PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Ford Harris on Arrow Linen Rezoning
3:26:21
ยท
122 sec
Ford Harris, a member of the public, provides testimony opposing the Arrow Linen rezoning project, emphasizing the lack of community engagement and calling for compromise. He argues that while affordable housing is needed, the current approach favors the developer's profitability over community concerns.
- Criticizes the lack of community involvement from Arrow Linen compared to other projects
- Advocates for pushing back against the developer's profitability model and considering the community's voice
- Emphasizes that compromise and community engagement are crucial for addressing the housing crisis
Ford Harris
3:26:21
I would just like to say, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak here.
3:26:25
My neighbors have all said much more eloquently all the reasons to oppose this rezoning than I can say.
3:26:32
So I just wanna sum it up with a couple of quick remarks.
3:26:37
Firstly, just sitting here and seeing the other possible, projects and the involvement that those people have had with the community just speaks volumes to the dearth of that involvement that we've had with Arrow Linen.
3:26:51
It's quite frankly been extremely demoralizing.
3:26:54
And here's the thing, we all want the same thing.
3:26:58
This is a win win.
3:26:59
At the end of the day, the housing crisis in New York City is going to be met with community engagement and compromise.
3:27:06
That's all we're asking for.
3:27:08
To my neighbors who are for this development, we want the same thing.
3:27:12
We want affordable housing units built.
3:27:15
But you need to understand, Arrow Linen is not your friend.
3:27:19
You really need to understand that.
3:27:20
And to council member Hanif, the one thing we're really asking for is just to push back against this profitability model that the developers are coming at.
3:27:31
You know, they've gotta say, oh, the cross subsidies, it works a certain way.
3:27:34
And so based on that, we have to dictate the scope of the project.
3:27:38
All we're asking you to do is to push back a little bit on their profitability models, to listen to us so that we have a voice and the scope of this project lies somewhere in a realm that works within the fabric of the community.
3:27:54
So at the end of the day, we all want the same thing and compromise is the way forward.
3:28:00
Compromise is what City of Yes is about.
3:28:02
It's about a little bit everywhere.
3:28:05
It's about all of us coming together to solve the needs.
3:28:08
It's not about just giving a windfall to Arrow Linen and having lobbyists, quite frankly, confuse many people who have real needs into thinking that this particular development is their friend.
3:28:18
That's not the way to go, and I know you'll do the right thing.
3:28:20
We're engaged, and we're here with you.
3:28:22
Thank you.