REMARKS
Council Member Chris Banks expresses opposition to City of Yes plan
0:36:40
·
129 sec
Council Member Chris Banks delivers remarks opposing the City of Yes plan, citing concerns about affordability, homeownership, and the impact on his district. He emphasizes that his vote reflects the wishes of his constituents and the community boards in his district.
- Banks argues that the plan does not adequately address affordability or homeownership issues
- He highlights concerns about parking and transportation in his district
- Banks stresses that all four community boards in his district disapproved of the proposal
Chris Banks
0:36:40
Thank you, madam madam majority leader.
0:36:43
It's not just it's not enough just to say that New York City is in a housing crisis.
0:36:51
The real crisis is regarding the lack of affordability and the pathways to homeownership.
0:36:58
My district has seen an increase in affordable housing over the last 15 years, but it still remains nearly impossible for my constituents, to become homeowners.
0:37:09
Homeownership is the cornerstone of stability, community building, social engagement, and fostering economic growth in our community.
0:37:19
Unfortunately, the City of YES plan does little to ensure the future of housing will be affordable and offers no meaningful solution to improve homeownership.
0:37:31
Most importantly, my vote today reflects the wishes of my constituents.
0:37:37
Time and time again, I hear from my constituents that they need more parking.
0:37:42
While I appreciate the efforts made during the negotiations to protect parking requirements, I must echo the concerns of my constituents that the increased development will further strain already limited parking.
0:37:56
City of YES lacks the nuance to avoid harm in my district, which despite being home to multiple subway lines, it is also filled with transportation deserts making cars necessary.
0:38:13
All 4 community boards in my district disapproved of this proposal.
0:38:16
The people I represent and serve has said it made it clear in their opposition.
0:38:22
My constituents fear the proposal would irreparably change the character of their neighborhoods, open into the flood gate flood gates for developers to build and construct with no, concern for their interests and destroy, generations and families that will will be uprooted and the years of rich history, that will be erased.
0:38:45
Voters sent me to city hall to listen to them, and I'm listening to them.
