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New York City Council
Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises
Feb 24, 2025
·
11:00 AM
1 hr 23 min
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Summary
A hearing on two proposals:
- A mixed-use residential and community facility building in South Jamaica, Queens, including approximately 125 apartments with 31 permanently affordable units
- A sidewalk cafe application by Le Dive restaurant on Canal Street in the Lower East Side.
For the Queens development, discussions focused on balancing affordable housing with neighborhood character and ensuring local resident priority for new apartments.
For the Le Dive sidewalk application hearing, discussions focused on addressing community concerns about noise, sidewalk blockage, and operating hours violations.
Features testimony from the applicants and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Kevin Riley opens the subcommittee meeting and explains procedures
Council Member Kevin Riley opens the subcommittee meeting on zoning and franchises, welcoming attendees and introducing committee members. He outlines the agenda, which includes two public hearings: one on a …
0:00:48
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3 min
Speaker Adrienne Adams addresses rezoning proposal for 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard
Speaker Adrienne Adams discusses a rezoning proposal in her district for 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard, emphasizing the need to balance affordable housing development with maintaining neighborhood character. She acknowledges the applicants' …
0:04:44
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105 sec
Introduction and overview of the 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard rezoning project
Richard Lobel of Sheldon Lobel PC introduces the 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard rezoning project to the City Council. He presents on behalf of SBR Equities and Full Gospel Mission Church, with …
0:07:11
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25 sec
Proposed zoning changes for the 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard project
The presentation outlines the proposed zoning changes for the 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard project, aimed at facilitating the development of a new mixed-use community facility building. - Rezoning proposal changes existing …
0:07:36
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40 sec
Project specifications and changes for the 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard development
The presentation details the specifications of the proposed development at 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard, including changes made to the original proposal based on community input. - Revised proposal: 5-story building with …
0:08:17
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97 sec
Site context and surrounding area of the 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard project
The presentation provides an overview of the site context and surrounding area for the 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard project, demonstrating how the proposed development fits into the neighborhood. - Existing R6 …
0:09:54
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102 sec
Building design and renderings for the 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard development
The presentation showcases the building design and renderings for the proposed 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard development, highlighting its architectural features and context within the surrounding area. - Five-story building with a …
0:11:37
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94 sec
Community facility space and artistic features in the 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard project
The presentation highlights the community facility space and artistic features incorporated into the 123-12 Sutphin Boulevard project design. - Mural space is included to allow for artistic expression on what …
0:13:12
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45 sec
Discussion on church's current location and relocation plans
Council Member Kevin Riley inquires about the Full Gospel Mission Church of God in Christ's current location and future plans. Richard Lobel, the land use attorney, explains the church's current …
0:13:59
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57 sec
Overview of church's community programs and outreach
Bishop Tyrone Butler describes the various community programs and outreach initiatives currently operated by the Full Gospel Mission Church of God in Christ. These programs aim to support and engage …
0:14:55
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148 sec
Plans for new church location and community use
Council Member Kevin Riley inquires about the intended use of the new church location. Richard Lobel explains that the new space will be used for more than just worship services, …
0:17:23
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35 sec
Explanation of proposed R6A zoning district
Richard Lobel explains the rationale behind proposing an R6A zoning district for the church project. He discusses the considerations that led to maintaining this zoning designation despite exploring other options. …
0:17:59
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61 sec
Potential outcomes if rezoning proposal is not approved
Richard Lobel discusses the potential consequences if the rezoning proposal is not approved. He emphasizes the historical context of the property and the community support for the current proposal. - …
0:19:00
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63 sec
Description of the vacant property on Sutphin Boulevard and its surroundings
Speaker Adrienne Adams provides a detailed description of the property in question, highlighting its current state and location. - The property is described as a large vacant lot on a …
0:20:10
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82 sec
History of the property and challenges faced by the Full Gospel Mission Church
Bishop Tyrone Butler explains the history of the property and the challenges faced by the Full Gospel Mission Church in developing it. - The church has struggled with lack of …
0:21:31
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76 sec
Discussion of church membership and community preferences for the space
Speaker Adrienne Adams inquires about the church's membership and discusses community preferences for the space. - The Full Gospel Mission Church currently has around 30 members - Speaker Adams notes …
0:22:48
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34 sec
Explanation of why building only a church is not feasible for the Full Gospel Mission Church
Bishop Tyrone Butler explains why it's not feasible for the church to build only a church on the property. - Smaller churches face significant challenges in obtaining resources to build …
0:23:22
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37 sec
Potential community programming in the new church space
Speaker Adrienne Adams and Bishop Tyrone Butler discuss the possibilities for community programming in the new church space. - Speaker Adams suggests creating an intergenerational community center - The church …
0:24:00
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53 sec
Suggestions for rooftop space utilization and community integration
Speaker Adrienne Adams and Richard Lobel discuss ideas for utilizing the rooftop space and integrating it with the community. - Speaker Adams suggests turning the rooftop into a green space …
0:24:53
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93 sec
Discussion of the number of units and building layout for the proposed development
Speaker Adrienne Adams inquires about the number of units and building layout, with Richard Lobel and Dan Ruzeu providing details on the development plans. - The original plan included 125 …
0:26:26
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123 sec
Area Median Income (AMI) levels and affordable housing allocation in the proposed development
Speaker Adrienne Adams and Richard Lobel discuss the Area Median Income (AMI) levels and affordable housing allocation for the proposed development. - The current proposal follows Option 1 of the …
0:28:30
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23 sec
Plans for ensuring local residents are aware of available apartments in the new development
Speaker Adrienne Adams inquires about strategies to ensure District 28 and Community Board 12 residents are informed about available apartments, with Richard Lobel outlining the developer's plans. - The developer …
0:28:53
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49 sec
Speaker Adams emphasizes the importance of community access to new developments in Southeast Queens
Speaker Adrienne Adams expresses concerns about community access to new developments in Southeast Queens and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing local residents. - There are complaints throughout Southeast Queens about …
0:29:42
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47 sec
Council Member Riley opens public hearing on Le Dive sidewalk cafe application
Council Member Kevin Riley opens the public hearing on LU 241, concerning Le Dive's application for a sidewalk cafe in Council Member Marte's district. He provides details about the proposal …
0:31:15
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54 sec
Council Member Marte opposes Le Dive's sidewalk cafe application
Council Member Christopher Marte explains his opposition to Le Dive's sidewalk cafe application, citing numerous complaints and violations of outdoor dining regulations. He emphasizes the need to hold businesses accountable …
0:32:09
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4 min
Introduction of the applicant team and their roles
Max Bookman, an attorney from Pesetsky & Bookman PC, introduces himself and his team for the Le Dive sidewalk cafe application. He presents John Neidich, a founding partner of Golden …
0:36:56
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123 sec
Background and community involvement of Le Dive restaurant
Le Dive is presented as a Parisian-style eating and drinking establishment that opened in February 2021. The restaurant is described as having strong community support and engagement. - Le Dive …
0:39:00
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82 sec
History of sidewalk cafes at the Le Dive location
The location where Le Dive now operates has a long history of hosting eating and drinking establishments with sidewalk cafes. This history dates back to at least February 2007, possibly …
0:40:23
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40 sec
Current sidewalk cafe proposal for Le Dive
The current proposal for Le Dive's sidewalk cafe includes nine tables and 18 chairs on Ludlow Street. This layout has been approved by various authorities. - The proposal was approved …
0:41:03
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48 sec
Surprise at the sidewalk cafe application being called up
The applicant team expresses surprise at their sidewalk cafe application being called up for review. They were unaware of any opposition or concerns prior to this point. - No concerns …
0:41:51
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143 sec
Addressing concerns and willingness to compromise
The applicant team expresses their willingness to listen to and address specific concerns about their operation. They emphasize their openness to compromise and engagement with the community and council member. …
0:44:14
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61 sec
Legal requirements and due process for the sidewalk cafe application
The applicant team addresses the legal aspects of their application and emphasizes the importance of due process. They clarify the scope of the application and the lack of adjudicated violations …
0:45:17
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120 sec
Importance of stipulations and accountability in reaching a compromise
The applicant team emphasizes the role of stipulations in creating accountability and reaching a compromise. They express hope for finding a solution that works for all parties involved. - Stipulations …
0:47:17
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36 sec
Council Member Riley questions Le Dive's attorney about sidewalk cafe operations
Council Member Kevin Riley questions Max Bookman, an attorney representing Le Dive restaurant, about their sidewalk cafe operations. The discussion covers the restaurant's opening date, history of sidewalk cafe use …
0:47:54
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3 min
Council Member Marte questions Le Dive's ADA compliance
Council Member Christopher Marte inquires about Le Dive's compliance with ADA regulations. Max Bookman, the attorney representing Le Dive, responds to these concerns. - Bookman states that Le Dive has …
0:51:13
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42 sec
Discussion on community complaints and communication with Le Dive
Council Member Marte raises concerns about numerous complaints his office has received regarding Le Dive. The restaurant's representatives, including attorney Max Bookman and CEO Jon Neidich, respond to these concerns …
0:51:56
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3 min
Addressing 311 complaints and resolution process for Le Dive
Council Member Marte inquires about Le Dive's process for addressing 311 complaints, citing specific issues reported by residents. Max Bookman responds on behalf of Le Dive, explaining the challenges with …
0:55:52
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154 sec
Council Member Riley addresses community concerns and appreciates applicant's willingness to collaborate
Council Member Kevin Riley makes remarks addressing the Le Dive sidewalk cafe application and the importance of listening to community concerns. He acknowledges that Council Member Marte may have received …
0:58:30
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49 sec
Testimony by Sandy Ley, Representative from Neighbors on Canal
Sandy Ley, representing Neighbors on Canal, testifies against Le Dive's sidewalk cafe application, describing the restaurant as a disruptive presence in the neighborhood. She highlights issues such as noise, crowd …
1:01:43
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132 sec
Testimony by Bruce Tory, Member of the Public
Bruce Tory provides a brief testimony comparing the previous hearing's mixed-use building proposal to the current application for Le Dive's sidewalk cafe. He expresses strong opposition to the Le Dive …
1:04:25
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40 sec
Testimony by Emma Culbert, President of SPaCE Block Association, on Le Dive Sidewalk Cafe Application
Emma Culbert, a long-time Lower East Side resident and president of the SPaCE Block Association, testifies against the Le Dive sidewalk cafe application. She cites numerous violations of regulations and …
1:05:16
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150 sec
Testimony by Tom Mendes, Owner of Bar Belly, on Open Streets and Traffic Concerns
Tom Mendes, owner of Bar Belly on Orchard Street at Canal, testifies about traffic issues related to the Open Streets program. He expresses serious concerns about safety hazards caused by …
1:07:57
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154 sec
Council Member Marte inquires about SPaCE Block Association's role with Canal Street businesses
Council Member Christopher Marte asks Emma Culbert about the SPaCE Block Association's historical role with restaurants and bars on Canal Street. Culbert explains the association's approach to working with local …
1:10:37
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70 sec
Testimony by Lucinda Constable on Le Dive sidewalk cafe application
Lucinda Constable, a resident of Canal Street for seven years, expresses support for Le Dive's sidewalk cafe application. She acknowledges initial problems but notes that the restaurant addressed concerns raised …
1:12:23
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48 sec
Testimony by Kat Maldon on Le Dive Sidewalk Cafe Application
Kat Maldon provides testimony in support of Le Dive's sidewalk cafe application, emphasizing the positive impact of the restaurant on the neighborhood and addressing concerns about sidewalk accessibility. - Maldon …
1:13:42
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87 sec
Testimony by Jason Casella on Le Dive Sidewalk Cafe Application
Jason Casella, a 19-year resident of the Lower East Side, expresses support for Le Dive's sidewalk cafe application, citing its positive impact on the neighborhood. He describes the restaurant as …
1:16:29
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49 sec
Testimony by Michael Lermont, Resident of Lower East Side
Michael Lermont, a 25-year resident of the Lower East Side, testifies in support of the Open Streets program and outdoor dining, particularly in relation to Le Dive restaurant. He expresses …
1:17:25
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79 sec
Testimony by Kahiem Rivera, General Manager of Le Dive
Kahiem Rivera, the general manager of Le Dive, testifies in support of the restaurant's sidewalk cafe application. He emphasizes the restaurant's efforts to be a good neighbor and accommodate both …
1:18:51
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129 sec
Council Member Marte inquires about Le Dive's crowd management process
Council Member Christopher Marte asks Mr. Rivera about Le Dive's process for dealing with crowds on the sidewalk. Mr. Rivera explains their methods for managing queues and crowds during busy …
1:21:06
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63 sec