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New York City Council
Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises
Apr 29, 2025
·
10:00 AM
3 hr 35 min
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Summary
A hearing on the Western Rail Yards modification proposal in Manhattan.
Discussions focused on Related Companies' plans to modify the 2009 development agreement, including:
- Increasing housing units
- Reconfiguring building sites and open space
- Adding a potential casino option
- Using a new financing mechanism (PILOT) to fund infrastructure costs
Features testimony from Related Companies, community board representatives, local residents, business owners, union representatives, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Kevin Riley opens subcommittee meeting and outlines agenda
Council Member Kevin Riley, chair of the subcommittee on zoning and franchises, opens the meeting and introduces the agenda for the day. He outlines three main items: a vote on …
0:00:27
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138 sec
Vote outcome on LUs 267 and 268
The vote on Land Use items 267 and 268 has concluded. The outcome is as follows: - Yeas: 6 - Nays: 0 - Abstentions: 0 LUs 267 and 268 are …
0:03:27
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16 sec
Council Member Riley opens public hearing on Grace Housing Rezoning proposal
Council Member Kevin Riley opens a public hearing on the Grace Housing Rezoning proposal in East New York, Brooklyn. He outlines the proposal's main actions, including rezoning and a zoning …
0:03:48
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78 sec
Introduction and project overview
James Howard from JT Realty Advisors presents on behalf of Grace Housing Development Fund Corporation and Grace Baptist Church, introducing their rezoning request for co-owned sites. - Represents co-owners of …
0:05:45
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31 sec
Proposed zoning changes and their impact
The presentation outlines the specific zoning changes requested and their impact on the development potential of the sites. - Request to change from R5B (1.35 FAR) to R6A (3.6 FAR) …
0:06:16
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23 sec
Proposed building details
The presentation provides details on the proposed buildings to be constructed on the rezoned sites. - Seven-story building with 14 units on Vermont Street - Five-story building with 39 units …
0:06:40
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34 sec
Parking provisions for the development
The presentation outlines the parking provisions for the new development. - 54 underground parking spaces on Vermont Street - Approximately 24 underground parking spaces on New Jersey Avenue - Parking …
0:07:14
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11 sec
Affordability breakdown of housing units
The presentation details the affordability breakdown of the proposed housing units. - Total of 53 affordable units - 15% at or below 30% of AMI - 15% at or below …
0:07:26
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33 sec
Expected financing method
The presentation briefly outlines the expected financing method for the project. - Financing expected through HPD's ELLA program - Will utilize low-income housing tax credits and tax-exempt bonds - Financing …
0:07:59
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17 sec
Unit reconfiguration addressing concerns
The presentation concludes with details on unit reconfiguration addressing concerns raised by stakeholders. - Addition of nine three-bedroom apartments - Increase in unit sizes across all types - Resulting in …
0:08:17
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153 sec
Council Member Riley questions JT Realty Advisors on housing units and church development
Council Member Kevin Riley engages in a Q&A session with James Howard from JT Realty Advisors regarding the proposed housing development project. The discussion covers the breakdown of housing units, …
0:10:50
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3 min
Council Member Sandy Nurse questions developers on housing updates and tenant relocation plans
Council Member Sandy Nurse engages in a Q&A session with James Howard from JT Realty Advisors regarding updates to their housing proposal and plans for relocating existing tenants. The discussion …
0:14:26
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160 sec
Introduction to Western Rail Yards modification proposal hearing
Council Member Kevin Riley opens the public hearing on the Western Rail Yards modification proposal in Council Member Bottcher's district. He introduces the proposal, which consists of two alternative scenarios …
0:18:00
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33 sec
Background on Western and Eastern Rail Yards development
Council Member Riley provides historical context for the Western and Eastern Rail Yards development. He explains the rezoning efforts and the current state of development for both sites. - In …
0:18:33
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48 sec
Proposed development scenarios for Western Rail Yard
Council Member Riley outlines the two scenarios proposed for the development of the Western Rail Yard site. - The applicant is proposing an updated development plan with two scenarios. - …
0:19:22
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23 sec
Land use actions involved in the Western Rail Yard proposal
Council Member Riley explains the four land use actions involved in the Western Rail Yard development proposal. - The first action is seeking a special permit to modify regulations in …
0:19:46
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58 sec
Clarification on casino authorization process
Council Member Riley clarifies the process for casino authorization and emphasizes that the current hearing does not authorize a casino. - The state, not the city, will decide on issuing …
0:20:45
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118 sec
Instructions for providing public testimony
Council Member Riley provides instructions for the public to offer testimony on the Western Rail Yard proposal. - Remote testimony requires registration on the council's website at council.nyc.gov/landuse. - In-person …
0:22:44
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31 sec
Council Member Bottcher's opening remarks on the Western Rail Yards project hearing
Council Member Erik D. Bottcher delivers opening remarks for a hearing on the Western Rail Yards project, emphasizing the significance of the decision regarding this valuable land parcel. He stresses …
0:23:16
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3 min
Introduction and Western Rail Yard site background
Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies, introduces himself and provides background on the Western Rail Yard site. The site, located between Eleventh and Twelfth Avenues from 30th to 33rd Streets, …
0:28:20
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37 sec
Overview of the proposed Western Rail Yard development plan
The proposed development plan aims to transform the empty rail yard into a vibrant, connected part of the community. The plan includes a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces …
0:28:58
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62 sec
Reasons for modifications to the original Western Rail Yard plan
The presentation explains the key factors that necessitated modifications to the original development plan for the Western Rail Yard site. These changes are primarily driven by economic and market conditions …
0:30:00
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72 sec
New site configuration and open space plans for Western Rail Yard
The presentation outlines the new site configuration and open space plans for the Western Rail Yard development, highlighting changes approved by the City Planning Commission. The new design aims to …
0:31:13
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112 sec
Public review process and community feedback for Western Rail Yard
The presentation highlights the extensive public review process undertaken for the Western Rail Yard project, including numerous meetings with community stakeholders before and during the formal ULURP process. The feedback …
0:33:05
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39 sec
New housing plan and financing mechanism for Western Rail Yard
In response to community feedback, the presentation introduces a new housing plan and financing mechanism for the Western Rail Yard project. This plan significantly increases the number of residential units …
0:33:44
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74 sec
Street modifications for 30th and 33rd Streets in Western Rail Yard project
The presentation details significant modifications proposed for 30th and 33rd Streets as part of the Western Rail Yard development. These changes aim to improve pedestrian access, connectivity, and overall urban …
0:35:00
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86 sec
Summary of land use actions requested for Western Rail Yard
The presentation provides a comprehensive summary of the land use actions requested as part of the ULURP application for the Western Rail Yard project. These actions are crucial for enabling …
0:36:27
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75 sec
Project benefits and importance of Western Rail Yard development
The presentation emphasizes the significant benefits and importance of the Western Rail Yard development project. It highlights the transformative impact on the area and the consequences of not approving the …
0:37:43
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81 sec
Council Member Riley questions developers about Western Rail Yards housing and casino plans
Council Member Kevin Riley engages in a Q&A session with Jeff Blau of Related Companies and Elise Wagner of Kramer Levin regarding the proposed modifications to the Western Rail Yards …
0:39:14
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3 min
Financial viability of the 2009 Western Rail Yards plan
Council Member Bottcher questions Jeff Blau about when and why Related Companies determined that the 2009 Western Rail Yards plan was no longer financially viable. Blau explains that over the …
0:42:34
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174 sec
New PILOT financing mechanism for the Western Rail Yards project
Council Member Bottcher asks Jeff Blau to explain the new Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) financing mechanism proposed for the Western Rail Yards project. Blau describes how this mechanism …
0:45:28
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5 min
Open space design in the new Western Rail Yards plan
Council Member Bottcher questions Jeff Blau about the changes in open space design from the 2009 plan to the current proposal. Blau defends the new design as superior to the …
0:51:27
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85 sec
Impact of the new Western Rail Yards design on the High Line
Council Member Bottcher inquires about the impact of the new design on the High Line, citing concerns raised by Friends of the High Line. Jeff Blau responds to these concerns …
0:52:55
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3 min
Comparison of open space percentages between 2009 and current plans
Council Member Bottcher asks about a reported decrease in open space percentage from the 2009 plan to the current proposal. Jeff Blau disputes this claim. - Bottcher cites a decrease …
0:56:03
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21 sec
Shadow impacts on the proposed open space in Western Rail Yards
Council Member Bottcher inquires about the shadow impacts on the proposed open space within the Western Rail Yards development. The Related Companies representatives provide limited information and offer to provide …
0:56:25
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86 sec
Traffic impacts of the new Western Rail Yards plan
Council Member Bottcher asks about the traffic impacts described in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the new Western Rail Yards plan. Related Companies representatives offer limited information and promise …
0:57:53
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70 sec
Potential casino impact on Hudson Yards commercial ventures
Council Member Bottcher inquires about the potential impact of a casino on other commercial ventures in Hudson Yards. Jeff Blau provides a brief response. - Bottcher suggests a casino might …
0:59:05
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34 sec
Financing needs for Western Rail Yards with and without a gaming license
Council Member Bottcher asks for clarification on the financing needs for the Western Rail Yards project, specifically whether the PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) would still be needed if …
0:59:45
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49 sec
Charter bus drop-off and pick-up locations for Western Rail Yards
Council Member Bottcher inquires about the planned locations for charter bus drop-offs and pick-ups in the Western Rail Yards project. Related Companies representatives provide limited information. - The EIS (Environmental …
1:00:43
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54 sec
Parking spaces in the new Western Rail Yards plan
Council Member Bottcher asks about the number and allocation of parking spaces in the latest iteration of the Western Rail Yards plan. Related Companies representatives provide details on parking provisions. …
1:01:39
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61 sec
Community engagement for the latest Western Rail Yards plan iteration
Council Member Bottcher inquires about Related Companies' plans for community engagement regarding the latest iteration of the Western Rail Yards plan, which includes the PILOT financing and additional housing. - …
1:02:45
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38 sec
Council member Riley manages hearing proceedings and prepares for public testimony
Council Member Kevin Riley concludes the questioning of the current panel and prepares to transition to public testimony. The counsel then provides instructions for those wishing to testify, including online …
1:03:29
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73 sec
Testimony by Jordan Wright, Assembly Member from New York State Assembly on Hudson Yards West Development
Assembly Member Jordan Wright testified in support of the Hudson Yards West development, emphasizing its potential to create jobs, housing, and community benefits for New Yorkers struggling with economic challenges. …
1:05:45
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121 sec
Testimony by Sally Greenspan, Former President of Council of Chelsea Block Associations
Sally Greenspan, former president of the Council of Chelsea Block Associations, provided testimony on the Western Rail Yards modification proposal. She acknowledged Related's efforts to improve housing numbers but expressed …
1:08:42
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136 sec
Testimony by Susan Marshall, President of Council of Chelsea Block Associations, on Western Rail Yards Modification
Susan Marshall, the new president of the Council of Chelsea Block Associations, expressed concerns about the Western Rail Yards modification proposal, focusing on housing needs and opposition to potential casino …
1:11:04
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82 sec
Testimony by Amber Nicosia, President of Penn South
Amber Nicosia, President of Penn South, strongly opposes the Western Rail Yards modification proposal. She argues that the current proposal is a "bait and switch" that reduces housing units, potentially …
1:12:34
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118 sec
Testimony by Paul Devlin, Co-Chair of Hell's Kitchen Land Use Committee from Manhattan Community Board 4
Paul Devlin, representing Manhattan Community Board 4, urged for a denial of the Western Rail Yards modification proposal due to concerns about reduced housing units and unmitigated adverse impacts. He …
1:15:03
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100 sec
Council Member Riley seeks clarification on original housing plan
Council Member Kevin Riley asks for clarification about the number of housing units in the original plan. Paul Devlin from Community Board 4 provides the information. - The original 2009 …
1:16:45
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13 sec
Council member Bottcher questions Community Board 4 on Western Rail Yards plan
Council Member Erik D. Bottcher engages in a Q&A session with Paul Devlin from Community Board 4 regarding the Western Rail Yards development plan. They discuss the viability of the …
1:17:05
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166 sec
Testimony by Keith Forrest, Representative of Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce
Keith Forrest, representing the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, speaks in support of the Hudson Yard West project. He emphasizes the project's potential to address New York's housing shortage, create …
1:20:38
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106 sec
Testimony by Winston Majed, Executive Director of Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce on Hudson Yards West Development
Winston Majed, Executive Director of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the Hudson Yards West development project, describing it as historic and transformational. He emphasized the …
1:22:29
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93 sec
Testimony by Kobe Levy, Hudson Yards Resident and Local Business Owner, on Western Rail Yards Development
Kobe Levy, a Hudson Yards resident and local business owner, expresses support for the Western Rail Yards development project, emphasizing the need for jobs and housing in the city. He …
1:24:06
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72 sec
Testimony by Joseph Rocco, Owner of Jim's Shoe Repair
Joseph Rocco, owner of Jim's Shoe Repair, testifies in support of the Western Rail Yards development project. He shares his positive experiences with Related Companies and expresses hope that the …
1:25:24
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64 sec
Testimony by Pamela Wolfe, President of Save Chelsea, on Western Rail Yards Development
Pamela Wolfe, President of Save Chelsea, testified against the proposed plans for the Western Rail Yards development, advocating for a return to the 2009 community-informed plan. She emphasized the importance …
1:27:29
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131 sec
Testimony by Jeff Gardner, Co-President of West 18th Street Block Association
Jeff Gardner, representing the West 18th Street Block Association, expresses opposition to Related Companies' revised plan for the Western Rail Yards development. He argues that the plan does not align …
1:29:44
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85 sec
Testimony by Joe Restuccia, Executive Director of Clinton Housing, on Western Rail Yards Modification Proposal
Joe Restuccia, a long-time resident of Hell's Kitchen and Executive Director of Clinton Housing, testified against the proposed modifications to the Western Rail Yards development. He emphasized the community's opposition …
1:31:21
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126 sec
Testimony by Dale Burnett, Managing Director of Big Equity, on Western Rail Yards Proposal
Dale Burnett, Managing Director of Big Equity, expresses strong support for the Western Rail Yards proposal, highlighting its potential for community building, job creation, and inclusive economic development. Burnett emphasizes …
1:34:38
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130 sec
Testimony by Jacob Dickson, Owner/Operator of Dickson's Farms and Meats
Jacob Dickson, owner of Dickson's Farms and Meats in Chelsea Market, expresses strong support for the Hudson Yards West development, including a potential casino. He argues that the project would …
1:36:53
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76 sec
Testimony by Frank Clark, Director of Government Relations at New York Building Congress on Hudson Yards West Proposal
Frank Clark, representing the New York Building Congress, testified in strong support of the Hudson Yards West proposal. He emphasized the project's potential to create jobs, boost the local economy, …
1:38:13
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112 sec
Testimony by Catherine Lafferty, Member of West 47th-48th Street Blocks Association, on Western Rail Yards Rezoning
Catherine Lafferty, a member of the West 47th-48th Street Blocks Association and long-time Hell's Kitchen resident, expressed opposition to the proposed rezoning of the Western Rail Yards. She emphasized the …
1:40:44
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122 sec
Testimony by Cynthia Starkey, Co-Chair of 100 West 19/20 Block Association on Western Rail Yards Modification Proposal
Cynthia Starkey, representing the 100 West 19/20 Block Association, urges the council to vote against the Western Rail Yards modification proposal, particularly opposing the inclusion of a casino and super …
1:43:11
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78 sec
Testimony by Michael Walsh, Head of Friends of Chelsea Green Park, on Western Rail Yards Modification Proposal
Michael Walsh, a long-time Chelsea resident and head of Friends of Chelsea Green Park, testifies against the Western Rail Yards modification proposal, urging the committee to vote no. He expresses …
1:44:34
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124 sec
Testimony by Robert Hammond, Co-Founder and Former Executive Director of The High Line
Robert Hammond, co-founder and former executive director of The High Line, urges the council to reject the proposed development plan for the Western Rail Yards site. Despite his general support …
1:46:42
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89 sec
Testimony by Cindy Rubi Estrada, Executive Director of the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on the Hudson Yards West project
Cindy Rubi Estrada, Executive Director of the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, expresses strong support for the Hudson Yards West project, emphasizing its potential for economic empowerment and …
1:49:05
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99 sec
Testimony by Wright Harvey, Owner of Sugarlift, on Western Rail Yards and Artist Opportunities
Wright Harvey, owner of Sugarlift, testifies in support of the Western Rail Yards project, emphasizing its potential to create opportunities for artists through public art commissions and commercial art purchases. …
1:50:50
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123 sec
Testimony by Matt Riker, Community and Business Development Manager at New York Waterway
Matt Riker, representing New York Waterway, expresses support for the Hudson Yards West proposal, emphasizing its potential benefits for transportation infrastructure, housing, and sustainable growth in New York City. He …
1:53:00
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125 sec
Testimony by Brian Chen, Chief Strategy Officer of Chinese-American Planning Council on Hudson Yards West Project
Brian Chen, representing the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), expresses support for the Hudson Yards West project due to its potential for inclusive community development and economic opportunities. He highlights the …
1:55:09
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100 sec
Testimony by Luana Green, Resident of Penn South Community, on Western Rail Yards Proposal
Luana Green, a long-time Chelsea resident and active member of Penn South Community, strongly opposes the Western Rail Yards proposal and Related Companies' plans. She argues that the High Line …
1:57:34
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118 sec
Testimony by Andrea Adelman, Constituent from Hell's Kitchen
Andrea Adelman, a constituent from Hell's Kitchen, testifies about the importance of prioritizing public interest in the Western Rail Yards project. She emphasizes the need for open space, sunlight, and …
1:59:38
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62 sec
Testimony by Irati Costell, Volunteer at La Nacional - Spanish Benevolent Society
Irati Costell, a volunteer at La Nacional - Spanish Benevolent Society, expresses concerns about the proposed casino development's potential negative impact on local small businesses in Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. …
2:00:53
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66 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown, Member of the Public, on Hudson Yards West Development
Sharon Brown initially opposed the Hudson Yards West development but changed her stance to support it, particularly advocating for the inclusion of a casino along with other entertainment options. She …
2:02:02
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140 sec
Testimony by Albert Adipa on Western Rail Yards Development
Albert Adipa, a long-time New York resident, testified against the proposed casino development in the Western Rail Yards area, emphasizing the importance of quality of life and the positive impact …
2:05:24
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127 sec
Testimony by Chandra Singh, Member of Hotel and Gaming Trades Council
Chandra Singh, a member of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, testified in support of the Western Rail Yard project. She emphasized the project's potential to create good-paying jobs and …
2:07:35
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72 sec
Testimony by Shakira Crawford, Member of Hotel and Gaming Trades Council on Western Rail Yards Project
Shakira Crawford, a member of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, testified in support of the Western Rail Yards project. She emphasized the potential for job creation and economic benefits …
2:08:56
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66 sec
Testimony by Pat McCain, Representative from SEIU 32BJ
Pat McCain, representing SEIU 32BJ, voices support for Related Companies' ULURP application for the Western Rail Yard modifications. The union endorses the project due to its commitment to creating good …
2:10:06
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123 sec
Testimony by Vivek Singh, Member of the Public, on Western Rail Yards Development
Vivek Singh, a resident of the area near the proposed Western Rail Yards development, expressed concerns about the project, particularly the potential casino. He discussed the area's growth as a …
2:12:56
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141 sec
Testimony by Alan van Capelle, Executive Director of Friends of the High Line
Alan van Capelle, Executive Director of Friends of the High Line, testifies against the proposed Western Rail Yards modification. He argues that the plan would negatively impact the High Line …
2:15:22
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139 sec
Testimony by Hiba Seager, Volunteer at The High Line
Hiba Seager, a volunteer at The High Line, testified against the Western Rail Yards modification proposal, particularly opposing the casino and resort plan. She argued that the development would negatively …
2:17:47
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115 sec
Testimony by Ina Lee Selden, Docent at High Line, on Western Rail Yards Modification Proposal
Ina Lee Selden, a resident of Hell's Kitchen and docent on the High Line, provides testimony against the proposed casino and resort development on the Western Rail Yards site. She …
2:19:48
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127 sec
Council Member Bottcher questions Alan van Capelle about the Western Rail Yards plan
Council Member Erik D. Bottcher engages in a Q&A session with Alan van Capelle from Friends of the High Line regarding the Western Rail Yards development plan. They discuss the …
2:21:59
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141 sec
Testimony by Tosha Miller, President of the New York City Black Chamber of Commerce, on Hudson Yards West Proposal
Tosha Miller, President of the New York City Black Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the Hudson Yards West proposal. She emphasized the project's potential to create opportunities, generate …
2:25:38
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97 sec
Testimony by Michael Vazarelli, Business Representative of New York City District Council of Carpenters
Michael Vazarelli, representing the New York City District Council of Carpenters, expresses strong support for Related Companies' Western Yards Plan. He emphasizes the project's potential to create thousands of union …
2:27:19
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97 sec
Testimony by Richard Graziano, Docent from The High Line
Richard Graziano, a volunteer docent at The High Line, testifies against the proposed changes to the Western Rail Yards development plan, particularly opposing the potential 20-story building that may include …
2:29:36
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110 sec
Testimony by Patricia, Chelsea Resident on Western Rail Yards Development Impact
Patricia, a 30-year Chelsea resident, testifies about the impact of the Western Rail Yards development on the High Line and Hudson River views. She emphasizes the importance of preserving the …
2:31:33
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94 sec
Testimony by Noel Vanik, Retired Minister from Chelsea on Western Rail Yards Modification
Noel Vanik, a retired minister from Chelsea, provided brief testimony on the Western Rail Yards modification proposal. He emphasized the need for careful community input and expressed concerns about the …
2:33:14
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64 sec
Testimony by Kareem Holmes, Founder/CEO of Big City Tourism
Kareem Holmes, founder and CEO of Big City Tourism, expresses support for the Western Rail Yards modification proposal, particularly the Wynn casino development. He emphasizes the economic benefits and job …
2:35:07
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127 sec
Testimony by Waseem Mohammad, Resident of Hell's Kitchen
Waseem Mohammad, a resident of Hell's Kitchen, expresses support for the Western Rail Yards project, particularly appreciating the proposed 4,000 housing units and increased job opportunities. He notes the positive …
2:37:20
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35 sec
Testimony by Omar on Western Rail Yards Project
Omar expresses strong support for the Western Rail Yards project, emphasizing its potential benefits including schools, job creation, and housing. He urges approval of the project, citing Related Companies' track …
2:37:57
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74 sec
Testimony by Karen Flaherty, Long-time Resident and Community Activist
Karen Flaherty, a long-time resident and community activist, testifies against the Western Rail Yards project, specifically opposing the inclusion of a casino. She expresses concerns about the impact on small …
2:39:17
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124 sec
Testimony by Layla Law-Gisiko, President of City Club of New York, on Western Rail Yards Modification
Layla Law-Gisiko, representing the City Club of New York, strongly criticizes the Western Rail Yards modification proposal, particularly focusing on the PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) financing and lack …
2:42:12
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120 sec
Testimony by Tappy Hightower, Member of the Public
Tappy Hightower, a university student from the Lower East Side who frequents the Western Rail Yards area, spoke against the development plan that includes a potential casino. She urged the …
2:44:50
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85 sec
Testimony by Ife Adelona, Volunteer from High Line
Ife Adelona, a Hudson Yards resident and High Line volunteer, testified against the Western Rail Yards modification proposal, citing concerns about job concentration, impact on the High Line, and obstruction …
2:46:20
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115 sec
Testimony by Joaquin Aleno from Elliot Chelsea Housing on Hudson Yards Rezoning
Joaquin Aleno, a resident of Elliot Chelsea Housing, strongly opposes the rezoning plan for Hudson Yards proposed by Related Companies. He expresses concerns about the plan's negative impacts on the …
2:49:24
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109 sec
Testimony by Ann Aust on Western Rail Yards Rezoning
Ann Aust, a resident of Hell's Kitchen, expressed her opposition to the rezoning of the High Line area as part of the Western Rail Yards modification proposal. She stated that …
2:51:17
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36 sec
Testimony by Carmen Matias on Western Rail Yards Proposal
Carmen Matias, a long-time resident of Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea, testifies against the reevaluation of the 2009 Western Rail Yards proposal. She advocates for restarting the planning process, emphasizing the …
2:51:57
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83 sec
Testimony by John Collins, Docent at The High Line
John Collins, a docent at The High Line, strongly opposes the proposed development plan for a casino and the reduction in promised housing. He argues that the plan benefits only …
2:53:56
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100 sec
Testimony by True Sims on Proposed Casino at Hudson Yards West
True Sims, a long-time resident of Chelsea, strongly opposes the proposed casino at Hudson Yards West. They argue that the casino would drastically alter the family-friendly vision of the original …
2:55:41
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94 sec
Testimony by Bridget Gramling, Volunteer at High Line
Bridget Gramling, a volunteer at the High Line, expresses concerns about the wind issues in the current Western Rail Yards proposal and their potential impact on the High Line park. …
2:57:19
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78 sec
Testimony by Tom Morris, Volunteer from Friends of the High Line
Tom Morris, a long-time West Village resident and volunteer with Friends of the High Line, testified in opposition to the Western Rail Yards modification proposal, particularly the casino plan. He …
2:58:41
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131 sec
Testimony by Lydia Andre, Representative of Chelsea Neighbors Coalition, on Western Rail Yards Modification Proposal
Lydia Andre, representing the Chelsea Neighbors Coalition, strongly opposes the Western Rail Yards modification proposal. She criticizes the developers for prioritizing profits over community needs and argues for a return …
3:02:35
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125 sec
Testimony by David Sloss, Representative of 300 West 18th/19th Streets Block Association
David Sloss, representing the 300 West 18th/19th Streets Block Association, expressed concerns about the Western Rail Yards modification proposal while acknowledging the need for development in the area. He urged …
3:05:00
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68 sec
Testimony by Veronica Paxton, Resident of Hudson Yards
Veronica Paxton, a resident of Hudson Yards, testified in support of the Western Rail Yards modification proposal. She emphasized the project's potential to create opportunities, support small businesses, and generate …
3:07:34
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139 sec
Testimony by Leslie Sloan on Western Rail Yards Rezoning Plan
Leslie Sloan, a long-time Chelsea resident and business owner, testifies in support of the Western Rail Yards rezoning plan. She describes the transformation of the area from a desolate neighborhood …
3:09:58
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126 sec
Testimony by Denise, Resident of Hell's Kitchen, on Hudson Yards West Project
Denise, a 29-year-old second-generation New Yorker living in Hell's Kitchen, expressed support for the Hudson Yards West project, emphasizing the need for affordable housing and improved living conditions for low-income …
3:12:21
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63 sec
Testimony by Reverend Dr. Johnny Green, Pastor of Mount Neboh Baptist Church and Leader of Mobilizing Preachers and Communities Impact
Reverend Dr. Johnny Green, representing Mount Neboh Baptist Church and Mobilizing Preachers and Communities Impact, testified in support of the Hudson Yards West proposal, emphasizing its potential for job creation, …
3:14:19
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113 sec
Testimony by Elizabeth Velez, Business Owner, on Western Rail Yards Rezoning
Elizabeth Velez, a Manhattan business owner, expresses strong support for the rezoning of Hudson Yards West. She emphasizes the project's potential to transform an underutilized area of New York City, …
3:16:13
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76 sec
Testimony by Renee Keitt, Resident Association President of Elliott Chelsea Houses
Renee Keitt, representing Elliott Chelsea Houses, strongly opposes the proposed casino development in Hudson Yards. She argues that the project does not address the community's real needs and criticizes the …
3:17:42
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115 sec
Testimony by Rodney Harrison, Resident of Manhattan
Rodney Harrison, a Manhattan resident, expressed support for the Hudson Yards West project, citing potential economic benefits, improved quality of life, and infrastructure enhancements for himself, his family, and the …
3:19:58
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23 sec
Testimony by Ford Adams on Western Rail Yards Casino Project
Ford Adams expresses support for the casino project proposed for the Western Rail Yards, citing job creation and community benefits. He believes the project will provide long-term, good career opportunities …
3:20:26
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24 sec
Testimony by Reverend James Duckett, Senior Pastor of Fort Mott Baptist Church
Reverend James Duckett, representing Fort Mott Baptist Church and Impact New York Network, expressed strong support for the Hudson Yards West project. He emphasized the project's potential to create union …
3:21:51
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121 sec
Testimony by Kevin Carmichael on Western Rail Yards Project
Kevin Carmichael expresses support for the Western Rail Yards project, specifically citing the housing and public parks as positive aspects. - Brief testimony in favor of the development - Highlights …
3:25:02
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12 sec
Testimony by William Fraser, Member of the Public, on Hudson Yards West Project
William Fraser, a small business owner from Chelsea, New York, expresses support for the Hudson Yards West project. He highlights the potential for job creation, economic growth, and the positive …
3:25:43
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47 sec
Testimony by Chamaine Locano, Business Owner in Chelsea
Chamaine Locano, a business owner in Chelsea and native New Yorker, expresses strong support for the Western Rail Yards project. She believes it will benefit the Chelsea area by creating …
3:26:38
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35 sec
Testimony by Dr. Julie Hatterer, Retired Psychiatrist and High Line Volunteer
Dr. Julie Hatterer, a retired psychiatrist and High Line volunteer, expressed concerns about the proposed zoning changes and their potential impact on the High Line and community mental health. She …
3:28:17
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132 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Former Shop Steward, on Western Rail Yards Modification Proposal
Christopher Leon Johnson, a former shop steward for the MTA, testifies in opposition to the Western Rail Yards project, particularly focusing on the proposed casino. He argues that the project …
3:31:41
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127 sec