 16 to 20 million people in total.
3:57:42
NYC has lost 800,000 residents in the past 6 years, and that's my time.
3:57:49
Thank you.
Kevin C. Riley
3:57:49
Thank you so much.
