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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Pamela Wolfe, President of Save Chelsea, on Western Rail Yards Development
1:27:29
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131 sec
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 of preserving neighborhood character and criticized the potential inclusion of a casino.
- Expressed concern over the financial risk to taxpayers in the developer's latest proposal
- Highlighted the High Line as a cultural treasure that should not be negatively impacted
- Urged the city council to vote no on the current application, calling for a reshaping of the development plan to better serve public interest
Pamela Wolfe
1:27:29
Now I'm gonna get totally hung up with my glasses.
1:27:33
My name is Pamela Wolfe.
1:27:35
I live on 20 First Street, on West 20 First Street.
1:27:38
I am the president of Save Chelsea.
1:27:40
Save Chelsea advocates for the preservation of community of our community's historic architecture and neighborhood character.
1:27:48
We are not anti development.
1:27:50
We very much want to see the Western Rail Yards developed, but in a way that prioritizes what is important to our community.
1:27:58
Save Chelsea is opposed to the proposed plans for the Western Rail Yards and stands by the 2,009 community informed development plan.
1:28:09
High Line is not just a cherished neighborhood park.
1:28:13
It is an internationally admired cultural treasure that Chelsea and the city Of New York are proud of, a phenomenon that continues to inspire small similar projects the world over.
1:28:26
It has become a centerpiece of our Chelsea character.
1:28:29
It should not be degraded by a misplaced casino.
1:28:33
A few words about related last minute press release.
1:28:38
The developers are asking the city to absorb the financial risk of their casino project.
1:28:43
At this time of economic uncertainty, we, the taxpayers, should not be rolling the dice on this development scheme.
1:28:51
As best we understand their press release, taxpayers, us, would essentially be fronting billions of dollars for a project with limited public benefit, a casino and 92% luxury condos.
1:29:06
This could not be more different than the original Hudson Yards financing scheme, which largely paid for public infrastructure with direct public benefit, including the expansion of the number seven train.
1:29:19
We recommend that related go back to the drawing board with the community and reshape the development plan so that it meets the public interest.
1:29:30
Friday's press conference was a far cry from that.
1:29:33
Too little, too late.
1:29:35
We urge the city council to vote no on this application.
1:29:39
Thank you.