PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jack Walsh on Arrow Linen Site Development
3:04:40
ยท
129 sec
Jack Walsh, a lifetime resident of Park Slope Windsor Terrace, expresses opposition to Arrow Linen's development proposal while supporting contextual affordable development of the site. He argues for an R6A designation with 40% affordability, which would allow for more affordable units than Arrow's current proposal.
- Walsh claims that 93% of testimonies at various community meetings and hearings opposed Arrow's proposal.
- He mentions that Catholic Charities made a market-rate offer for 100% affordable housing, which Arrow rejected.
- Walsh urges Council Member Hanif to amend the application, stating that an R6A designation could provide up to 124 apartments at 9 stories, doubling the number of affordable units compared to Arrow's proposal.
Jack Walsh
3:04:40
My name is Jack Walsh.
3:04:41
I'm a lifetime Park Slope Windsor Terrace resident, and I support contextual affordable development of the Arrow Linen site, but I oppose Arrow's proposal.
3:04:50
While many closed door meetings have taken place between council member Hanif, Arrow Linens owners, developer, Open New York, and lobbyists, the community has organized transparently to raise awareness and provide alternatives.
3:05:03
We engaged Catholic charities to make a market rate offer based on a 7 to 9 story zoning to build 100% affordable housing.
3:05:10
Arrow rejected it, betting their lobbyists would get their proposal approved as is.
3:05:15
Our 2 community meetings were attended by 205100 people, 95% opposed Arrow's proposal.
3:05:22
The c b 7 land use committee hearing, c b 7 full board hearing, borough president's hearing, and the city planning commission hearings had a combined 681 testimonies, 93% opposed Arrow's proposal.
3:05:34
C b seven's full board voted 30 to 6 against.
3:05:38
Calculate all testimonies for today's hearing and you will undoubtedly find an overwhelming number opposed as well.
3:05:44
But as we've heard, council member, Hanif gets to decide.
3:05:48
I implore the council member to amend the application to r 6 a designation with 40% affordability.
3:05:55
With a slight adjustment to Arrow's proposed unit mix, r 6 a allows for up to 124 apartments at 9 stories, doubling the number of affordable units of Arrow's proposal.
3:06:06
Arrow will make tens of 1,000,000 as they have no land costs, and the remaining 186 apartments will be luxury market rate.
3:06:13
Conversely, Arrow's proposal for 13, now 15 stories with City of Yes includes 60 fewer affordable apartments and the remaining 200 plus will be luxury market.
3:06:24
Arrow can make tens of millions on a development the community wants or 100 of millions on a development fewer affordable apartments that will trigger a landslide of speculation and displacement.
3:06:33
The choice is clear.
3:06:35
Wildly enrich Arrow's owners or stand on your stated values of community driven instead of profit driven development, and the 2,000 community members of Housing Not High Rises will loudly support you when we vote in June.
3:06:48
You get to decide.
3:06:49
Thank you.
Kevin Riley
3:06:49
Thank you, Jacob.