Update: We’ve been advised by the New York Landmarks Conservancy that the “upzoning” bills will not be acted on in this legislative session.
The Brooklyn Heights Association has alerted us to a “massive rezoning” proposal that would allow much taller residential structures to be built in many areas of Brooklyn and other parts of the city, including Downtown Brooklyn, adjacent to Brooklyn Heights. According to the BHA:
The passage of these bills, introduced at the behest of Mayor DeBlasio, would severely tax the city’s already overburdened transit system, road network, parks and public schools and deprive neighboring areas of light and air. It would return no benefits to the affected communities.
Proponents of the “upzoning” say it is necessary to increase the availability of affordable housing. Nevertheless, the BHA points out, the rezoning proposal does not have any requirement that developers include affordable units in their buildings.
The rezoning proposal is included in two companion bills pending in the state legislature: S 5469 in the Senate and A 7807 in the Assembly. The BHA urges those concerned to contact the following legislators quickly, as the bills may be voted on this week:
Assemblyman Keith Wright:
Wrightk@assembly.state.ny.us
District Office: 212-866-5809
Albany Office: 518-455-4793Asemblywoman Jo Anne Simon:
Simonj@assembly.state.ny.us
District Office: 718-246-4889
Albany Office: 518-246-4889Senator John Flanagan:
Flanagan@nysenate.gov
Albany Office: 518-455-2071Senator Daniel Squadron:
Squadron@nysenate.gov
District Office: 718-875-1517
Albany Office: 518-455-2625
If you’re wondering why this local matter is being acted on at the state level, according to the BHA “the Administration is attempting an end run around local zoning controls.”
Update: We’ve been advised by Sen. Squadron’s office that he opposes the bill.
