PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Bridget O'Dea, Renter and Local Resident, on Arrow Linen Rezoning
3:11:32
ยท
104 sec
Bridget O'Dea, a long-time local resident, strongly opposes the Arrow Linen rezoning project in its current form. She argues that the proposed 15-story luxury towers would lead to displacement and gentrification, and instead advocates for a 7-story development with 40% affordable housing.
- O'Dea criticizes Arrow Linen for lack of community engagement despite benefiting from tax abatements.
- She highlights concerns about speculative buying and the impact on rent-stabilized units in the area.
- The speaker urges the council to reject the current application and prioritize the community's needs over developer profits.
Bridget O'Dea
3:11:32
Hello.
3:11:32
Thanks for the opportunity to speak today.
3:11:34
My name is Brito Dey.
3:11:35
I'm a renter.
3:11:36
I've lived one block from the proposed site for over 12 years.
3:11:39
I strongly oppose this rezoning.
3:11:42
Like many of my neighbors, I support new housing at this location, but it must prioritize our community's needs, not maximizing developer profits.
3:11:51
Limiting the rezoning to 7 stories and increasing the mandatory inclusionary housing requirement to 40% would create more affordable units and protect against displacement of renters.
3:12:01
The site is surrounded by 59 rent stabilized units and pockets of some of the neighborhood's most affordable housing, Allowing 15 story luxury towers will fuel speculative buying, rising rents and push many of my neighbors out of their homes.
3:12:16
Arrow's plan also proposes to rezone 11 privately owned multifamily buildings and predatory speculators have already targeted these owners.
3:12:24
I've attended nearly every public meeting on this radical rezoning and I can say that Arrow Linen has not been a good neighbor.
3:12:31
Despite owning this property for over 40 years and benefiting from a 25 year taxpayer funded tax abatement, they spent 100 of 1,000 of dollars lobbying elected officials but have made zero attempts to engage with us, the community, which as an aside, listening to the other applicants today, it's such a stark contrast to hear some of the other developers who seemingly engaged with the local community.
3:12:53
But I digress.
3:12:55
Our community deserves better.
3:12:57
Limiting this rezoning to 7 stories with 40% affordable housing protects existing renters and ensures that housing is treated as a public good, not a vehicle for massive private profit.
3:13:09
I urge you to reject this application in its current form and stand with the community you are elected to serve.
3:13:15
Thank you.