Adams Proposes New Mixed-Use Rezoning Model
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams on Friday called for a new type of mixed-use zoning that would require a portion of new residential development in current manufacturing zones include non-residential uses, including light industrial, community facility, and artisan “maker” uses.
Currently, mixed-use zoning is usually a mix of commercial or community such as stores or medical offices on the lower floors and residential on the upper floors. The new proposal calls on calls on the city to provide a residential and light industrial zoning type that requires non-residential use on the first floor of a mixed-use building and that a portion of the non-residential space be reserved for defined light industrial, arts, and community facility uses.
Adams said that this new development model for new residential buildings sought to guarantee space for diverse employment opportunities.
“Our approach to urban planning should reflect our vision for the city, one that encourages a diversity of opportunities to live and work that in turn advances communities of diverse backgrounds and ideas,” said Adams, adding Community Board 8 in Crown Heights has worked in partnership with his administration for several years to further this new model with a particular focus on promoting light industrial, community facility, and artisan “maker” uses that are affordable and attractive.
City Council Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights Crown Heights), whose district includes CB 8 is also on board with the new model.
“When we plan for mixed-use neighborhoods, our zoning tools should ensure that new development includes a dynamic mixture of residential, commercial, light industrial, arts, and non-profit spaces,” said Cumbo. “This mixture of uses leads to a mixture of people and economic opportunity and helps make our Brooklyn neighborhoods the diverse and vibrant communities that we all know and love.”
Rose Visits Southern Border, Demands Better Treatment For Migrants
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) last week visited the Rio Grande Valley in Texas as part of a bipartisan Homeland Security Committee delegation to examine the migrant conditions at the southern border.
The group visited Customs and Border Patrol facilities around McAllen, Texas, including a Border Patrol station, processing center, holding facility, and a port of entry. The delegation also visited a Department of Health and Human Services shelter and met with local immigration stakeholders working on the ground at the border.
“Our tour was a powerful experience and seeing the crisis firsthand only reaffirms what we all know and have seen reported—human beings are suffering in our custody,” said Rose, a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. “The Administration has presented a false choice as if the greatest country in the world cannot keep our nation safe while caring for those fleeing violence—and I refuse to play along.
“We must redouble our efforts to get appropriate resources for those at the border, put in place strict constraints to ensure that this Administration is held to a standard of care that matches our values, and comprehensively address the root problem of this massive surge by assisting the Northern Triangle countries which have been wrecked with violence. I won’t stop fighting until our policies match the values I fought for.”
Rose was joined on the trip by U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Mark Walker (R-N.C.), and Antonio Delgado (D-N.Y.).
Cornegy To Lead Oversight Hearing ON TPT Program
City Council Member Robert E. Cornegy Jr. (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) today will lead a rally to address advocates, stakeholders, and the press before an oversight hearing on the Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) Third Party Transfer (TPT) program.
The City Council Committee on Oversight and Investigations spent six months investigating the program, which is under fire for wrongfully seizing properties from black and brown homeowners. Following the rally, a hearing on the issue is slated.
The rally is slated for 12 noon, today, July 22 on the steps of City Hall. The hearing is slated for 1 p.m. in City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
Malliotakis Says City’s Cooling Centers Should Be Pet-Friendly
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Bay Ridge, Staten Island) is calling on the city to help make cooling centers pet-friendly and do a better job of indicating which cooling centers, if any, accept pets.
As of now, while service animals must be allowed by law, the city’s Cooling Center Finder located online does not indicate whether or not the centers accept regular pets, and 311 operators will only inform callers that each center has its own individual policy. Malliotakis finds this lack of information unacceptable and demands that city officials provide more thorough details about the centers.
“Pets are an extension of our families. Nobody wants to leave their beloved pet at home in extreme heat while they go to a cooling center. There needs to be at least some cooling centers in each borough that allow individuals to bring their dogs, cats or any other animal that can be affected by severe heat and the city should be able to provide information on which centers do. This information should be posted online and made readily available through 311. Right now they do neither and that is problematic,” said Malliotakis.
Clarke Denounces Trump Administration’s ICE Raids in NYC
U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Park Slope) NY-09) on Friday hosted a press conference in Lower Manhattan’s Foley Square to talk about the Trump administration’s xenophobic ICE raids and their effect on New York City.
Clarke was joined by U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn, Queens) Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens, Lower Manhattan), Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan, Bronx), Gregory Meeks (D-Queens), New York Attorney General Letitia James and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
“The New York metro area has the biggest population of undocumented immigrants in the country. They pay taxes and make a positive contribution to our economy. Our Bigot-in-Chief and his lackeys in his administration initiated these ICE raids to terrorize and intimidate valued members of our community. We will create a safe space for immigrants and remind them that they have rights,” said Clarke.
The press conference focused on standing up against Trump and educating the public about their rights as immigrants. Since Trump announced his plan for ICE Raids in ten of America’s largest cities, attempts have been made in New York City. Reports of ICE raid attempts have occurred in Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, Midwood, Harlem, Washington Heights and Far Rockaway.
While there have been no announced plans for ICE Raids for NYC this weekend, advocate groups and elected officials offered immigrants advice and educated about their rights for if and when future raids occur:
- Immigrants do not need to open the door without a signed search warrant from a judge
- Immigrants can stay silent and request a lawyer if approached by ICE officials
- Immigrants should memorize the phone number of a trusted source, because if taken into custody a person’s cell phone will likely be taken from them
- Immigrants have resources available from several groups, including the Mayor’s Office, the Attorney General and advocate groups
Levin Holds Rally To Save Abolitionist Place
City Council Member Stephen Levin (D-Northern Brooklyn, Boerum Hill), elected officials and advocates will gather today to fight to preserve 227 Duffield Street., also known as Abolitionist place.
Levin and the advocates are calling on the Landmarks Preservation Commission to immediately review 227 Duffield Street for landmark status and stay the demolition order. The building was home to two prominent African American Abolitionists who hosted William Lloyd Garrison and others.
The home embodies the role Brooklyn and New York City played in the Abolitionist movement at a time when the Fugitive Slave Act was the law of the land, and was a known stop on the famed Underground Railroad.
The rally is slated for 5 p.m., today, July 22 at Where: 227 Duffield Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
