REMARKS
Council Member Joann Ariola opposes City of Yes zoning plan
0:39:05
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137 sec
Council Member Joann Ariola presents her opposition to the City of Yes zoning plan, citing concerns about infrastructure, community input, and the potential negative impact on flood-prone areas in her district. She argues that the plan could lead to unchecked development and strain existing infrastructure.
- Ariola emphasizes that 12 out of 14 community boards in Queens County voted against the plan.
- She expresses concerns about the lack of infrastructure to support new development, particularly in flood-prone areas.
- Ariola suggests that infrastructure improvements should precede housing development rather than follow it.
Joann Ariola
0:39:05
Thank you.
0:39:06
In Queens County, 12 out of 14 community boards voted against the city of yes.
0:39:13
So a no vote is not against housing, affordable housing, affordable housing for all.
0:39:20
It is a no against long term consequences for the people of this city.
0:39:25
It is a no against virtually unchecked buildings and allowances and the for the renewal and and a no against community lack of input as well as our lack of input on massive developments in neighborhoods that we represent.
0:39:42
It is a no because we don't need to push our infrastructure past the breaking point.
0:39:49
It is a no against chaos.
0:39:53
It is a no for districts like mine who are flood prone neighborhoods that already lack vital infrastructure.
0:40:02
The city of YES will only add to the heavy burdens residents face every day.
0:40:09
Even in the worst case scenario, it can create life threatening situations during weather emergencies.
0:40:21
But just on moon tides in my communities, we would be absolutely underwater.
0:40:28
We don't have the infrastructure and I know that the mayor has promised money for infrastructure, but why are we putting the cart before the horse?
0:40:35
Why are we putting the housing up and then worrying about the infrastructure?
0:40:39
We need to have the infrastructure in place before we build the housing.
0:40:44
That's what's important.
0:40:46
I appreciate the work that the speaker's office and my colleagues did and the land use division.
0:40:51
I appreciate the fact that modifications were made.
0:40:55
But I can't go on a what if when my constituents, like council member Banks said, are telling me we don't trust the system.
0:41:04
We don't want the character of our neighborhoods to change.
0:41:07
We do want more affordability.
0:41:10
So I strongly urge my colleagues to support future legislation that I will be introducing, which would exempt flood
UNKNOWN
0:41:17
zones time has expired.
Joann Ariola
0:41:18
Inland flooding areas from the city of yes.
0:41:21
Thank you.
Amanda FarÃas
0:41:22
Thank you, council member.
