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New York City Council

Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises

Mar 27, 2025

·

11:00 AM

2 hr 24 min

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Summary

A hearing on the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP), a proposed rezoning initiative for the Atlantic Avenue corridor in Brooklyn.

The plan aims to create 4,600 new homes (including 1,400 affordable units) and space for 2,800 new jobs.

Discussions focused on:

  • Increasing deeply affordable housing
  • Better utilization of public sites
  • Concerns about displacement
  • Lack of zoning incentives for light industrial and arts spaces
  • Improving safety and infrastructure on Atlantic Avenue

Council members emphasized that their support is contingent on addressing community concerns about affordability, job creation, and infrastructure improvements.

Features testimony from the Department of City Planning (DCP), Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the public.

Meeting chapters

Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.

REMARKS

Council Member Kevin Riley welcomes attendees and introduces committee members

Council Member Kevin Riley opens the meeting of the subcommittee on zoning and franchises, introducing himself as the chair and acknowledging the presence of other council members. - Welcomes everyone …

0:00:26

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15 sec

REMARKS

Changes to the meeting agenda and focus on Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan

Council Member Riley announces changes to the scheduled hearings, focusing the meeting on the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP). - Two previously scheduled hearings are postponed to a future …

0:00:43

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55 sec

REMARKS

Hearing procedures for in-person attendees

Council Member Riley explains the hearing procedures for in-person attendees of the hybrid-format meeting. - Meeting is held in a hybrid format - In-person attendees should see a sergeant at …

0:01:39

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38 sec

REMARKS

Hearing procedures for remote attendees

Council Member Riley explains the hearing procedures for remote attendees participating via Zoom. - Remote attendees must register through the council's website - Testimony is limited to two minutes per …

0:02:17

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41 sec

REMARKS

Rules for public conduct during the meeting

Council Member Riley outlines the rules for public conduct during the government proceeding. - Quorum must be observed at all times - Public should not speak unless testifying - No …

0:02:58

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50 sec

REMARKS

Opening of public hearing on Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP)

Council Member Riley officially opens the public hearing on the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP) and provides background information on the proposal. - AAMUP aims to re-envision a portion …

0:03:48

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36 sec

REMARKS

Importance of AAMUP and affordable housing

Council Member Riley emphasizes the importance of AAMUP in providing resources to Brooklyn neighborhoods and the need for truly affordable housing. - AAMUP has potential to provide needed resources to …

0:04:24

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20 sec

REMARKS

Land use actions involved in AAMUP

Council Member Riley briefly outlines the land use actions involved in the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP). - AAMUP involves multiple land use actions - Actions include zoning map …

0:04:44

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23 sec

REMARKS

Final instructions for public testimony on AAMUP

Council Member Riley provides final instructions for public testimony regarding the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP). - Remote attendees must register through the council's website - In-person attendees should …

0:05:09

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34 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Hudson introduces the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan

Council Member Crystal Hudson introduces herself and provides context for the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP). She emphasizes the importance of the plan reflecting the needs and priorities of …

0:05:43

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49 sec

REMARKS

Community engagement and concerns regarding the AAMUP

Council Member Hudson discusses the community engagement process for the AAMUP and expresses concerns about the current state of the plan. - More than a dozen community meetings were held …

0:06:32

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26 sec

REMARKS

Affordable housing and displacement concerns in the AAMUP area

Council Member Hudson emphasizes the need for deeply affordable housing and addresses displacement concerns in the AAMUP area, particularly focusing on the impact on Black families. - The Black population …

0:06:59

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42 sec

REMARKS

Public site development opportunities for affordable housing

Council Member Hudson identifies several city and state-owned sites that could be redeveloped to include affordable housing as part of the AAMUP. - Sites include: 1024 Fulton Street, school parking …

0:07:43

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54 sec

REMARKS

Concerns over mixed-use zoning incentives in the AAMUP

Council Member Hudson expresses strong concerns about the lack of specific zoning tools and incentives for mixed-use development in the AAMUP, comparing it to the nearby Gowanus rezoning. - AMUP …

0:08:37

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52 sec

REMARKS

Equitable economic development priorities for the AAMUP area

Council Member Hudson emphasizes the need for equitable economic development policies in the AAMUP area to address inequality and displacement. - Hudson calls for a package of locally targeted policies, …

0:09:29

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29 sec

REMARKS

Infrastructure improvements needed to support the AAMUP

Council Member Hudson outlines the necessary infrastructure improvements to support the AAMUP, focusing on redesigning Atlantic Avenue and upgrading nearby corridors. - Hudson calls for a fully funded redesign of …

0:09:59

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42 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Chi Ossé's remarks on the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan

Council Member Chi Ossé presents his concerns and priorities regarding the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP). He emphasizes the need for affordable housing, open space improvements, transit upgrades, and …

0:10:46

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4 min

PRESENTATION

Introduction and acknowledgments for the AAMUP presentation

Alex Sommer, Director of the Department of City Planning's Brooklyn office, opens the presentation by introducing himself and acknowledging the committee members and other presenters. He also mentions additional agency …

0:15:57

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25 sec

PRESENTATION

Overview of AAMUP and its extensive development process

Alex Sommer provides an overview of the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP), highlighting its decade-long planning process and extensive community engagement. He outlines the plan's key goals and potential …

0:16:23

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3 min

PRESENTATION

Background of the AAMUP project area and zoning context

Jonah Rogoff provides a detailed background of the AAMUP project area, including its location, surrounding neighborhoods, and historical zoning context. He explains how previous zoning actions have affected the area …

0:19:36

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3 min

PRESENTATION

Proposed zoning changes and special district for AAMUP

Jonah Rogoff details the proposed zoning changes and the creation of a special district for the AAMUP area. He explains the various zoning map amendments, text amendments, and specific regulations …

0:23:06

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4 min

PRESENTATION

Public sites and affordability goals in the AAMUP plan

Sarit Platkin presents the public sites identified for affordable housing development within the AAMUP area and outlines the specific proposals for each site. The presentation focuses on how these sites …

0:27:50

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3 min

PRESENTATION

Tenant protection and anti-displacement initiatives in AAMUP

Sarit Platkin outlines the various tenant protection and anti-displacement initiatives that are part of the AAMUP plan. These programs aim to preserve affordability and prevent harassment of existing tenants in …

0:31:17

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79 sec

PRESENTATION

Homeowner support programs in the AAMUP area

Sarit Platkin details the programs and resources available to support homeowners in the AAMUP area, focusing on preventing displacement and providing financial assistance. - The citywide Homeowner Help Desk, a …

0:32:37

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56 sec

PRESENTATION

Infrastructure investments and concluding summary of AAMUP

Alex Sommer presents the infrastructure investments planned for the AAMUP area and provides a concluding summary of the entire proposal, highlighting its transformative potential for the neighborhood. - A $24 …

0:33:34

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72 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Riley inquires about affordable housing on public sites

Council Member Kevin Riley introduces the topic of affordable housing, highlighting it as a top priority for the community and council members. He specifically inquires about the administration's confidence in …

0:34:46

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34 sec

Q&A

Discussion on public sites for affordable housing development

Representatives from the Department of City Planning and Housing Preservation and Development discuss plans for affordable housing development on public sites in response to Council Member Riley's inquiry. They provide …

0:35:21

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135 sec

Q&A

Timeline for construction on public affordable housing sites

Council Member Riley inquires about the timeline for construction on the previously discussed public sites for affordable housing. Sarit Platkin from HPD responds, explaining the process and steps involved before …

0:37:36

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39 sec

Q&A

Addressing concerns about displacement of industrial and manufacturing businesses

Council Member Riley brings up concerns expressed by the borough president regarding the potential displacement of industrial and manufacturing businesses after rezoning. Alex Sommer from the Department of City Planning …

0:38:16

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116 sec

Q&A

Discussion on relocation assistance for displaced businesses

Council Member Riley inquires about relocation assistance for businesses that may be displaced due to rezoning. Alex Sommer from the Department of City Planning explains the challenges and ongoing efforts …

0:40:12

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53 sec

Q&A

Environmental review impacts on open space and proposed floor area bonus

Council Member Riley raises concerns about the environmental review's findings on open space impacts and inquires about the proposed floor area bonus to encourage new publicly accessible open space. Representatives …

0:41:05

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108 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Riley emphasizes need for increased open space

Council Member Riley stresses the importance of increasing open space in the area, highlighting safety concerns and the need for creative solutions given the planned increase in density. He urges …

0:42:53

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40 sec

Q&A

Commitments and timelines for renovation and expansion of existing parks

Council Member Riley inquires about specific commitments and timelines for renovating and expanding existing parks and open spaces in the area. Representatives from the Department of City Planning outline their …

0:43:33

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121 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Hudson emphasizes importance of affordable housing on public land

Council Member Crystal Hudson opens by emphasizing affordable housing as a top priority for the neighborhood, shared by herself and Council Member Osse. She focuses on the potential of city-sponsored …

0:45:42

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49 sec

Q&A

Q&A on public sites committed for affordable housing development

Council Member Hudson engages in a Q&A session with Sarit Platkin from HPD about the development of public sites for affordable housing. Platkin provides details on the sites already committed …

0:46:32

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69 sec

Q&A

Q&A on additional public sites for affordable housing development

Council Member Hudson presses for information on additional city-owned sites that have not yet been committed to for affordable housing development. Sarit Platkin from HPD responds with details on the …

0:47:41

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107 sec

Q&A

Detailed Q&A on 510 Claremont Avenue site development

Council Member Hudson engages in a detailed discussion about the potential development of the 510 Claremont Avenue site, emphasizing collaboration and seeking specifics on the feasibility study for relocation. - …

0:49:29

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136 sec

Q&A

Q&A on constraints and challenges in public site development

Council Member Hudson inquires about broader constraints and challenges in developing public sites for affordable housing. Sarit Platkin from HPD responds with insights on the complexities involved. - Hudson notes …

0:51:44

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69 sec

Q&A

Discussion on adjusting Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) options for deeper affordability

Council Member Hudson inquires about the possibility of adjusting Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) options to provide more and deeper affordable housing in the context of neighborhood rezonings. Representatives from the …

0:52:53

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108 sec

Q&A

Preservation of existing affordable housing and anti-displacement measures

Council Member Hudson asks about HPD's proposals to expand programs that help preserve existing affordable housing and assist tenants and homeowners threatened by displacement. Sarit Platkin from HPD outlines a …

0:54:42

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104 sec

Q&A

Streetscape improvements for Atlantic Avenue and safety concerns

Council Member Hudson raises concerns about the dangerous conditions on Atlantic Avenue and asks about commitments to a fully funded redesign. Representatives from the Department of Transportation and City Planning …

0:56:26

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112 sec

Q&A

Funding and timeline for Atlantic Avenue redesign study and implementation

Council Member Hudson presses for details on funding and timeline for the Atlantic Avenue redesign. Agency representatives explain the process, including the traffic study, design phase, and potential implementation timeline. …

0:58:19

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4 min

Q&A

Estimated timeline for housing development in relation to street improvements

Council Member Hudson inquires about the estimated timeline for housing development following the rezoning and how it aligns with the proposed street improvement timeline. City Planning representatives provide insights on …

1:02:43

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111 sec

Q&A

Comparisons to similar street redesign projects and interim improvements

Council Member Hudson asks about comparable street redesign projects and interim improvements that can be made while waiting for the full redesign. DOT representatives discuss potential comparisons and strategies for …

1:04:35

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105 sec

Q&A

Council Member Hudson questions zoning incentives for mixed-use buildings

Council Member Crystal Hudson questions the Department of City Planning (DCP) about the proposed zoning incentives for mixed-use buildings in the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP). She compares the …

1:06:22

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39 sec

REMARKS

DCP explains approach to zoning and mixed-use development in AAMUP

Alex Sommer from the Department of City Planning (DCP) explains their approach to zoning and mixed-use development in the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP). He outlines the thought process …

1:07:01

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4 min

REMARKS

DCP outlines new zoning tools for non-residential uses and mixed-use buildings

Jonah Rogoff from the Department of City Planning (DCP) provides a detailed explanation of the new zoning tools proposed for non-residential uses and mixed-use buildings in the Atlantic Avenue Mixed …

1:11:51

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3 min

Q&A

Council Member Hudson expresses concerns about light industrial and art spaces

Council Member Crystal Hudson expresses her concerns about ensuring light industrial and art spaces in the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP). She challenges the Department of City Planning's (DCP) …

1:15:23

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68 sec

Q&A

DCP commits to further discussions on zoning incentives

Alex Sommer from the Department of City Planning (DCP) responds to Council Member Hudson's concerns about zoning incentives for light industrial and art spaces. He acknowledges the importance of the …

1:16:33

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38 sec

Q&A

Discussion on supporting new businesses in the rezoned area

Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about the administration's plans to support new businesses and ensure local workers can benefit from the opportunities created by the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan …

1:17:14

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82 sec

Q&A

Potential activation of Bedford Atlantic Armory for public benefit

Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about the administration's plans to activate the Bedford Atlantic Armory, a large city-owned property within the rezoning area, for greater public benefit. Alex Sommer from …

1:18:36

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81 sec

Q&A

Discussion on public sites for affordable housing development in AAMUP area

Council Member Ossé and city officials discuss the need for more public sites for 100% affordable housing development in the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP) area. The conversation covers …

1:20:01

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4 min

Q&A

Policies and programs for tenant and homeowner protection in AAMUP area

Council Member Ossé inquires about policies and programs to protect existing tenants and homeowners in the AAMUP area. The administration representatives discuss various initiatives and funding commitments aimed at supporting …

1:24:40

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126 sec

Q&A

Targeting tenant and homeowner services to Bed Stuy and Crown Heights

Council Member Ossé asks about how tenant and homeowner protection services will be specifically targeted to the communities of Bed Stuy and Crown Heights. The administration outlines their approach to …

1:26:46

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67 sec

REMARKS

Emphasis on need for legal representation and counseling for tenants and homeowners

Council Member Ossé emphasizes the critical need for legal representation and counseling services for tenants and homeowners in the district. He highlights the importance of these services in addressing various …

1:27:54

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64 sec

Q&A

Proposed improvements for Franklin Avenue shuttle area

Council Member Ossé raises concerns about the poor conditions around the Franklin Avenue shuttle elevated structure and inquires about potential improvements. Administration representatives discuss plans and considerations for enhancing the …

1:28:58

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167 sec

Q&A

Timeline for improvements in the Franklin Avenue shuttle area

Council Member Ossé inquires about the timeline for improvements in the Franklin Avenue shuttle area, including changes to streets and sidewalks. He emphasizes the need for a project timeline to …

1:31:45

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44 sec

Q&A

Potential expedited improvements for Franklin Avenue shuttle station

City officials discuss the possibility of expedited improvements for the Franklin Avenue shuttle station, focusing on cleaning and beautification efforts that can be implemented quickly using existing programs and resources. …

1:32:30

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86 sec

Q&A

Addressing sanitation and social support services in the Franklin Avenue station area

Council Member Ossé raises concerns about sanitation issues and the need for social support services in the Franklin Avenue station area, seeking commitments from the administration to address these problems. …

1:33:56

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95 sec

Q&A

Improvements to the AC subway line in the area

Council Member Ossé inquires about potential improvements to the AC subway line in the area, seeking information on commitments from the MTA. - City officials mention that congestion pricing has …

1:35:31

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40 sec

Q&A

Improvements for Atlantic Avenue east of the AAMUP project area

Council Member Ossé inquires about plans for improvements to Atlantic Avenue further east from the AAMUP project area, particularly under the Long Island Railroad elevated structure. - DOT officials acknowledge …

1:36:12

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83 sec

Q&A

Addressing repairs and ownership issues for streets near Harmony Park

Council Member Ossé raises concerns about the condition of streets surrounding Harmony Park, particularly Jewel McCoy and Hattie Jones Way, and seeks clarification on ownership and potential funding for repairs …

1:37:35

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3 min

Q&A

Strategies for improving open spaces and community gardens in the district

Council Member Ossé inquires about plans for improving open spaces, parks, and community gardens in the district, highlighting the importance of these areas to the community and seeking information on …

1:40:37

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120 sec

Q&A

Council members question DOT on Atlantic Avenue redesign timeline

Council members Kevin Riley, Chi Ossé, and Crystal Hudson engage in a discussion with Dash Henley from the Department of Transportation regarding the timeline for redesigning Atlantic Avenue. The council …

1:42:37

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3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Gib Veconi, Member of Brooklyn Community Board 8, on Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan

Gib Veconi, a member of Brooklyn Community Board 8, expressed disappointment with the current Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP) rezoning proposal. He argued that the plan lacks crucial incentives …

1:46:42

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136 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jeffrey, Resident of Fort Greene on Atlantic Avenue Rezoning

Jeffrey, a resident of Fort Greene, testifies in support of safer and more pedestrian-friendly changes to Atlantic Avenue as part of the rezoning plan. He emphasizes the need for quicker …

1:49:29

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72 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Justin Levine on Atlantic Avenue Safety and Infrastructure

Justin Levine, a local resident, testifies about safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians on Atlantic Avenue, emphasizing the need for infrastructure improvements to make the area more vibrant, beautiful, and …

1:50:46

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60 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Lynda Balsama, Community Organizer from United Neighbors of Prospect and Crown Heights

Lynda Balsama, representing United Neighbors of Prospect and Crown Heights, expressed concerns about the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP). She emphasized the potential negative impacts of market-rate high-rises on …

1:52:15

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124 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Irsa Weatherspoon, Chairperson of Brooklyn Community Board 8, on the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan

Irsa Weatherspoon, Chairperson of Brooklyn Community Board 8, expressed support for the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP) with conditions but voiced strong disappointment over the omission of a critical …

1:54:45

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139 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sharon Wedderburn, Chair of the Housing & Land Use Committee of Brooklyn Community Board 8

Sharon Wedderburn, a long-time resident of Crown Heights and Prospect Heights, expresses disappointment with the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP) and outlines Brooklyn Community Board 8's priorities for the …

1:57:18

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126 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jack Robinson, Land Use Committee Member of Brooklyn Community Board 8

Jack Robinson, a member of Brooklyn Community Board 8's Land Use Committee, expresses concerns about the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP), particularly regarding affordable housing and community input. He …

1:59:32

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97 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Nicole Laemmli, Community Board Land Use Committee Member from Brooklyn Community Board

Nicole Laemmli, a 25-year resident of District 35 and community board land use committee member, expressed concerns about affordable housing, displacement, and neighborhood character in the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use …

2:01:38

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140 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jordan Catalana, Resident of AAMUP Surrounding Neighborhood

Jordan Catalana, a resident of the AAMUP surrounding neighborhood for over a decade, testifies in support of the AAMUP plan while acknowledging calls for increased affordable housing and displacement measures. …

2:04:34

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112 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Conor Ross, Community Board Member from Brooklyn Community Board 8

Conor Ross, a member of Brooklyn Community Board 8, expressed support for the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP) rezoning, emphasizing the need for more housing development and faster implementation …

2:06:33

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127 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Elaine Weinstein, Steering Committee Member of Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan

Elaine Weinstein, a member of the AAMUP steering committee, testified in support of the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP). She emphasized the community-led nature of the plan and its …

2:08:48

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124 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Katya Willard, Resident of Atlantic Avenue

Katya Willard, a resident of Atlantic Avenue for 10 years, expressed support for the proposed zoning changes while emphasizing the need for improved safety measures on Atlantic Avenue. She highlighted …

2:11:03

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116 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Saskia Haegens, AAMUP steering committee member and resident of the project zone

Saskia Haegens, a resident of the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP) project zone and former steering committee member, urges the city to include commitments for substantial streetscape improvements in …

2:13:26

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109 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Mimi Mitchell, Member of the Public, on Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan

Mimi Mitchell expresses concerns about the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan, particularly regarding affordable housing and potential displacement of residents. She criticizes the lack of deeply affordable housing options and …

2:15:37

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125 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Harris Krizmanich, Resident of Crown Heights

Harris Krizmanich, a resident of Crown Heights, urges the city council to implement a road diet on Atlantic Avenue and make various streetscape improvements to enhance safety and encourage biking …

2:17:51

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53 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Elizabeth Denys, Brooklyn Resident

Elizabeth Denys, a Brooklyn resident and former Prospect Heights resident, testifies in support of the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP) rezoning. She emphasizes the need for more housing and …

2:18:51

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117 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Alex Morano on Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan Streetscape Improvements

Alex Morano, a resident of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, testified about the critical need for firm commitments from DOT for streetscape improvements with a solid timeline as part of the Atlantic …

2:21:52

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72 sec