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Procedure

Public testimony instructions for 158-06 Northern Boulevard

New York City Council · Aug 12, 2026 · starts 1:08:28 · 1 min 39 sec

Council staff announces four in-person witnesses and one online witness, explaining panel procedures, two-minute time limits, and instructions to wait for the sergeant at arms to start the clock before speaking.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

Apologies if I missed it.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

The intended height of this building?

Shanel Thomas-Henry

The intended height of this building is only 10 stories.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

However, the R7A envelope would allow an 11-story building.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

By virtue of the site being a corner lot, we can build a lower, more efficient building in consideration of some of the concerns relating to height.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

How many parking spaces will there be?

Shanel Thomas-Henry

26.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

And the proposed rezoning area is L-shaped, including two lots on Northern Boulevard and a third lot occupied by the Islamic Center on 159th Street.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

Like Northern Boulevard, 159th Street is a narrow street that terminates at the LIRR right-of-way one block south.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

Can you explain the planning rationale for including this third site within the rezoning area?

Shanel Thomas-Henry

Absolutely.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

Really, the thinking was that, again, this...

Shanel Thomas-Henry

Eastern portion of the block and then the western side of 159th Street has historically been non-residential.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

That Galaxy Plaza shopping center wraps a significant portion of the block.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

And then the Islamic Center, I think that site has historically been a house of worship.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

Immediately to the south, the two feeder roads and the Long Island Railroad effectively create a wide street condition similar to the Northern Boulevard on the north.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

And that side of the block also faces an entirely commercial or commercial and community facility block across 159th Street.