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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Susan Marshall, President of Council of Chelsea Block Associations, on Western Rail Yards Modification
1:11:04
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82 sec
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 zoning. She emphasized the importance of increasing housing units and clarifying affordability ratios.
- Questioned the ambiguity in the number of housing units proposed (1,500 to 4,000) and called for more housing, referencing the 2009 plan's 5,207 units
- Urged the committee not to vote on zoning that would allow for a casino, stating "What happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas"
- Appreciated the removal of an office tower from the plan but stressed the need for more housing
Susan Marshall
1:11:04
Good morning, chair Reilly, council member Bacher, and other members of the subcommittee.
1:11:10
I am Susan Marshall, as we've just been told, and I'm the new president of the Council of Chelsea Block Associations.
1:11:18
And Sally has already covered some of the concerns that we have as an organization.
1:11:23
The number is rather ambiguous.
1:11:25
In the press release, it said 1,500 units up to 4,000 units.
1:11:30
What is the number?
1:11:31
And again, what is the ratio of the affordability?
1:11:35
That's a major concern.
1:11:37
Also, we need housing, housing, housing, housing.
1:11:40
So it's nice that they got rid of an office tower.
1:11:43
Love that.
1:11:44
But we still need more housing.
1:11:46
The 02/2009 plan called for 5,207 units.
1:11:51
So let's keep housing forefront.
1:11:55
I know we're not in theory talking about a casino, but I believe part of this application has a zoning that would allow for a casino.
1:12:03
That is what we are here to urge you to not vote on.
1:12:07
We don't want that zoning to be realized because then if they do get the license, they will build it.
1:12:16
If you build it, they will come.
1:12:18
We don't need one armed bandits taking our residents' lunch money.
1:12:23
What happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas.
1:12:26
Thank you.