PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC, on 441/467 Prospect Avenue Rezoning
4:30:28
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Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC, testifies in support of the rezoning of 441 and 467 Prospect Avenue. He argues that the project aligns with StreetsPAC's mission by creating much-needed housing in a walkable, bikeable, transit-oriented neighborhood, which contributes to reducing car reliance and combating climate change.
- The project will add mixed-income housing with a large MIH component in a desirable area with low vacancy rates and few income-restricted units.
- The location is ideal due to its proximity to public transit, shopping, dining, and other services.
- McClure, also a local resident and Community Board chair, emphasizes the pressing need for affordable housing in the area.
Eric McClure
4:30:28
Thank you, chair Riley, and council member Hanif.
4:30:32
My name is Eric McClure.
4:30:33
I'm the executive director of Streetspac.
4:30:35
While rezoning is not quite in the bull's eye of Streetspac's mission of reducing reliance on cars, making streets safer and improving public transportation, projects that create much needed housing and walkable, bikeable neighborhoods that are well served by transit certainly contribute significantly to those goals.
4:30:50
And the proposed rezoning of 441 and 467 Prospect Avenue absolutely fit that bill.
4:30:56
While the Arrow Linen Supply Company has provided gainful employment and a necessary service for decades, the current land use is anachronistic and incongruous with the surrounding dense residential neighborhood.
4:31:05
Turning this underutilized site into mixed income housing with a large MIH component will help many families find a home in this highly desirable neighborhood while in turn reducing housing pressure by adding considerably to the supply in the community in which the vacancy rate is low and income restricted units are nearly nonexistent.
4:31:21
Streets pack strongly supports the creation of this type of transit oriented development and walkable and bikeable neighborhoods as a crucial policy for combating climate change.
4:31:29
By spurring housing creation like that proposed here, it will also make it much easier for New Yorkers to avoid the tremendous financial burden of car ownership should they choose to forgo buying or leasing an automobile.
4:31:39
The proximity to the 15th Street Park F and G Station just a few 100 feet from the project site offers a major opportunity, and the proposed 13 story buildings, while taller than what currently exists on the block, are very much in keeping with nearby building heights.
4:31:51
Proximity to shopping, dining, and other services also make these sites ideal for new scaled development.
4:31:57
Finally, while I'm speaking today in my professional capacity, I'm also a resident of the 39th council district and chair of Brooklyn Community Board 6, the adjacent community district.
4:32:05
I've seen far too many of my neighbors forced to move away due to skyrocketing housing costs driven by the attendant lack of supply, and the shortage of affordable housing continues to be CB 6's most pressing district need.
4:32:16
Streets back urges a subcommittee on zoning and franchises and the full city council to vote in support of the rezoning of 441 and 467 Prospect Avenue.
4:32:24
Thanks very much for your time.