REMARKS
Althea V. Stevens explains her vote on City of Yes zoning plan
1:52:16
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75 sec
Council Member Althea V. Stevens explains her decision to vote yes on the City of Yes zoning plan, despite reservations about equity in housing distribution across the city. She acknowledges the plan's shortcomings but recognizes the need to address the housing crisis.
- Stevens emphasizes that her district (16) and the West Bronx have historically carried a disproportionate burden in addressing the city's housing needs
- She commits to continuing to fight for genuine equity in housing throughout the city during her time on the city council
- Stevens votes aye on all, indicating support for the entire package of legislation, including LU 181 & Reso 689 (City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning text amendment)
Althea V. Stevens
1:52:16
Permission to explain our vote?
Amanda FarÃas
1:52:17
Permission granted.
UNKNOWN
1:52:19
I would
Althea V. Stevens
1:52:19
like to first start off by saying, thank you to the speaker and her team, the land use team, chair Riley for all their hard work and everything that they did to get us to this moment today.
1:52:29
But today's decision is a challenging one as housing and inequalities persist across the city.
1:52:34
The promise of city a yes was to create equity for community citywide.
1:52:38
However, this plan still falls short of that true today.
1:52:41
The housing crisis cannot be addressed with a few districts carrying the burden of building all the affordable housing.
1:52:46
The West Bronx, specifically district 16, has carried more than its fair share in addressing the city's housing needs.
1:52:54
Long before I was had the honor of representing district 16, this community consistently stepped up.
1:53:00
True equality demands all districts across the city contribute their fair share.
1:53:05
However, understanding the complexities addressing their city housing crisis, I've decided to vote yes.
1:53:11
I recognize the halting and advancement of housing development will only deepen this crisis and harm the communities that I fight so hard to serve.
1:53:20
However, my vote comes with a commitment that I will continue to fight for genuine equity in housing throughout the city as my time here at city council.
1:53:29
With that, I vote I and all.
1:53:30
Thank you.
