PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Roisin Ford, Member of the Public
13:24:14
·
119 sec
Roisin Ford expresses opposition to the City of Yes proposal, arguing that it fails to address New Yorkers' housing needs and favors developers. She criticizes Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), and district fixes as potentially damaging to community character.
- Ford challenges claims of widespread voter support for the plan, suggesting misleading poll questions.
- She argues that the proposal won't provide meaningful relief for families seeking housing, particularly those needing larger units.
- Ford urges the city council to vote against transit-oriented development and ADUs, emphasizing the need to preserve existing neighborhood character.
Roisin Ford
13:24:14
Thank you.
13:24:15
Good evening.
13:24:15
I read about the city of yes with great excitement.
13:24:18
I know that we need 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for working families to stay in New York.
13:24:22
I'm passionate about that.
13:24:23
However, the city of yes does not address the housing needs of New Yorkers, and it is a giveaway to developers.
13:24:30
TOD, ADU, and district fixes are not worth the damage they do.
13:24:34
We've heard activists grilling council members today on the number of new housing in their district.
13:24:39
And flattish our 2009 rezoning untapped thousands of spots in our community to build.
13:24:45
And we are fighting to preserve a hundred and twenty year old homes that make the character of our community.
13:24:50
They don't make these anymore.
13:24:52
But if the city of yes has its way, developer sure will knock them down.
13:24:56
Nearly every corner lot in my neighborhood is at risk.
13:24:58
Do we criticize a mature Redwood forest for having no new trees?
13:25:03
Others have claimed that 80% of New York voters approved this plan.
13:25:07
Because one poll asked questions like, should we, quote, allow homeowners to add small apartments to single 1 or 2 family homes?
13:25:16
No one was asked if we should allow twenty five foot high cottages in yards.
13:25:20
Or century old homes on corner lot should be replaced with buildings nearly double the size due to the nearly doubled far.
13:25:27
That is what DOD, ADU, and district fixes would allow to the whole city council, I say, fewer than 900 people or 0.001 percent of New Yorkers do not speak for 80% of New York voters.
13:25:41
Similar misleading tactics are employed to make people believe that the city of yes will provide their family relief.
13:25:47
Many speakers have spoken openly about their own search for housing.
13:25:50
This is deeply personal.
13:25:51
We all know people affected by this.
13:25:53
Families are leaving because the availability and price, but also size and quality of housing.
13:25:59
Families moving to New Jersey are not gonna stay in New York City is offered the chance to rent a studio over a garage.
13:26:05
TODADU and district fixes are just not worth it.
13:26:08
I urge the city council to vote no on transit oriented development, vote no on 80.
