PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Kate McCabe on Arrow Linen Rezoning Application
3:02:06
ยท
149 sec
Kate McCabe, a local resident, testifies against Arrow Linen's zoning application for a 15-story development with minimum required affordable units. She advocates for amending the proposal to an R6A zoning with at least 40% affordable units, as suggested by Housing on High Rise.
- McCabe argues that Arrow is exploiting MIH and spot zoning laws, potentially leading to tenant displacement.
- She warns that approving this application could transform Prospect Avenue into a luxury boulevard, displacing current renters.
- McCabe emphasizes the importance of listening to community voices, citing strong local opposition to the proposal.
Kate McCabe
3:02:06
Good morning or afternoon now.
3:02:08
Thank you for the opportunity to speak.
3:02:09
My name is Kate McCabe.
3:02:11
My husband and I grew up around the corner from Arrow Linen and now live in nearby Kensington.
3:02:16
I wanna share three reasons for the city council to amend Arrow's zoning application from 15 stories with the minimum required affordable units to Housing on High Rise's proposed solution of r 6 a and at least 40% affordable units.
3:02:30
Number 1, Arrow is exploiting the laws that were meant to help and protect communities.
3:02:36
Mandatory inclusionary housing was created to encourage affordable housing, but Arrow is using it as a tool to create tremendous land value.
3:02:44
Spot zoning laws were created to protect communities from one owner reclassifying their land to the detriment of the surrounding community.
3:02:53
In order to avoid an illegal spot rezoning, Arrow included 11 additional buildings, 10 of which are renter occupied and composed of 44 units, 6 of which are rent stabilized.
3:03:04
That is a misuse of the purpose of the law.
3:03:07
If the city council approves this misuse, the council is condoning tenant displacement as a tool of luxury development.
3:03:15
Number 2.
3:03:16
Arrow's proposal will displace tenants and transform Prospect Avenue into a luxury boulevard.
3:03:22
There are roughly 201 rental units on the block, 59 of which are rent stabilized.
3:03:26
What happens to those 201 families if their landlord can rezone and make twice as much per apartment and add 12 stories to the building as this precedent would encourage?
3:03:35
Those renters lose their homes and Prospect Avenue transforms into luxury rentals.
3:03:40
Number 3, this decision.
3:03:42
Whether our city council listens to the voices of constituents or to real estate lobbyists has citywide implications.
3:03:48
Housing on High Rise has organized 3 community community wide meetings with 100 of attendees.
3:03:54
Community board 7 voted 30 to 6 against the proposal, and testimony to the city planning commission and borough president overwhelmingly opposed the arrow application.
3:04:04
The voices of our neighbors matter.
3:04:07
As council member Hanif has said multiple times, she decides.
3:04:11
But the point of the EULIRP process is for all parties to be a part of the decision making.
3:04:17
And while this application is for the Windsor Terrace South Slope community, it could be anywhere in New York City.
3:04:24
We hope you will recognize
Kevin Riley
3:04:25
the important
Kate McCabe
3:04:27
the important vote you will be making for all New Yorkers and vote to reject this application as submitted.
3:04:34
Thank you for the additional time.