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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Charlene Jackson Mendez, Vice President of Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance
3:34:08
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141 sec
Charlene Jackson Mendez, a homeowner and community activist from the Van Nest section of the Bronx, expresses deep concerns about the Bronx Metro North rezoning proposal. She argues that the plan lacks provisions for essential services and infrastructure to support the proposed population increase.
- Criticizes the plan for adding 7,500 new housing units and 20,000 new residents without addressing police, school, and infrastructure needs
- Highlights existing issues with MTA property maintenance in Van Nest, including cleanliness problems
- Urges the City Council to prioritize current residents' needs over what she perceives as an agenda driven by wealthy donors
Charlene Jackson Mendez
3:34:08
Is that's good.
3:34:09
Okay.
3:34:09
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, of the city council.
3:34:14
My name is Charlene Jackson Mendez.
3:34:16
I'm a homeowner that resides in the Venice section of the Bronx.
3:34:20
I am here speaking to you as an individual However, I am very active and devoted to my community.
3:34:27
I serve as the vice president of the Van Ness Neighborhood Alliance, and I'm also a member of Sebska, the Coalition of East Bronx Community Associations.
3:34:37
I am deeply concerned about the Bronx Metro North up zoning because it will entail the addition of 7500 new units of housing, and more than 20, 000 new residents to our small community with no provision for additional police, schools, or infrastructure.
3:34:56
We are daily made unsafe in our communities because of the lack of available police officers.
3:35:02
This massive amount of up zoning does not include the thousands of additional units of housing that will accompany the city of yes housing opportunity program.
3:35:13
We are told that there will be no substantial impact on our environment, but this assertion strains the boundaries of credulity.
3:35:21
As law abiding taxpayers citizens, we are made to suffer because of the ill advised top down central planning driven by progressive elites.
3:35:30
That does not represent the wishes of ordinary, hardworking people that form the backbone of the city.
3:35:38
Sadly, the Metropolitan Transit Authority has not been a good neighbor to the people of Venice.
3:35:44
We suffer daily because of the neglect of MTA's prop properties in Van Ness.
3:35:50
These properties are filthy with graffiti, urine, dogwaste, and garbage strewn about.
3:35:56
I urge the city council to please consider the people that you represent first.
3:36:01
Stop implementing the agenda of wealthy donors and think about the impact of your policies on the people.
3:36:08
Examined the areas of which I speak, and perhaps you will develop greater insight and compassion for the many in my community who are filled with trepidation.
3:36:17
I am tired of losing wonderful neighbors and as a consequence, the city that I love because of gross mismanagement on the part of our local government.
3:36:27
Thank you for your consideration.