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Agency Testimony

Ron Mandel: 132 Melrose Street site description and zoning context

New York City Council · Aug 12, 2026 · starts 1:25:58 · 2 min 10 sec

Mandel describes the project area of five tax lots in Bushwick, three owned by two families active in the neighborhood for 17 years. The rezoning from M1-1 to M1-2A/R6A (MX district) with MIH mapping would bring two non-conforming residential lots into conformance. The site is within walking distance of J and Z trains.

Jennifer Gutiérrez

And we'll hear a little bit from them and their plan in their proposal.

Jennifer Gutiérrez

They're right at the heart of Northwest Bushwick, which a little over 13 years ago experienced a massive M2R rezoning in the area that is locally called just the Wrangled area.

Jennifer Gutiérrez

So this is a business that I think has tried to maintain its jobs and stores open and so is now looking to really meet the needs of the community as well as

Jennifer Gutiérrez

respond to the interest in wanting to maintain manufacturing.

Jennifer Gutiérrez

So we'll hear from them today.

Jennifer Gutiérrez

My questions have been sent to the land use staff, and I encourage anyone who is here from the community to testify to ask questions about affordability, about

Jennifer Gutiérrez

room composition, about their MIH option, and kind of the future that they see for themselves.

Jennifer Gutiérrez

as property owners in the district.

Jennifer Gutiérrez

A concern that I did raise was ensuring that the remaining residential buildings that are on the block are not the victim of speculation that will force any displacement.

Jennifer Gutiérrez

So that is something that we're going to continue to work with these property owners and the city on.

Jennifer Gutiérrez

And that's all.

Jennifer Gutiérrez

Thank you so much, Chair.

Member of the Public - Maria Betchy

Thank you, Councilmember.

Member of the Public - Maria Betchy

I will now call the applicant panel for this proposal, which consists of Ron Mandel and Frank Noriega.

Member of the Public - Maria Betchy

Good morning.

Member of the Public - Maria Betchy

Could you please raise your right hand and restate your name for the record?

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

Ron Mandel.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

I'm Frank Noriega.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth in your testimony this morning in response to council member questions?

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

I do.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

I do.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

Thank you.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

Thank you.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

You may now begin your testimony, which is limited to 10 minutes, and you should start to conclude your presentation after eight minutes.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

When you begin your presentation, please restate your name and organization.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

Sure.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

Hi, good afternoon.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

Ron Mandel, Belkin, Burden, Goldman, on behalf of the applicant.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

Joined by my colleague, Frank Noriega.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

Thank you so much for having us.

Member of the Public - Ron Mandel

First, thank you so much to Councilmember Gutierrez and her staff, as well as Brooklyn Community Board 4.