Following last week's CB12 meeting, at which CB12 voted overwhelmingly to support the project, and only two board members voted against, with one abstention, Brad Lander's office put out a statement you see below.
While creation of affordable housing is to be celebrated, we believe so is public discussion of any such project, especially where public subsidies are involved. The project is technically in Borough Park, in reality, across the street from all those Kensington folk. And while it has been in the works a long time (since 2004), if you ask most people in the neighborhood - they know nothing of it.
So here are a few thoughts:
- How was information about this project distributed to the public? We are under the impression that this project is to be rushed through the approval process, and are concerned over the impact that will have on the surrounding neighborhood.
-We're told that nobody had raised concerns during the public comment period over proposed lack of green space, and that few people had turned up to express any opinion at all. This is disturbing, especially as the City is giving up two lots and the proposed housing is for families with many children (as indicated by the average size apartment to have 4 bedrooms) but in the proposed development they are basically eliminating back yards. We're yet to see the actual designs, and will post when we do get them.
-We are also interested in how the actual units will be allocated, and how much will be truly open to the surrounding community, not just the residents of Borough Park, who seem to be the only ones well informed of the project. How about affordable housing for those neighbors right here who need it but have no children? And what does one learn from Broadway Triangle case (more here)?
Next step is a hearing on July 8, and we'll bee keeping a close eye.
Brad on CB 12's Approval of the Culver El Rezoning
Press Release, 06/23/2010
Statement of City Councilmember Brad Lander on Community Board 12's Overwhelming Approval of the Culver El Rezoning to Create Affordable Housing:
“I am very pleased by Community Board 12’s overwhelming approval of the Culver El rezoning (the area from 36th to 39th street, 12th Avenue to 14th Avenue, along the site of the old elevated Culver Subway line). Thanks to CB12's long-standing support, we are moving forward toward the day when this under-utilized space will provide 68 new units of affordable housing for families who desparately need it.
“Southern Brooklyn Development Organization, the driving force behind this project, has found a creative and innovative way to provide affordable housing to families in need. They deserve plenty of credit for having the vision to propose this project, and the tireless dedication to keep it moving forward over many years. Credit is also due to my predecessor in the City Council, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio (and especially to his former staff member and community leader Yeruchim Silber), to former Councilmember Simcha Felder, to Community Board 12, the Department of City Planning, and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development for all their work on this project.
I look forward to working with all of them, as well as my colleagues in the Council, David Greenfield and Sara Gonzalez, to make sure this important project moves forward as quickly as possible. The next steps are approval by the Brooklyn Borough President, the City Planning Commission, and then the City Council. We hope to have all the necessary approvals in place over the next few months.
“As an affordable housing advocate throughout my career, I know that this new development along the Culver El site, and the affordable homes in provides, will be a most welcome addition to Borough Park."