Q&A
Council Member Amanda Farías questions project details and potential improvements
0:43:46
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161 sec
Council Member Amanda Farías engages in a Q&A session about a development project, focusing on the utilization of an existing parking lot, potential for increasing affordable housing units, and coordination with the MTA due to the project's proximity to a subway station.
- Inquired about the usage of the existing municipal parking lot and any opposition to its removal
- Questioned the possibility of adding more floor area to increase affordable housing units following recent zoning changes
- Asked about potential challenges and details of conversations with the MTA regarding the nearby Grand Avenue Subway Station
Amanda Farías
0:43:46
Thank you.
0:43:47
I just have a a question here.
0:43:49
How well utilized is the existing municipal parking lot, and did you encounter any opposition to losing it?
Annabelle Meunier
0:44:00
To answer that question, we can get back to you on the utilization.
0:44:05
I believe that, it was determined by DOT to be under utilized, and, we have not, received
Amanda Farías
0:44:16
opposition.
0:44:18
Okay.
0:44:18
Thank you.
0:44:19
And then my last question.
0:44:20
Prior to the approval of City of Yes for housing opportunity in an R 6 district, you were restricted to an FAR of 2.43.
0:44:30
R six now allows you to build up to 3.9 FAR.
0:44:33
Were there any discussions to adding additional floor area to this project to yield additional affordable units?
0:44:39
And if so, why did you decide against revising this plan?
Annabelle Meunier
0:44:46
I'd like to ask Paul to come up to discuss.
Thomas Campbell
0:44:56
Yep.
0:44:56
I can probably give an answer to that.
0:44:58
I don't know if you want.
0:44:59
I feel sure.
0:44:59
Yeah.
0:45:00
Go ahead, please.
Amanda Farías
0:45:01
Just we'll have to administer the oath really quickly, so raise your right hand
Thomas Campbell
0:45:06
and see Son?
Paúl Duston-Muñoz
0:45:07
Alright.
0:45:08
Paul Des Munoz?
UNKNOWN
0:45:10
And do you affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in your testimony before the subcommittee and an answer to all council member questions?
Paúl Duston-Muñoz
0:45:17
Yes.
0:45:17
I do.
UNKNOWN
0:45:18
Thank you.
Paúl Duston-Muñoz
0:45:21
Almost good afternoon, everyone.
0:45:22
Mhmm.
0:45:23
We're excited to be here.
0:45:24
Thank you for having us.
0:45:27
Short answer on this is we're studying this right now.
0:45:29
Obviously, City EBS, a lot of that rollout is new, and so, we're looking into it and trying to see what's what's feasible.
Amanda Farías
0:45:38
Okay.
0:45:38
Thank you for that response.
0:45:40
Obviously, in hopes that you continue to communicate with the council member and with the HPD and so on and so forth to figure that out with everyone that's within the plan.
0:45:49
Then my final question.
0:45:50
I understand that you have been in conversations with the MTA given the proximity to the Grand Avenue Subway Station.
0:45:56
Has this created any challenges for the project?
0:45:58
Are you able to provide any details in any of your conversations with the MTA?
Annabelle Meunier
0:46:05
I'll just say, I think HPD has been coordinating with the MTA, for a while.
0:46:11
I I don't believe we've been, encountered any any particular issues.
0:46:16
We've been responsive to their requests for, the space that they'll need for the for the accessibility improvements.
Amanda Farías
0:46:26
Okay.
0:46:26
Okay.
0:46:26
Thank you.