PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Stefan Bouja on Arrow Linen Rezoning
5:14:02
ยท
116 sec
Stefan Bouja testifies against the proposed Arrow Linen rezoning in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. He expresses concerns about the impact of a 15-story building on the neighborhood's skyline and character, emphasizing the importance of preserving the current views and sense of community.
- Highlights the existing infrastructure and parking challenges in the area
- Emphasizes the unique character of Windsor Terrace compared to Manhattan
- Argues that tall buildings would negatively affect the experience of Prospect Park
Stefan Bouja
5:14:02
Good afternoon, council members.
5:14:04
Good to see everybody again.
5:14:06
I was there earlier.
5:14:07
Couldn't make it.
5:14:08
Had things to do.
5:14:09
By now, you've all heard the arguments for and against the proposed Arrow Zoning Arrow Linen rezoning.
5:14:15
And I can remind you of all of the aging infrastructure, how it's not equipped to handle the influx of new residents in the sewer or water system, or the how the already overburdened schools, in the area will be affected, even more so.
5:14:29
And, of course, probably not as mentioned, the parking situation in the neighborhood already already tricky enough, would only get worse throughout the years years, and let's face it, years of construction.
5:14:40
So let the talk of the ground be for the others.
5:14:43
That's why we're here, land and use.
5:14:45
But there's one thing we're all overlooking, which is ironic because it's always looking over us, which is the sky.
5:14:50
I moved to this neighborhood, about 15 years ago with my wife.
5:14:54
What I love about this place is not just the great public transit and cute bakeries, but the sky above.
5:14:58
I can walk out in the morning, and I can see Sky.
5:15:01
At night, when I take the trash out and put it into the NYC approved bin after 8 PM, of course, I can look up and I can see stars.
5:15:09
I can see the moon, and it is, thrilling.
5:15:12
It's wonderful.
5:15:13
You get a clear expanse you get a clear expanse in the park.
5:15:17
A 15 story building would ruin that illusion, and I think that's an illusion we all need from time to time.
5:15:24
This is Windsor Terrace.
5:15:25
This is not Manhattan.
5:15:27
And 1 15 story building leads to another and to another and to another.
5:15:31
And soon, it's not we don't have the lovely, beautiful Prospect Park.
5:15:36
We have Central Park, which is surrounded and walled in and is nothing more than a playground.
5:15:41
And look, I want people to come here and live here.
5:15:44
I want them to experience Prospect Bake West, which, as my daughter calls it, with its frankly unnecessary number of bakeries along the street.
5:15:52
But I want these people to experience the view from below because that will give them the sense of belonging and of community.