REMARKS
Council Member Chris Banks explains his vote on City of Yes zoning amendment
1:21:15
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122 sec
Council Member Chris Banks explains his decision to vote no on LU 181 and Resolution 689, the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning text amendment. He emphasizes that his vote is not against housing, but a call for a more community-based approach to addressing the city's housing needs.
- Banks appreciates the City for All commitments but believes the zoning changes would be detrimental to his district.
- He supports investments in NYCHA developments, Mitchell-Lama housing, and pathways to homeownership.
- Banks states that his constituents do not want to see their communities fundamentally change without real consideration for their input.
Chris Banks
1:21:15
Permission to explain my vote?
Amanda Farías
1:21:17
Permission granted.
Chris Banks
1:21:19
This has been an extremely, tough vote when it comes to, l u 181 and resolution, 689.
1:21:28
However, my vote today will be a no on the tax resolution.
1:21:36
But it's not an objection to housing.
1:21:39
It's a call for us as lawmakers and the administration to go back to the drawing board and tackle the issues with with a more nuanced community based approach.
1:21:50
Of course, the city needs more housing, but the housing should reflect the wishes of the communities that are already here, the ones we represent, and not cater to desires of outside interests and their idea of what the city should look like.
1:22:06
Affordable housing crisis is not to be solved by should not be solved by a one size fit all approach.
1:22:14
The neighborhoods I represent each have their own unique needs and challenges, and my constituents have made it clear that they do not want to see their communities fundamentally change without real consideration for their input.
1:22:29
I wanna emphasize that I appreciate the support and commitments that we're given in the city for all.
1:22:34
And I applaud my fellow council members, land use, Speaker Adams, for their efforts in bringing about investments in critical aspects of the city such as NYCHA developments, Mitchell Lama and pathways to homeownership, which are there and there to me.
1:22:51
However, I still cannot approve the city as tax amendment number 3 as I believe that the zoning code changes would be detrimental to my district.
1:23:02
My constituents feel the same and I must stand with them.
1:23:08
I on all accept, intro lu181 resolution 689.
1:23:16
Thank you.
