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Agency Testimony

Lisa Orantia on current R5 zoning limitations and proposed R7A district

New York City Council · Jul 1, 2026 · starts 1:07:55 · 1 min 13 sec

Orantia explains the existing R5 district allows only five stories and 2 FAR, discouraging affordable housing investment. The proposed R7A/C2-4 district would allow an 11-story building with 5.01 FAR with affordable housing, appropriate on an 80-foot-wide street with transit access, consistent with surrounding five- and six-story buildings. The site currently has small stores and open parking.

Lisa Orantia

Next slide please.

Lisa Orantia

Pugsley Avenue is on an 80 foot wide street.

Lisa Orantia

The low density R5 district allows up to five stories and two FAR, which doesn't encourage the production of affordable housing or investment in the existing non-conforming commercial uses.

Lisa Orantia

There are no residential uses on the site, which is currently improved with small stores and an open parking area that would be replaced by the new building.

Lisa Orantia

Next slide, please.

Lisa Orantia

The new R7AC24 proposed district would allow a maximum of 11-story

Lisa Orantia

building with 5.01 FAR with the provision of affordable housing instead of the current 4-5 story and 1.5 or 2 FAR.

Lisa Orantia

The proposed increase in density and building height are appropriate on a wide street.

Lisa Orantia

access to public transportation.

Lisa Orantia

It would allow a new building envelope that's consistent with what exists in the surrounding area.

Lisa Orantia

And it would be accompanied by required affordable housing to help alleviate the housing crisis and would allow local retail uses to continue as of right.