REMARKS
Linda Lee explains her vote on City of Yes zoning plan
1:36:53
·
102 sec
Council Member Linda Lee explains her vote on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning plan, expressing concerns about its impact on eastern Queens and other parts of the city. She acknowledges the efforts to address challenges but ultimately votes against key aspects of the plan due to potential unintended consequences.
- Lee votes no on LU 181, Reso 689, Intro 1127, and Intro 1128, citing concerns about increasing housing density in transit deserts and areas with aging infrastructure.
- She emphasizes the need for more nuanced and thorough planning to incorporate the realities of diverse neighborhoods.
- Lee commends the efforts of the Department of City Planning, Chair Gerodnick, and the land use division for their work on the proposal.
Linda Lee
1:36:53
Permission to explain my vote.
Amanda FarÃas
1:36:55
Permission granted.
Linda Lee
1:36:56
So before I start, I just wanted to recognize, the efforts of DCP, chair Gerodnick, his team, as well as our land use division for all their time and effort and energy into this, proposal and for answering our many, many questions along the way.
1:37:11
So thank you for that.
1:37:13
And every neighborhood just wanna say every neighborhood faces its unique challenges.
1:37:17
I'd like to thank and commend speaker Adams' efforts to address many of these challenges.
1:37:22
While the most recent amendments to the city of YES have alleviated some of my most dire concerns, there still remains issues that can significantly impact my parts of Queens, eastern Queens, and other parts of the city.
1:37:34
Passing this plan may result in unintended consequences, such as increasing housing density in transit deserts and areas with aging infrastructure.
1:37:43
The proposal of ADUs like basement apartments and garage conversions will place further strains on areas that are not fit for additional density.
1:37:51
Solving the housing and affordability crisis can only be done through equitable and fair measures that serve the unique needs of all New Yorkers.
1:37:59
The decisions we make today in changing zoning will have impacts that will be felt for generations, and we must value the crucial and informative perspectives of the people and communities we have been elected to represent.
1:38:13
And my communities have been very loud and clear.
1:38:16
This is a complicated endeavor that requires more nuance, time, and thorough planning to incorporate the realities of our diverse neighborhoods throughout the city.
1:38:26
So, therefore, I'm voting no on l u 161, reso 689, intro 1127, and intro 1128, and eye on all the rest.
