Brewer, Chin Launch SoHo/NoHo Public Engagement Process
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Council Member Margaret Chin (D- Battery Park, Chinatown) and Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Marisa Lago announced last Friday that they’d be launching a public engagement process to help shape city planning efforts in SoHo and NoHo.
Starting in February, the three of them will hold a series of public sessions, during which attendees will be invited to provide their input on topics ranging from housing to jobs to retail.
“The SoHo / NoHo area has a rich, vibrant history, but we need to fix its zoning to lay the foundation for its future,” said Brewer. “As the old rules have stopped working, the area has seen a steady march of special exemptions, one-off variances, and inappropriately large retail uses. SoHo and NoHo need room for creativity, artists, artisans, workshops, and tech. A comprehensive look at the neighborhood’s zoning that incorporates input from all stakeholders will help us chart a better path forward.”
The first public meeting is set for Wednesday, Feb. 6. Time and location TBD.
Carlina Rivera Hosts Resource Fair
City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera (D-East Village, Gramercy Park) will be hosting a resource fair this week, in partnership with the social service institution Grand Street Settlement.
The fair will have representatives from Manhattan organizations and city agencies on hand to help attendees apply for affordable housing, sign up for volunteer opportunities, take free blood pressure tests, and more.
The event will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 6-8 p.m. on 55 Lexington Ave. To RSVP, email District2@council.nyc.gov or call 212-677-1077.
Ydanis Rodriguez Speaks on Newly Proposed IDNYC Change
City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez (D -Inwood, Marble Hill) recently weighed in on the city’s new proposal to put banking smart chips in New York City IDs.
The proposal, which is moving forward under Deputy Mayor Phil Thompson, has elicited some raised eyebrows among immigration advocacy groups. Some are concerned that the chips could provide federal immigration authorities with another means of tracking down undocumented immigrants, many of whom rely on their IDNYC cards as a primary form of identification.
Their concerns were echoed by Rodriguez, who sent out several tweets about the measure yesterday.
“While the proposed IDNYC payment card initiative could open financial opportunities to New Yorkers who needed most, the City must ensure that a plan is in place to protect their information from misuse by any public or private entities,” said Rodriguez. “This is especially important when it comes to our immigrant brothers and sisters, both documented and undocumented, who could be further exposed to harassment from Federal immigration authorities.”
