PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Julie Chou, Vice Chair of Land Use, Housing, and Zoning Committee of Manhattan Community Board 5
2:36:12
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119 sec
Julie Chou, representing Manhattan Community Board 5, testifies in conditional support of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity proposal. She emphasizes the urgent need for action due to the severe housing crisis in New York City, while also advocating for stronger affordable housing mandates and additional measures to create a more equitable housing landscape.
- Calls for affordable housing requirements beyond MIH zones, including in building conversions and projects using transfer of development rights
- Advocates for tenant protection programs, expanded homeownership opportunities, and mandated privately owned public spaces in high-density developments
- Highlights CB5's resolution passing with 34 votes in favor and 1 against
Julie Chou
2:36:12
Thanks, chair Riley.
2:36:13
My name is Julie Cho, and I serve as the Vice Chair of Le Leandro's Housing And zoning committee from Manhattan Community Board 5.
2:36:19
I'm here today to testify on behalf of CB Five.
2:36:22
In July, our board passed a conditional resolution in support of the proposal with 34 votes in favor and one against.
2:36:30
We are currently facing an unprecedented housing crisis in our city, and that's folks have noted vacancy rates have reached their lowest levels, while homeless shelters are operating at peak capacity, leaving many vulnerable individuals and families without stable housing.
2:36:44
This alarming situation requires urgent action, and we cannot afford to wait any longer.
2:36:49
However, to create a truly equitable housing landscape, we need mandates for affordable housing that extend beyond current and future NIH zones.
2:36:58
Relining solely on incentives and government agencies to create affordable housing is insufficient.
2:37:03
Especially when half of our city is remburdened, and a third of our residents are severely remburdened.
2:37:08
We must go further.
2:37:10
There should be a requirement for a minimum number of affordable units in all projects over a certain size whether they are new construction or building conversions.
2:37:18
This is essential to address the severity of the housing crisis we face.
2:37:22
We're asking that the transfer of development rights for housing developments be required to include affordable housing comparable to the UAP minimum in order to generate more affordable housing in our district.
2:37:33
We must implement robust tenant protection programs and expand home ownership opportunities to prevent displacement.
2:37:40
In our district, conversions often fail to meet open space requirements and frequent request waivers from the department city planning.
2:37:47
This only worsens are already limited access to green space.
2:37:50
Therefore, we strongly urge our elected officials to mandate a minimum of 10,000 square feet of privately owned public space in very high density residential developments.
2:37:59
Similar to the requirements established in the East Midtown rezoning.
2:38:03
Furthermore, these open spaces should include vital amenities such as public bathrooms to effectively meet the needs of our community.
2:38:08
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
