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NYC Charter Revision Commission
Brooklyn Public Input Session on Housing and Land Use
Feb 11, 2025
·
05:00 PM
3 hr 23 min
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Summary
A hearing on potential reforms to New York City's land use and housing development processes, focusing on addressing the city's housing crisis and affordability issues.
Discussions centered on:
- Streamlining the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP)
- Implementing comprehensive citywide planning
- Reforming community board representation
- Balancing citywide housing needs with local community input
- Potential changes to the Landmarks Preservation Commission
Features testimony from urban planning experts, the Brooklyn Borough President, housing advocates, labor unions, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. on the Charter Revision Commission's focus on housing and planning
Richard R. Buery Jr., Chair of the Charter Revision Commission, opens the public hearing, introducing himself and the commission's purpose. He emphasizes the commission's independence and its focus on reviewing …
0:00:00
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4 min
Testimony by Vicki Been, Professor from NYU Law School on NYC's housing crisis and land use system failures
Professor Vicki Been discusses New York City's housing affordability crisis, linking it to low rates of residential construction hampered by a risky, costly, and time-consuming land use system. She highlights …
0:08:28
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6 min
Vicki Been discusses delays and costs in the housing development process
Commissioner Leila Bozorg asks Professor Vicki Been about her firsthand experiences with housing development barriers while serving in city government. Professor Been elaborates on the significant costs and delays incurred …
0:14:46
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129 sec
Discussion on inter-agency coordination and inspection delays hindering housing projects
Commissioner Diane Savino discusses the lengthy delays experienced even in projects with council support, using the Coney Island rezoning as an example, and asks Professor Vicki Been about speeding up …
0:16:58
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133 sec
Clarifying the relationship between rezoning statistics and as-of-right development
Commissioner Sharon Greenberger asks Professor Vicki Been to clarify her statistic that one-third of recent housing production came from rezonings, questioning the implication for as-of-right development. Professor Been explains that …
0:19:14
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72 sec
Factors contributing to uneven housing development across NYC neighborhoods
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks Professor Vicki Been about the reasons behind the uneven distribution of housing development across different neighborhoods. Professor Been explains that low-density neighborhoods often resist …
0:20:27
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95 sec
The impact of development delays on the cost and availability of affordable housing subsidies
Commissioner Carl Weisbrod inquires about the connection between project delays and the need for city subsidies for affordable housing. Professor Vicki Been confirms that longer timelines increase project costs, necessitating …
0:22:04
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124 sec
Testimony by Barika Williams, Executive Director from Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development on comprehensive planning
Barika Williams advocates for amending the city charter to mandate comprehensive planning, shifting away from the current ad-hoc approach that reinforces inequities. She proposes a framework involving equity goals, clear …
0:24:26
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5 min
Enforcement mechanisms for comprehensive planning targets
Commissioner Anita Laremont asks Barika Williams about the enforceability and accountability mechanisms for the proposed comprehensive planning framework, particularly at the community district level. Williams suggests potential tools like financial …
0:30:24
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104 sec
Seeking models for comprehensive planning processes and accountability
Commissioner Dr. Lisette Nieves requests examples of successful comprehensive planning processes, especially concerning community board roles and accountability. Barika Williams mentions other metropolitan areas like those in New Jersey and …
0:32:12
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93 sec
Integrating housing development with infrastructure and community services planning
Commissioner Valerie White asks Barika Williams about integrating other community needs, beyond schools, into a comprehensive planning strategy to support housing. Williams uses the failed Flushing rezoning as an example …
0:33:53
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86 sec
Structuring a charter-mandated comprehensive planning process
Commissioner Diane Savino seeks clarification on how a charter amendment for comprehensive planning would be structured, questioning if it involves a new entity or assigning duties to existing agencies. Barika …
0:35:22
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91 sec
Balancing immediate action with long-term comprehensive planning in housing development
Commissioner Leila Bozorg asks Barika Williams how to ensure action on the housing crisis isn't paralyzed by the potentially long comprehensive planning process, referencing Williams' 'fast track' proposal. Williams argues …
0:36:59
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3 min
Testimony by Howard Slatkin, Executive Director from Citizens Housing and Planning Council (CHPC) on ULURP, member deference, and charter history
Howard Slatkin discusses how political incentives within the ULURP process, specifically NIMBYism coupled with member deference, skew outcomes against housing. He argues the 1989 Charter revisions inadvertently empowered local council …
0:40:40
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5 min
Mechanisms for balancing local and citywide perspectives in land use
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks Howard Slatkin for ways to operationalize the balance between local input and citywide perspective in land use decisions. Slatkin suggests enhancing the role of …
0:46:09
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122 sec
Discussing the political dynamics of member deference and potential reforms
Commissioner Diane Savino discusses the political pressures on local council members regarding development and questions if involving Borough Presidents would change the outcome. Howard Slatkin argues the current system unfairly …
0:48:17
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4 min
Seeking examples of alternative land use decision-making models
Commissioner Anita Laremont asks Howard Slatkin for examples of other jurisdictions with different land use paradigms that NYC could learn from. Slatkin mentions historical NYC examples like at-large council members …
0:52:41
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57 sec
The role of planning frameworks like Fair Share in the ULURP process
Commissioner Leila Bozorg asks Howard Slatkin about lessons from Fair Share provisions and balancing comprehensive planning calls with process reform needs. Slatkin suggests plans provide crucial context for ULURP deliberations, …
0:53:40
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142 sec
Defining an ideal ULURP process focused on reconciling local and citywide views
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Howard Slatkin to describe an ideal ULURP process and suggest improvements. Slatkin reiterates the core principle of starting with local perspective, then having bodies with broader …
0:56:03
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144 sec
Testimony by Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President on mandating comprehensive planning
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso advocates for mandating citywide comprehensive planning in the charter, criticizing past opposition from the Department of City Planning. He argues such planning, linked to capital …
0:58:40
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5 min
Enhancing the Borough President's role in planning and ULURP
Commissioner Carl Weisbrod asks Borough President Antonio Reynoso if enhancing the Borough President's (BP) role in planning could help elevate broader concerns. Reynoso strongly agrees, arguing the BP's borough-wide view …
1:04:05
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4 min
How comprehensive planning could expedite development by separating infrastructure and creating predictability
Commissioner Anthony Richardson asks Borough President Antonio Reynoso if comprehensive planning would expedite development. Reynoso affirms this, explaining it would separate infrastructure planning (funded proactively by the city) from housing …
1:08:23
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4 min
Funding infrastructure and defining developer responsibilities under comprehensive planning
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Borough President Antonio Reynoso about funding infrastructure under a comprehensive planning model. Reynoso reiterates that infrastructure is the city's responsibility and should be planned and funded …
1:12:53
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3 min
The proposed role for community boards in comprehensive planning
Commissioner Dr. Lisette Nieves asks Borough President Antonio Reynoso about the role of community boards (CBs) within his proposed comprehensive planning framework. Reynoso suggests CBs could be tasked with developing …
1:16:29
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81 sec
Testimony by Vishaan Chakrabarti, Founder of Practice for Architecture and Urbanism on unlocking low- and mid-rise housing potential
Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti argues for policies enabling NYC to grow towards 10 million people, focusing on unlocking potential for low- and mid-rise housing construction. He presents research identifying numerous sites …
1:18:06
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7 min
Location and nature of trapped Floor Area Ratio (FAR) across NYC
Commissioner Sharon Greenberger asks Vishaan Chakrabarti about the location of the estimated 1 billion square feet of 'trapped' Floor Area Ratio (FAR). Chakrabarti confirms it is distributed across the city …
1:25:33
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42 sec
How regulatory complexity hinders small and mid-size housing developers
Commissioner Leila Bozorg asks Vishaan Chakrabarti why projects needing use/bulk changes face barriers, questioning if it's cost or other factors. Chakrabarti explains that the complexity and cost of processes like …
1:26:20
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82 sec
Achieving 'naturally occurring affordability' through as-of-right zoning for lower-cost construction types
Commissioner Anthony Richardson asks Vishaan Chakrabarti to clarify the link between as-of-right housing and affordability. Chakrabarti explains his focus is on enabling specific, lower-cost construction types (like 3-story walk-ups under …
1:27:45
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94 sec
Addressing potential controversy and legal challenges in creating as-of-right housing pathways
Commissioner Diane Savino questions whether creating as-of-right pathways for smaller housing projects would face controversy and litigation. Vishaan Chakrabarti acknowledges the likelihood of both but deems reform necessary, suggesting an …
1:29:24
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174 sec
Request for experts to consider non-financial incentives in reform proposals
Commissioner Sharon Greenberger requests that Vishaan Chakrabarti and other experts consider incorporating ideas for 'shared incentivized processes'—involving timing, process, or expedited reviews, not just financial incentives—into their future recommendations for …
1:32:20
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30 sec
Estimated housing yield from focusing on low- and mid-rise development
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Vishaan Chakrabarti about the potential number of housing units his proposed approach could generate. Chakrabarti estimates around 520,000 units, primarily from mid-rise (50-60 unit) buildings, highlighting …
1:32:54
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70 sec
Testimony by Jacob Anbinder, Klarman Postdoctoral Fellow from Cornell University on the historical roots of NYC's housing scarcity
Historian Jacob Anbinder discusses how New York City intentionally became a 'city of no' through zoning and charter changes in the 1960s and 1970s, reacting against earlier pro-growth policies. He …
1:34:36
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5 min
Addressing historical distrust while reforming current land use processes
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks Jacob Anbinder how to reconcile reform efforts with the historical distrust of planners and developers that shaped current processes. Anbinder acknowledges the low-trust environment …
1:39:41
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3 min
The complex historical interplay of race and land use politics in NYC
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Jacob Anbinder about the role of race in NYC's land use history. Anbinder describes a complex history where different systems negatively impacted communities of color, noting …
1:43:17
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3 min
Testimony by Annemarie Gray, Executive Director from Open New York on specific charter reform proposals for housing equity
Annemarie Gray presents five charter reform proposals from Open New York aimed at creating a fairer and more affordable city through increased housing production. The proposals include fast-tracking fair housing …
1:47:47
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166 sec
How the Landmarks Preservation Commission could consider housing needs
Commissioner Anita Laremont asks Annemarie Gray for specifics on how the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) could incorporate housing needs. Gray suggests the LPC could evaluate the housing impact of new …
1:50:36
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50 sec
Testimony by Robert Tiburzi, Member from Construction and General Building Laborers Local 79 on labor standards in housing development
Robert Tiburzi from Laborers Local 79 calls on the commission to include strong labor standards, specifically a $40/hour minimum compensation package and local hire provisions, in any proposed charter changes …
1:51:37
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95 sec
Testimony by Alicia Boyd, Political activist on gentrification, displacement, and affordability for low-income residents
Activist Alicia Boyd criticizes the hearing's focus on developers over the impacts of gentrification and displacement on communities of color like Crown Heights and Flatbush. She argues that development, even …
1:53:35
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3 min
Empowering community planning to address development and displacement
Commissioner Diane Savino asks Alicia Boyd how to balance preserving neighborhood affordability with the need for new development in desirable areas like Crown Heights. Boyd advocates for empowering communities through …
1:56:54
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148 sec
Using council deference and local AMI mandates to achieve deep affordability
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Alicia Boyd about funding truly affordable development and facilitating constructive community engagement. Boyd points to Council Member Charles Barron's use of council deference in East New …
1:59:31
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151 sec
Testimony by Rod Herbert, Member of the Public on improving rather than replacing the ULURP process
Public member Rod Herbert advises against changing the ULURP process, recommending instead an 'operational self-assessment' involving diverse stakeholders to identify improvements. He notes that terms like 'as of right' development …
2:02:19
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90 sec
Testimony by Sara Penenberg, Political Coordinator from SEIU Local 32BJ on balancing housing production and democratic review in ULURP
Sara Penenberg from SEIU Local 32BJ emphasizes the importance of the ULURP process as a democratic venue for community and labor engagement with developers. While acknowledging the housing crisis, she …
2:04:18
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104 sec
Testimony by Ben Weinberg, Director of Public Policy from Citizens Union on maintaining City Council land use authority
Ben Weinberg from Citizens Union argues that NYC's housing problems stem from a lack of political coordination and vision, not fundamental charter flaws regarding land use authority. He opposes shifting …
2:06:18
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3 min
Clarifying positions on labor standards and final land use authority in ULURP
Commissioner Diane Savino confirms SEIU 32BJ's stance on retaining labor standards and then asks Ben Weinberg of Citizens Union to clarify his position on ULURP reform. Weinberg reiterates that Citizens …
2:09:27
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65 sec
Citizens Union's perspective on member deference versus final legislative authority
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks Ben Weinberg about the implications of maintaining Council authority for housing development obstacles and what reforms Citizens Union might support. Weinberg acknowledges member deference …
2:10:35
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69 sec
Testimony by Denis Ibric, Council Representative from New York City District Council of Carpenters defending member deference for worker protection
Denis Ibric from the NYC District Council of Carpenters argues that member deference and ULURP are essential tools for protecting construction workers' wages and community interests against powerful real estate …
2:12:12
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81 sec
Carpenters Union offers to provide specific ULURP reform proposals
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks Denis Ibric if the Carpenters Union has specific recommendations for targeted ULURP reforms they would support. Ibric offers to submit detailed proposals via email.
2:13:54
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18 sec
Request to include community board input in Carpenters Union's reform proposals
Commissioner Dr. Lisette Nieves requests that Denis Ibric include considerations for community board input, alongside ideas for expediting the process, in the Carpenters Union's forthcoming written testimony. Ibric agrees to …
2:14:40
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28 sec
Seeking the building trades' perspective on accelerating development timelines
Commissioner Diane Savino asks Denis Ibric for the building trades' perspective on how to accelerate the development timeline from conception to construction, benefiting both workers and housing availability. Ibric states …
2:15:15
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67 sec
Testimony by Catherine Vaughn, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director from Abundance New York on reforming ULURP's purview, process, and participants
Catherine Vaughn, representing Abundance New York and speaking as a Community Board 6 member, argues for significant reforms to ULURP's purview, process, and participants to address the housing crisis. She …
2:16:52
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3 min
Testimony by Yvonne Roman, Member of the Public on homeowner protection during adjacent construction
Homeowner Yvonne Roman shares her distressing nine-year experience dealing with property damage caused by adjacent construction, highlighting issues with developer accountability and the legal system. She urges the commission to …
2:20:16
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3 min
Methods for improving community board representativeness through appointments
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Catherine Vaughn for specific methods to make community board appointments more representative. Vaughn suggests possibilities like matching board demographics (e.g., renter/homeowner ratio) to the district's demographics …
2:23:55
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69 sec
Debating charter mandates versus appointing authority responsibility for community board representativeness
Commissioner Carl Weisbrod questions whether ensuring community board representativeness should be mandated by the charter or remain the responsibility of appointing officials (Borough Presidents, Council Members). Catherine Vaughn suggests that …
2:25:05
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51 sec
Exploring alternative models for community participation beyond community boards
Commissioner Shams DaBaron raises concerns about community board appointees sometimes lacking genuine community connection and asks Catherine Vaughn how the charter might address this. Vaughn suggests exploring entirely different models …
2:26:00
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84 sec
Noting past community board reform efforts in Manhattan
Commissioner Dr. Lisette Nieves references past efforts in Manhattan under former Borough President Gail Brewer to reform community boards and notes the variability between different boards across the city. Catherine …
2:27:26
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27 sec
Testimony by Vishnu Reddy, Member of the Public advocating specific ULURP and agency reforms
Sunnyside resident Vishnu Reddy urges bold charter reforms, citing the lengthy delay of the Just Home supportive housing project as evidence of flawed processes. He proposes consolidating ULURP advisory reviews …
2:28:12
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178 sec
Testimony by John Woelfling, Architect from Dattner Architects on ULURP pre-certification delays and fast-tracking affordable housing
Architect John Woelfling, who specializes in affordable housing, declares the ULURP process broken, specifically targeting the excessively long pre-certification phase (often 3+ years). He proposes that 100% affordable housing projects …
2:31:22
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170 sec
Balancing speed, quality, and infrastructure review in housing approvals
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks architect John Woelfling if his proposed faster process for affordable housing risks sacrificing quality or necessary reviews like infrastructure impact. Woelfling suggests comprehensive planning should address …
2:34:18
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88 sec
The role of environmental review in a streamlined affordable housing approval process
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks architect John Woelfling about the role of environmental review in his proposed streamlined process for affordable housing. Woelfling suggests it could focus on contextual …
2:35:49
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49 sec
Discussing affordability targets and the merits of mixed-income housing
Commissioner Dr. Lisette Nieves asks architect John Woelfling if the affordable housing he designs targets local Area Median Income (AMI). Woelfling confirms his projects typically serve very low AMIs (20-80%) …
2:36:42
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63 sec
Testimony by Hector Robertson, Member from Brooklyn Community Board 9 on holistic planning and retaining ULURP
Hector Robertson, a member of Brooklyn Community Board 9, argues that comprehensive planning must encompass broader issues like education, transit, and public safety, not just land use, and criticizes current …
2:38:21
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114 sec
Testimony by David Gordon, Housing Advocate supporting expert recommendations for ULURP reform
Housing advocate David Gordon expresses support for specific reforms proposed by experts, namely fast-tracking ULURP for certain projects and improving interagency coordination to reduce delays. He urges the commission to …
2:40:24
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141 sec
Clarifying support for streamlining versus fundamentally changing ULURP
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Hector Robertson whether he supports streamlining ULURP or keeping it unchanged. Robertson clarifies he supports streamlining the process for efficiency but opposes fundamentally revamping it or …
2:42:52
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77 sec
Testimony by Cormac Slade Byrd, Member of the Public proposing Council supermajority and at-large seats
Cormac Slade Byrd proposes two specific charter reforms to combat the housing crisis by addressing member deference and promoting supply: requiring a City Council supermajority vote to block housing projects …
2:45:12
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3 min
Testimony by Michael Abrahams, Member of the Public supporting streamlined rules and inclusive community definition
Michael Abrahams voices support for Open New York's reform recommendations, particularly fast-tracking fair housing, and advocates for simplifying land use rules rather than adding complexity. He also identifies himself and …
2:48:24
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134 sec
Explaining the intended impact of a Council supermajority requirement for blocking housing
Commissioner Anita Laremont asks Cormac Slade Byrd how his proposed supermajority requirement for the City Council to block housing would alter current dynamics. Byrd suggests it would raise the threshold …
2:50:44
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52 sec
Using historical precedent like at-large Council seats to inform modern reforms
Commissioner Shams DaBaron questions Cormac Slade Byrd's reference to early 1900s housing booms, given problematic historical contexts, asking if looking to the past is appropriate. Byrd clarifies he uses history …
2:51:41
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121 sec
Testimony by Daniel Golliher, Founder of Maximum New York, proposing a Council supermajority requirement to block housing
Daniel Golliher, founder of Maximum New York, proposes amending charter section 197d to require a three-quarters City Council supermajority vote to disapprove any new housing supply proposal while a housing …
2:54:47
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132 sec
Testimony by Stephen Crim, Member of the Public on reforming the Landmarks Preservation Commission
Manhattan resident Stephen Crim advocates for reforming the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) process to better balance historic preservation with the need for housing and change. He supports proposals requiring LPC …
2:57:34
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122 sec
Encouraging specific proposals for Landmarks Preservation Commission reform
Commissioner Anita Laremont expresses support for Stephen Crim's focus on Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) reform, recalling similar challenges during the Soho/Noho rezoning. She encourages him and others to share specific …
2:59:42
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37 sec
Testimony by Gillian Morris, Member of the Public advocating ULURP reform and agency streamlining
Gillian Morris, a native New Yorker and renter, highlights NYC's lagging housing production compared to cities like San Francisco and supports ULURP reform for speed and representativeness. She also suggests …
3:00:37
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117 sec
Testimony by Jay Sorid, Member of the Public advocating direct election of community board members
Jay Sorid, a former community board land use committee member, argues strongly for the direct election of community board members to ensure genuine representation instead of political appointments. He opposes …
3:03:34
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3 min
Testimony by Olivia Killingsworth, Member of the Public supporting fast-tracked affordable housing and inclusive stakeholder engagement
Olivia Killingsworth, a former resident of subsidized affordable housing and a union actor, speaks in favor of fast-tracking affordable and mixed-income housing projects that meet fair housing goals, emphasizing that …
3:07:03
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151 sec
Testimony by Vadim Graboys, Member of the Public linking the housing shortage to the migrant crisis
Vadim Graboys, who arrived as a refugee in 1989, contrasts the past affordability with the current crisis, arguing that the recent influx of migrants became a crisis *because* of the …
3:10:03
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145 sec
Testimony by Chloe Phitoussi, Member of the Public linking housing costs to overall affordability and urging bold reform
Chloe Fitoussi, a native New Yorker and mother, connects the high cost of housing to the unaffordability of other essentials like childcare. She supports streamlining ULURP as proposed by Annemarie …
3:12:38
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50 sec
Testimony by Theresa Westerdahl, Member of the Public on negative development impacts and affordability
Theresa Westerdahl, a Crown Heights resident and community board member, describes negative local impacts from extensive development, including threats to green space, infrastructure failures, and environmental concerns, arguing city agencies …
3:13:40
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3 min
Testimony by Nichola Cox, Member of the Public on protecting longtime residents and the role of community boards
Nichola Cox, a resident of Crown Heights South, echoes concerns about development impacts on longtime residents in communities of color, particularly regarding inappropriate scale and displacement pressures. She argues for …
3:17:17
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3 min
Balancing fair share housing goals with community board input using criteria
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Nichola Cox how to implement 'fair share' housing goals if community boards can reject projects. Cox suggests using clear criteria—evaluating a community's past contributions, the project's …
3:20:33
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129 sec