PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Samir Lavingia, Campaign Coordinator of Open New York
3:54:06
ยท
128 sec
Samir Lavingia, representing Open New York, testified in favor of the Arrow Linen proposal, emphasizing the severe housing shortage in New York City and the need for more affordable housing in well-resourced neighborhoods like Windsor Terrace.
- Highlighted the record-low 1.4% rental vacancy rate in NYC and the lack of affordable housing units in Windsor Terrace since 2008
- Supported the Arrow Linen project as a step towards fair housing goals and creating affordable housing in a transit-rich area
- Urged the council to approve the project without reducing the number of new homes, while supporting efforts to deepen affordability
Samir Lavingia
3:54:06
Thank you, chair Riley, council member Hanif, and the members of the subcommittee on zoning and franchises for the opportunity to testify in favor of the Arrow Linden proposal.
3:54:14
My name is Samir Lavinia, and I serve as the campaign coordinator of Open New York.
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Open New York is an independent grassroots pro housing non profit.
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We have 12 chapters across the state and over 650 active volunteer members.
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New York faces a severe housing shortage.
3:54:28
In February 2024, the New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey revealed that the rental vacancy rate had fallen to a mere 1.4%, the lowest since 1968.
3:54:39
New Yorkers know these pressures all too well.
3:54:41
Evictions have increased, asking rents have skyrocketed, and newly issued building permits have plummeted.
3:54:47
Projects like Arrowlinen offer opportunities for our great city to welcome neighbors, share out ample public resources, and ensure that those who grew up in Brooklyn can afford to stay in Brooklyn.
3:54:56
For far too long, many of the most well resourced parts of our city have been off limits and have stopped the creation of new housing in their neighborhoods, especially, housing for middle and low income residents.
3:55:09
According to the NYU Furman Center, Windsor Terrace has created no new affordable units since 2008 and has created significantly less housing than other nearby neighborhoods around Prospect Park.
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It is impossible to uphold fair housing principles without every neighborhood being part of the solution, and our leaders are stepping up to the plate.
3:55:29
In 2023, speaker Adams championed the fair housing framework and at the end of last year, led the council in passing City For All, which will create more than 80,000 new units across the city.
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The Arrow Linen proposal will not only help us accomplish our fair housing goals, but it will also bring much needed affordable housing to a transit rich neighborhood.
3:55:47
We support the council member in her efforts to further deepen the affordability of the project.
3:55:52
However, we want to emphasize the importance of not reducing the new unit count.
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If we are serious about solving our housing shortage, we cannot cut the number of new homes being approved.
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Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to stay in their community or find a place to, live in the city where they don't just survive but thrive.
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Approving the Arrow Linen Project is one of these many steps we can take to ensure that happens.
3:56:12
Thank you for the opportunity
Keith Powers
3:56:13
to take today.