PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Latonia Harris from Saint Augustine on City of Yes Proposal
9:07:40
·
124 sec
Latonia Harris, a resident from Saint Augustine, testifies against the City of Yes proposal, citing concerns about the true beneficiaries of the plan, safety issues with basement dwellings, and the strain on Queens' infrastructure. She argues that the proposal doesn't address the real issue of affordable housing and may compromise community safety.
- Questions the narrative of housing scarcity and argues the real issue is affordable housing
- Expresses concern about the safety of legalizing basement apartments and the city's willingness to modify building codes
- Criticizes the assumption that all families would benefit from accessory dwelling units, arguing against a one-size-fits-all approach
- Highlights existing quality of life issues in Queens, including overcrowded schools and migrant shelters
Latonia Harris
9:07:40
Good.
9:07:41
Hello.
9:07:41
My name is Latonia.
9:07:42
I'm from Saint Augustine, please.
9:07:43
I'm saying no to the city of yes.
9:07:45
I hope this is not a performative check the box here, and then the concern is her today.
9:07:49
Well, this issue is making a decision to vote against the city of yes.
9:07:53
The so called narrative that is exaggerated regarding or less housing, afford the issue is affordable housing.
9:08:01
I ask you to consider the following factors when you consider your vote.
9:08:05
Actual benefit from the overhaul of Vocinity areas in Queens is that homeowners who already pay the highest taxes in Queens or developed who will receive tax benefit for 10 years or more.
9:08:16
Basements have been deemed unsafe obviously for all for years.
9:08:19
All of a sudden, the city is open to modifying the building codes, knowing how costly it is to alter the unit into a safe dwelling.
9:08:27
This would suggest that the city is willing to risk the safety of community to get new stream of revenue, to sell this to as a benefit to homeowners is a forest.
9:08:37
Furthermore, the city planning commission suggest that other dwelling units such as backyards and cartridges and garage apartments will benefit family members.
9:08:46
I submit to you not to use this as by the segment of population, not all the segments of population live the same.
9:08:53
We don't all live in multi generation homes with one family part of that room or in another part of the house.
9:08:59
Politicians should never use their assumptions for their personal experience and annual observations of some cultures to implement an overhaul of an entire borough.
9:09:09
No.
9:09:09
Some young people wanna move out from their parents and owe the gen agent generation like their independence.
9:09:15
Definitely view the city planning infrastructure report.
9:09:18
Ask them how long did it take them to compile the data invested in the independent order that is due they are finding.
9:09:24
Queen's communities cannot support the overdevelopments that will take place under the city of yes.
9:09:29
Lastly, consider the Qualia's life factors that exist in Queen's as of right.
9:09:33
School is a throwner boy.
9:09:35
Saturation of migrant self just caused the school over crowd is this issue.
9:09:38
Sure enough.
Shaun Abreu
9:09:39
Thank you, Latanya.
Latonia Harris
9:09:40
Margaret cooking in the street.
9:09:42
I actually won't get the city up yet.
Shaun Abreu
9:09:44
Thank you very much.
