PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jacqueline Dolly on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity
11:02:06
·
128 sec
Jacqueline Dolly testifies against the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity proposal, highlighting concerns about its potential negative impacts on communities of color, particularly in Southeast Queens. She argues that the proposal fails to address historical racial and economic disparities in housing and development.
- Criticizes the lack of racial equity analysis and comprehensive environmental impact statements for the proposal
- Expresses concern that upzoning could lead to gentrification and displacement in communities of color
- Questions the city's priorities in allowing luxury developments while affordable housing remains scarce
- Calls for addressing vacant rent-stabilized apartments and empty retail spaces before pursuing new development
Jacqueline Dolly
11:02:06
I'd like to start by saying that all communities are not created equal.
11:02:10
And in my Southeast Queens community, many single in 2 family homes, have what you call hidden density.
11:02:17
Now these are homes that are occupied by multiple generations because they simply cannot afford to buy or rent in a neighborhood.
11:02:25
Now our city government has been has not been as aggressive with going after creditorial lending and discriminatory real estate development that creates and maintains housing inequity along racial lines.
11:02:38
Historically, black neighborhoods across this country have been devastated by urban renewal.
11:02:43
Under the guise of addressing economic inequity.
11:02:47
Nothing of research has been done on long term impact of up zoning in by park communities.
11:02:54
Where are the racial equity analysis as well as comprehensive environmental statements with minimum to maximum outcomes.
11:03:04
Studies find that up zoning makes gentrification and displacement easier and harmful in bipartal communities.
11:03:12
You can't take a blanket approach to development in a city where nuanced historical racial and economic disparities exist.
11:03:21
We live in a city of immoral wealth disparity where the top 20% of earners make nearly 6 times more than the bottom 20%.
11:03:30
When will we stop green lighting luxury real estate developments where half the units remain empty, while the other half are owned by billionaires with multiple residences when will we address the 27,000 rent stabilized apartments that remain off market?
11:03:47
What are the plans for the empty retail spaces that blight our commercial areas?
11:03:52
Why are we continuing to give generous subsidies to wealthy developers in return for so little.
11:03:58
The 421A exemption gives developers up to 100% of property tax erasure in return for only 1five of units considered affordable.
UNKNOWN
11:04:10
Your time has expired.
Kevin C. Riley
11:04:13
Thank you.
11:04:14
Next, we're gonna hear from Renee Manros.
