0:36:11
Terrible Rodnick, honorable commissioners.
0:36:14
My name is Nuhan Sari speaking on behalf of friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts.
0:36:19
You might actually not find my testimony wholly in favor of City of Yes.
0:36:24
We like many New Yorkers.
0:36:26
Share the goal of creating more and relatively affordable housing across the city.
0:36:32
However, we believe zoning amendments should be approached in a context draw an equitable way that is respectful of the public review process and of neighborhood character.
0:36:43
City of Yes, a housing opportunity proposes to rely on the market to regulate prices, a system that has demonstrably failed, on the Upper East side, an area that has also seen hundreds of existing relatively affordable units in historic housing typologies such as tenements, demolished for ultra luxury high rises.
0:37:05
The proposed universal affordability preference allows developers to opt out of creating affordable housing by foregoing additional SAR.
0:37:16
We need zoning reform that prioritizes the creation and preservation of truly affordable housing, especially in high density neighborhoods like ours.
0:37:26
We're concerned furthermore that the proposed amendments would weaken the public review process in several instances by shifting decision making to the commission level as in the case of the landmark transfer development rights.
0:37:41
This removes valuable community input and undermines transparency.
0:37:46
We urge the commission to maintain and strengthen these vital processes.
0:37:51
As preservationists, we are concerned about changes to landmark tons of development rights, which would now be able to travel to receiving sites much further away and with no public review.
0:38:03
This could destroy the character of historic districts and neighborhoods.
0:38:07
We also caution against the proposed streamlining of zoning text that is specific to a special purpose district as this could potentially undermine their special character.
0:38:19
Propose changes like reducing rear yard sizes and eliminating open space requirements in favor of accessory dwelling units with diminished light, air and green space.
0:38:32
And especially important in higher density areas like the Upper East side, the donut holes at the interior of our city block for instance are crucial for mitigating heat.
0:38:43
We need zoning that prioritizes the well-being of residence by ensuring access to light, air and green space.
0:38:52
Lifting open space requirements for tower and the park campuses also could lead to development that destroys valuable Green Space that residents depends on.
0:39:01
We urge the commission to consider alternative solutions that strengthen our neighborhoods prioritize resident well-being, ensure a transparent and inclusive review process and create a path to more affordable housing.
0:39:16
Thank you for your time.
