Committee on Land Use

Meeting called to order and procedural announcements

Chair Riley announces webinar start; Council Staff welcomes attendees, asks to silence devices, fill out appearance cards, and not approach the dais.

0:00:28 32 sec

Chair Riley opens meeting and introduces committee members

Chair Riley welcomes attendees, identifies himself as chair, and lists attending council members.

0:01:00 47 sec

Chair Riley announces oversight hearing on Block-by-Block housing plan

He notes the hearing will start in 10 minutes, describes the plan's goal of 400,000 affordable units, and looks forward to discussion and public feedback.

0:01:47 1 min 53 sec

Chair Riley outlines land use votes on Convent Avenue, Coney Island Avenue, and Sapphire Street

He describes three proposals: LUs 129/130 (48-50 Convent Avenue), LUs 142/143 (1455 Coney Island Avenue), LUs 144/145 (135-27 Sapphire Street), and calls for a vote.

0:03:40 1 min 16 sec

ROLL CALL

Roll call vote on land use items

Committee Clerk Willie Martin calls the roll; all items are coupled. The vote passes 10-0, with members voting aye.

0:04:56 20 sec

Chair Riley acknowledges joined members and opens oversight hearing

He notes Councilmembers Banks, Salaam, and Hanks joined, thanks colleagues and clerk, and opens the oversight hearing on the block-by-block housing plan.

0:05:16 1 min 31 sec

Chair Riley announces procedures for public testimony

He explains hybrid format, how to testify via Zoom or in person, two-minute limit, email for written testimony, and decorum rules.

0:06:47 36 sec

Chair Riley introduces administration officials from DCP and HPD

He welcomes Chair Sadea Sherman (DCP Director), Michael Sandler (HPD Deputy Commissioner), and Edith Su Chen (DCP Executive Director).

0:07:23 13 sec

ROLL CALL

Continuation roll call vote adds Council Member Zhuang

The committee continues roll call; Council Member Zhuang votes aye, bringing total to 11.

0:07:36 27 sec

Chair Riley states goals of Block-by-Block plan

He notes agreement on need to increase housing, describes plan's goal of 200,000 new affordable units as part of 700,000 total units, a rate not seen in 100 years.

0:08:03 47 sec

Chair Riley calls for partnership and details from administration

He says the administration cannot achieve the goals alone, the council is a partner, but details on how HPD and DCP will achieve numbers are absent.

0:08:50 57 sec

Chair Riley emphasizes infrastructure and proactive planning

He notes housing cannot be isolated; needs jobs, transit, open space, schools. Data shows city-led rezonings produced three times more housing than private applications.

0:09:47 55 sec

Chair Riley highlights Bay Ridge, Staten Island, and East New York plans

He mentions council initiatives in Bay Ridge, Staten Island's North Shore, Park Webster in the Bronx, and the East New York Neighborhood Plan which produced 6,000 units, over 50% affordable, with city investments.

0:10:42 50 sec

Chair Riley questions fast-track details and community engagement

He says housing will not be created unless we move together, and asks when details will be available, how communities can participate, and what role neighborhood planning will play.

0:11:32 34 sec

Chair Riley asks about homeownership and state/federal funding

He asks if HPD will build homeownership and family-sized units, and what the administration will do to secure sustained funding, noting we cannot focus only on taxing the rich or building over rail yards.

0:12:06 50 sec

Chair Riley criticizes lack of updates on Block-by-Block proposals

He says there have been no updates since May, DCP has not been forthcoming with micro plans, HPD has not explained financial tools, and details matter.

0:12:56 25 sec

Chair Riley concludes opening statement on housing goals

He says the objective is to expedite housing while supporting communities, and how, what, and where we build will determine future success.

0:13:21 35 sec

Oath administered to administration witnesses

Council Staff asks Chair Sherman, Deputy Commissioner Sandler, and Executive Director Su Chen to swear or affirm to tell the truth.

0:13:56 24 sec

Chair Sherman introduces herself and colleagues

Dan Garodnick (speaking as Chair Sherman) thanks the committee, introduces Michael Sandler and Edith Su Chen.

0:14:20 26 sec

Chair Sherman recaps DCP focus on housing crisis

He notes his previous testimony in March, and that seven months later, the focus remains on unlocking housing, streamlining, and planning for a fairer city.

0:14:46 25 sec

Chair Sherman describes Block by Block plan and DCP's role

He says Mayor Mamdani released the plan, an all-of-the-above approach, and DCP is translating it into action.

0:15:11 1 min 16 sec

Chair Sherman details neighborhood planning and transit-oriented development

He mentions advancing plans along White Plains Road, McDonald's Avenue, and Coney Island Avenue, and developing a citywide transit-oriented development initiative.

0:16:27 1 min 23 sec

Chair Sherman outlines SPEED initiative and pre-certification improvements

He describes streamlining housing proposals, state reforms to SEQRA, reducing pre-certification from two years to six months, and a Linden Place project reaching review a year earlier.

0:17:50 1 min 3 sec

Chair Sherman presents Fair Housing Growth Strategy and Fast Track

He mentions the inaugural Fair Housing Growth Strategy, the Affordable Housing Fast Track with 12 districts, and the goal to expand housing choices.

0:18:53 58 sec

Chair Sherman highlights other DCP priorities and collaboration

He mentions census, city map, waterfronts, industrial areas, community boards, and looks forward to continued partnership with the council.

0:19:51 30 sec

Chair Riley asks if DCP is studying fast-track districts for upzoning

He asks if DCP is studying conditions in the 12 affected districts to identify opportunities for upzoning that produce affordable housing.

0:20:21 1 min 21 sec

Chair Sherman says DCP is assessing fast-track districts, no public analysis yet

He says they are assessing opportunities, the list was just produced, fast track goes into effect in January, and they will engage council members; no additional public analysis beyond methodology.

0:21:42 35 sec

Chair Riley asks about engagement with council members and community boards

He asks if the administration plans to connect with council members and community boards; Garodnick says they notified council members, reached out to all community boards, and have trainings and a public info session.

0:22:17 1 min 15 sec

Chair Riley asks about partnering with DOT, schools, parks for infrastructure

He asks if DCP plans to partner with sister agencies to address development and upzoning; Garodnick says each neighborhood is different, and larger rezonings would come with investments.

0:23:32 1 min 19 sec

Chair Riley presses DCP on communicating infrastructure investment

He says members feel investment is not being talked about, focus is on upzoning and units, and asks how DCP can better communicate that they will prioritize full planning.

0:24:51 28 sec

Chair Riley asks for definition of large-scale rezoning

Garodnick says typical neighborhood rezoning was 10,000-14,000 units, with examples like Bronx Metro North (7,000) and Atlantic Avenue (5,000), and investments aligned with growth.

0:25:19 44 sec

Chair Riley asks if DCP will collaborate on council-led neighborhood rezonings

Garodnick says yes, they welcome it, and mentions Councilmembers Santosuosso and Hanks looking at opportunities.

0:26:03 2 min 7 sec

Chair Riley asks about CPC capacity and engagement for fast-track applications

He asks if DCP will provide CPC capacity to engage on community benefits; Garodnick says yes, they ensure environmental review and mitigation, and CPC can recommend modifications.

0:28:10 1 min 34 sec

Chair Riley asks how DCP will assess infrastructure without environmental review

He asks how DCP will be informed on open space, sewer capacity, school seats, etc., when projects skip environmental review; Garodnick explains the SEQRA exemption for modest projects and that land use review still applies.

0:29:44 58 sec

Chair Riley confirms commitments for larger projects despite SEQRA exemption

He notes the committee usually sees smaller projects, asks if DCP will still negotiate commitments; Garodnick says yes, projects outside fast-track still go to council, fast-track projects go through expedited process.

0:30:42 2 min 28 sec

Chair Riley asks about pipeline of neighborhood plans and OMB funding

He notes DCP is only undertaking two neighborhood plans, asks if more are planned and if OMB set aside capital funding; Garodnick says they will continue neighborhood plans, and all plans are paired with significant investment.

0:33:10 1 min 44 sec

Chair Riley asks about micro plans and community engagement

He asks what a micro plan is and if it involves community engagement; Garodnick says it's a smaller planning approach, any city-led action includes engagement and investment, and they haven't identified specific plans yet.

0:34:54 23 sec

Chair Riley pauses Q&A to allow colleagues to ask questions

He says he will allow members three minutes for first round, starting with Chair Lewis, Chair Marte, then Council Member Sanchez.

0:35:17 1 min 51 sec

Council Member Louis asks about IBX and planning for central Brooklyn

She asks how DCP is planning for communities affected by the Interborough Express; Garodnick says TOD is a cornerstone, South of Prospect plan intersects with IBX, and they are planning long-term.

0:37:08 53 sec

Council Member Louis asks about housing around future IBX stations

She asks if DCP has begun thinking about where housing would go around projected stations; Garodnick says they are in early stages, have had community engagement, and are hearing housing, street safety, and public space as priorities.

0:38:01 53 sec

Council Member Louis asks how DCP will handle private applications citing IBX

She asks how DCP will approach private developers using the future IBX as rationale; Garodnick says they look at land use rationale, welcome transit-oriented development, but treat applications with same scrutiny.

0:38:54 1 min 54 sec

Council Member Marte raises concerns about 100 Gold and 30 FAR text amendment

He says the block-by-block plan mentions 100 Gold but not the zoning text amendment allowing 30 FAR in Lower Manhattan, fears unprecedented development without proper discourse, and calls it a Trojan horse.

0:40:48 1 min

Chair Sherman responds to concerns about 100 Gold and 30 FAR

He acknowledges concerns, says lifting FAR cap creates new opportunities, 100 Gold is a tremendous opportunity for affordable housing, and they will follow up on the text amendment status.

0:41:48 1 min 12 sec

Council Member Marte asks to separate 30 FAR text amendment from 100 Gold

He asks that the text amendment be a separate application; Edith Su Chen says any future 30 FAR application would require separate rezoning and notes a scoping hearing on October 29.

0:43:00 2 min 26 sec

Council Member Sanchez asks about Fair Housing Growth Strategy and affordable need

She asks why long-term needs for deeply affordable and formerly homeless units were not included, whether demolition of rent-stabilized units was considered, how the 25% affordable target was set, and for a status update on Spotlight on the Bronx.

0:45:26 1 min 57 sec

Chair Sherman responds on fair housing and displacement concerns

He thanks the council for the Fair Housing Growth Strategy, says they are sensitive to displacement, and mentions state laws protecting rent-stabilized housing and tools like MIH.

0:47:23 3 min 4 sec

Deputy Commissioner Sandler explains methodology for affordable housing targets

He describes the methodology using population data, difficulty predicting affordable need, and says the 25% target comes from the mayor's housing plan; 50% of financed housing is for extremely low and very low incomes.

0:50:27 1 min 40 sec

Deputy Commissioner Sandler provides update on Spotlight on the Bronx

He says they are kicking off the initiative, adding Community District 2, focusing on healthy homes, public spaces around affordable housing, and will start community board and council conversations later this year.

0:52:07 1 min 11 sec

Chair Riley adds to Marte's question on 100 Gold and comprehensive planning

He says 4,000 units at 100 Gold is a spot zone, and the focus should be on comprehensive planning and investment in the total community.

0:53:18 1 min 56 sec

Council Member Carr asks about ELARP, council role, and infrastructure assessment

He expresses concern that the council no longer negotiates final details under ELARP, asks how DCP will assess infrastructure, who will handle it, and how local input will be incorporated.

0:55:14 2 min 20 sec

Chair Sherman responds to Carr on ELARP and infrastructure

He says projects will be treated the same, with environmental review, community board review, and public testimony; DCP has a stronger role in capital planning, and CPC can recommend modifications.

0:57:34 1 min 29 sec

Council Member Carr and Chair Sherman discuss DCP's role in capital planning

Carr says the council traditionally forced infrastructure commitments, and Garodnick notes DCP has borough teams, a centralized capital team, and climate/resiliency team.

0:59:03 1 min 59 sec

Council Member Thomas-Henry asks about checklist, homeownership, and pipeline

She asks if DCP can create a checklist for projects, whether homeownership will be considered, how many units are in the pipeline, and mentions Willits Point.

1:01:02 1 min 8 sec

Chair Sherman responds on checklist, homeownership, and Willits Point

He appreciates the checklist recommendation, says they are looking at all tools including homeownership, and looks forward to discussions on Willits Point.

1:02:10 54 sec

Council Member Thomas-Henry asks for pipeline numbers; Chair Sherman to follow up

She asks how many approved projects are in the pipeline; Garodnick says he doesn't have the number offhand but will get it, noting most housing is as-of-right.

1:03:04 51 sec

Chair Riley encourages DCP to engage with Council Member Thomas-Henry on Willits Point

He mentions a tour of Willits Point, notes past projections of 5,000-6,000 units then 2,500, and encourages conversation with Thomas-Henry.

1:03:55 2 min 48 sec

Council Member Brooks-Powers asks about flooding and fast track in Southeast Queens

She notes Community District 13 will no longer come before council, asks how fast track will consider flood-prone communities, what say the community will have, and how surrounding neighborhoods' absorbed housing will be accounted for.

1:06:43 1 min 46 sec

Chair Sherman responds on flooding and fast track methodology

He acknowledges flooding issues, says they will work with DEP and capital agencies, notes the fast track is based on rate of production, and mentions the Jamaica neighborhood plan.

1:08:29 1 min 54 sec

Deputy Commissioner Sandler discusses resiliency standards; Brooks-Powers raises concerns

Sandler says new construction meets higher resiliency standards and retains stormwater; Brooks-Powers says past projects have shifted flooding problems, and asks about written responses and units waiting for financing.

1:10:23 49 sec

Chair Sherman and Deputy Commissioner Sandler respond on written responses and financing

Garodnick says they will follow up on written responses to community boards; Sandler says many projects are waiting for financing and he will follow up on Community District 13 data.

1:11:12 2 min 23 sec

Council Member Banks asks about NYCHA partnerships and infill development

He asks what specific strategies are under consideration for NYCHA partnerships, including infill, land use, and transfer of development rights; Garodnick says NYCHA is pursuing opportunities, but no active proposal at this time.

1:13:35 1 min 42 sec

Council Member Banks asks about criteria for transit-oriented development

He asks what criteria determine where additional density is allowed near transit and how residents can be assured of no overdevelopment; Garodnick says they are taking a citywide look, assessing all 600+ miles of transit, and will share a proposal.

1:15:17 1 min 44 sec

Council Member Encarnación asks about NYCHA land value and revenue

She asks how the value of NYCHA land is determined, who determines it, and whether the city plays a role; Garodnick says DCP does not have a direct role, and NYCHA negotiates deals.

1:17:01 1 min 54 sec

Council Member Encarnación raises concerns about building quality and warehousing

She expresses concerns about fast-paced construction quality, wage standards, and vacant privately-owned sites that have not been developed despite rezoning.

1:18:55 2 min 26 sec

Chair Sherman and Deputy Commissioner Sandler respond on warehousing and building quality

Garodnick offers to follow up on East Harlem rezoning and new zoning tools; Sandler says HPD has robust design standards and wage standards through the Construction Justice Act.

1:21:21 2 min 18 sec

Council Member Hanks asks about North Shore planning and EDC partnership

She describes efforts to turn vacant sites into housing, asks how HPD and DCP can support, and what tools can expedite projects.

1:23:39 1 min 36 sec

Chair Sherman responds on North Shore and available tools

He says DCP's Staten Island office met with her team, EDC is a partner, her district is not in fast track but tools like ELERP and SEQRA exemption are available.

1:25:15 41 sec

Deputy Commissioner Sandler discusses Stapleton waterfront project

He says they are working with EDC on the Stapleton waterfront, have had setbacks but hope to close soon, and will meet about the Castleton site.

1:25:56 1 min 29 sec

Council Member Narcisse asks about infrastructure and CB18 fast track designation

She says she is not against development but sees no infrastructure plan, mentions flooding in Canarsie, and asks if DCP consulted DEP, DOB, or DOE before placing CB18 on fast track.

1:27:25 1 min 29 sec

Chair Sherman responds on fast track methodology and infrastructure

He says the list was determined by charter-mandated methodology, and now the work begins to assess opportunities; he acknowledges capital planning is a priority.

1:28:54 58 sec

Council Member Narcisse asks about flood plan and affordable housing applications in CB18

She asks about the 2080 flood plan, whether DEP, DOB, DOE were consulted, and how many affordable housing applications were proposed in CB18 in the last five years.

1:29:52 1 min 25 sec

Chair Sherman responds on CB18 applications and methodology

He says he doesn't know the number of applications prior to his tenure, anticipates activity in fast-track districts, and says the list is based on charter methodology; Narcisse says it's one-size-fits-all.

1:31:17 1 min 1 sec

Council Member Zhuang asks about AMI vs market rate in her district

She says affordable housing at 80% AMI costs more than market rate in her district, asks how DCP deals with this, and says building more affordable housing drives market rate up.

1:32:18 1 min 8 sec

Chair Sherman responds on AMI and MIH levels

He says MIH levels are based on AMI, sometimes close to market, but MIH rents do not accelerate like private market, and HPD has other tools.

1:33:26 1 min

Council Member Zhuang asks about density and Bronx fast-track districts

She asks why ELERP doesn't account for population density, and why no Bronx districts were selected for fast track despite having more housing units than her district.

1:34:26 2 min 9 sec

Chair Sherman and Deputy Commissioner Sandler respond on density and AMI

Garodnick says every neighborhood is appropriate for affordable housing, fast track targets lagging production; Sandler explains AMI is based on market rents and HPD ensures highest AMI tier is below market.

1:36:35 1 min 21 sec

Chair Riley raises AMI issue and conversations with federal government

He notes the Bronx has done its fair share, mentions AMI mixing with Westchester, and asks if there is energy to address AMI; Sandler says he can't speak to mayor's conversations but HPD serves right incomes.

1:37:56 56 sec

Council Member Brewer expresses frustration about Upper West Side on fast track

She says the Upper West Side wants affordable housing but has no vacant land, asks why it's on the list, and says conversions of SROs are not counted.

1:38:52 1 min 1 sec

Chair Sherman responds to Brewer on fast track methodology

He says the list is based on charter methodology applied without exception, notes development is happening on Upper West Side, and mentions MIH and HPD tools.

1:39:53 1 min 59 sec

Council Member Brewer challenges Chair Sherman on Upper West Side targets

She says she will vote against ballot initiatives, asks how the city will get 12,000 units, and says the only way to change it is to go to court; Garodnick says they are focused on implementation.

1:41:52 1 min 42 sec

Council Member Santosuosso asks about MIH affordability and loss of council power

She says Bay Ridge rents are relatively affordable, MIH apartments are more expensive than average, and asks what DCP will do to ensure deeper affordability now that council loses negotiating power.

1:43:34 1 min 30 sec

Chair Sherman responds on MIH affordability and deeper affordability tools

He acknowledges tension, says CPC can modify MIH levels, and proactive planning can lay out tools for deeper affordability; East New York example shows mix of MIH and city tools.

1:45:04 2 min 9 sec

Council Member Santosuosso asks about transit-oriented development and R train investments

She asks what capital investments are planned for TOD, especially with the R train, and if there's a role for council; Garodnick says they are in early conversations with MTA and welcome partnership.

1:47:13 3 min 56 sec

Council Member Lee asks about infrastructure standards and community input

She describes her district's infrastructure challenges, asks what standards will evaluate sewer capacity, drainage, transportation, and who will ensure commitments are met; she cites Creedmoor as a successful community input example.

1:51:09 1 min 35 sec

Chair Sherman responds on infrastructure metrics and community engagement

He says capital investment will be front and center, public engagement will continue, and they will get back to her on metrics; projects in flight will be part of next analysis.

1:52:44 2 min 11 sec

Council Member Lee asks about bad landlords proposing projects

She asks if DCP factors in history of bad landlords; Garodnick says CPC reviews zoning appropriateness, and HPD takes enforcement seriously with programs like Fix the City.

1:54:55 1 min 6 sec

Chair Riley asks about timeline for transit-oriented development plan

He asks if there's a deadline for the TOD plan; Garodnick says they are in early stages and hope to start conversations with council early next year.

1:56:01 3 min 54 sec

Chair Riley asks about DCP's role in capital planning and infrastructure investment

He asks how DCP influences capital improvements given no capital budget; Garodnick says DCP coordinates and has a role in 10-year capital plan, but is not an implementation agency; Chair Riley pushes for more influence.

1:59:55 50 sec

Chair Riley asks about DCP staffing and new positions

He notes DCP added 41 new staff in FY27 budget, asks if any for neighborhood planning; Garodnick says 46 new lines for new responsibilities, including SEQRA-exempt applications, census, city map, and charter duties.

2:00:45 42 sec

Chair Riley asks about DCP vacancy rates and hiring

He asks for breakdown of borough staffing and vacancy rates; Garodnick says overall vacancy rate is 24%, with 28 positions posted, 9 in pipeline, and civil service call-ins.

2:01:27 1 min 16 sec

Chair Riley asks if DCP can maintain design quality on accelerated track

He asks if DCP can still shape good urban design with pre-certification reduced to six months; Garodnick says speed is about process, not supplementing planning judgment, and projects still go through land use review.

2:02:43 1 min 15 sec

Chair Riley asks about DCP Sprint team goals

He asks about the Sprint team; Garodnick says it will focus on SEQRA-exempt applications, work with borough offices, and has 13 exempt applications already, moving to six-month pre-certification in fall.

2:03:58 1 min 26 sec

Chair Riley asks about borough office role in private application review

He is concerned centralizing work will reduce local consideration; Garodnick says Sprint team works in coordination with borough offices, and borough offices still handle large-scale applications and neighborhood plans.

2:05:24 1 min 5 sec

Chair Riley asks if HPD and DCP have resources for 700,000-unit goal

He notes the goal is ambitious, last achieved in 1920s, asks if they considered additional resources; Garodnick says they have increased headcount and will assess needs in next budget cycle.

2:06:29 56 sec

Chair Riley asks if DCP analyzed zoning changes needed for housing targets

He asks if DCP has done analysis of zoning changes and new development necessary; Garodnick says strategies include citywide TOD, speed reforms, Sprint team, and Affordable Housing Fast Track.

2:07:25 2 min 17 sec

Chair Riley asks HPD to prioritize council-identified library sites

He mentions three library sites (Parkchester, Marcy, Sunnyside) and asks if HPD will add them to pipeline; Sandler says they are evaluating, have three library projects already, and will continue conversations.

2:09:42 2 min 21 sec

Chair Riley asks about administration's homeownership plan

He emphasizes homeownership, asks what the plan is; Sandler describes programs: retaining homeowners, down payment assistance (doubling to 300/year, up to 120% AMI), Open Door program (doubling to 300 units/year), and new Our Home program.

2:12:03 2 min 22 sec

Chair Riley asks how community board recommendations influence CPC decisions

He asks what mechanism ensures community board and borough president recommendations meaningfully influence CPC; Garodnick says CPC is independent, reviews all testimony, and commission reports outline how decisions are made.

2:14:25 5 min 1 sec

Council Member Wong asks about infrastructure and flooding in his district

He describes aging power lines and sewer grid, flooding, and asks how DCP will ensure water and electric grids can handle new development; Garodnick says they consider environmental impact and capital infrastructure, and the fast track still includes public review.

2:19:26 1 min 45 sec

Council Member Brewer asks about rent-stabilized demolition and historic districts

She asks if the administration commits to not tearing down rent-stabilized buildings, says buyouts happen, and asks about historic districts; Garodnick says they want to protect rent-stabilized housing and historic districts go through LPC review.

2:21:11 1 min 19 sec

Council Member Brewer asks why Bloomingdale Library is only partially affordable

She asks why the Bloomingdale Library project is only partially affordable while the other two are 100%; Garodnick says the other two are 100% affordable, and the Bloomingdale site can cross-subsidize; Sandler says they lack capital resources and use creative strategies.

2:22:30 1 min 9 sec

Council Member Brewer asks about NYCHA Harborview units

She says Harborview has been waiting since Hudson Yards decision for 124 units, asks for commitment; Sandler says they are focused on preserving existing NYCHA units, and Harborview has not moved forward; Brewer asks about Hudson Yards agreement.

2:23:39 3 min 2 sec

Chair Riley reads Council Member Farias' question on school site co-location

He reads a statement about 1880 East Tremont Avenue, originally planned for housing but now slated for a school, and asks what process assesses co-locating housing with schools; Sandler describes the Mayor's LIFT initiative and interagency coordination.

2:26:41 2 min 14 sec

Chair Riley asks about implementation of New York City Industrial Plan

He asks if DCP is continuing to implement the industrial plan; Garodnick says yes, they use the land use framework to guide planning, and balance housing in neighborhood industrial areas while preserving heavy industrial.

2:28:55 47 sec

Chair Riley asks about activating more waterfronts for housing

He asks if DCP and HPD are looking at activating more waterfronts; Garodnick says there is tension with industrial uses, but they evaluate proposals, ensure public access, and recently surveyed New Yorkers on waterfront activation.

2:29:42 1 min 32 sec

Chair Riley asks about White Plains Road plan collaboration

He asks how DCP and HPD will collaborate on senior housing, affordable rental, and homeownership in White Plains Road; Garodnick says they will work closely with HPD, have heard community needs, and will figure out mix of programs.

2:31:14 1 min 42 sec

Chair Riley asks HPD to meet with Ebenezer church on affordable homeownership

He says they have had challenges with HPD regarding Ebenezer, asks them to sit down with the organization; HPD (unknown speaker) says they would be happy to meet and have technical assistance programs.

2:32:56 55 sec

Chair Riley asks how HPD will prioritize family-sized units in rezoning

He asks how HPD will encourage family-sized units; HPD says design standards require minimum 30% two-to-three bedrooms, max 25% studios, and they typically exceed, closer to 41% two or more bedrooms.

2:33:51 1 min 36 sec

Chair Riley asks how community vision will shape White Plains Road zoning

He asks how the city will incorporate community input on size and scale; Garodnick says they are pulling together a draft zoning framework, will continue engagement, and will move into public review.

2:35:27 1 min 35 sec

Chair Riley delivers closing remarks on collaboration and comprehensive planning

He thanks witnesses, says the essence is collaboration and planning, the council is not NIMBY, wants to work with administration, but needs comprehensive planning and infrastructure investment; 700,000 units is ambitious and they need partnership.

2:37:02 1 min 16 sec

Chair Riley excuses administration witnesses and opens public testimony

He thanks the administration officials, excuses them, and announces the first panel of public speakers: Chris Walters, Brendan Shaney, Kevin Wolf, and Lacey Tauber.

2:38:18 2 min 12 sec

Chris Walters of ANHD testifies on comprehensive planning

He supports Block by Block's goals but says comprehensive planning is missing; calls for legislation for community-based neighborhood planning and coordination with neighborhood investment.

2:40:30 2 min 26 sec

Lacey Tauber of Brooklyn Borough President's Office testifies on fair housing and affordability

She echoes need for comprehensive planning, says deeply affordable housing numbers won't meet Brooklyn's needs, and concerns about displacement risk and preservation of M zones.

2:42:56 1 min 44 sec

Brendan Cheney of New York Housing Conference testifies on housing supply

He says recent changes are steps in right direction but more needed; supports neighborhood rezonings, micro plans, and transit-oriented development.

2:44:40 2 min 48 sec

Kevin Wolf of Center for NYC Neighborhoods testifies on ADUs

He supports Block by Block, focuses on ADUs, says over 256,000 lots could accommodate ADUs, recommends expanding ADU Plus program and community-based nonprofits for technical assistance.

2:47:28 2 min 4 sec

Matt Thibodeau of Municipal Arts Society testifies on comprehensive planning

He supports ambition but concerns about lack of coordination, rigor, and strategy; urges city to publish clear plan connecting housing goals with capital commitments and establish dedicated funding for neighborhood planning.

2:49:32 2 min 8 sec

Yvette Chen of Fair Housing Justice Center testifies on accessibility and discrimination

She focuses on accessibility, enforcement of fair housing laws, funding for CCHR to enforce source of income discrimination, and comprehensive planning.

2:51:40 3 min 27 sec

Jack Connors of Open New York testifies on housing shortage

He says crisis is due to not building enough homes, supports 200,000 affordable homes goal, and cross-subsidizing MIH with market rate; looks forward to TOD citywide.

2:55:07 2 min 22 sec

Stephanie Simone-Mahaney of Brooklyn CB10 testifies on fast track methodology

She objects to CB10 being on fast track, says methodology is flawed, concerns about displacement and loss of democratic accountability.

2:57:29 2 min 27 sec

Victoria Hoffmel of Bay Ridge testifies on neighborhood planning and affordability

She describes Bay Ridge's history, says MIH rents are above market, and the definition of affordability is biased against stable communities.

2:59:56 2 min 22 sec

Josephine Beckmann of Brooklyn CB10 testifies on infrastructure and displacement

She says CB10 has 14,909 rent-stabilized units, concerns about displacement, school seat deficit, and antiquated sewer infrastructure.

3:02:18 2 min 16 sec

Rochelle Thompson testifies on senior tenant harassment and eviction

She says she has lived in rent-stabilized apartment for 41 years, faced 19 eviction attempts, asks council to protect seniors and enforce housing code.

3:04:34 2 min 26 sec

Andrea Goldwyn of New York Landmarks Conservancy testifies on fast track and historic districts

She opposes fast track and fair housing growth strategy, says they will lead to demolition of existing affordable housing and remove public participation, and concerns about historic districts.

3:07:00 2 min 9 sec

Emma Bartley of Historic Districts Council testifies on preservation and affordability

She supports affordable housing but concerns about high market-rate targets incentivizing demolitions, and says city's measure of housing growth overlooks conversions and rehab.

3:09:09 2 min 21 sec

Christina Weggs testifies on community ownership and anti-displacement

She supports Block by Block but wants comprehensive neighborhood plan, deep affordability, community ownership, dedicated funds for community land trusts, and anti-displacement protections.

3:11:30 2 min 38 sec

Zeynep Turan of Friends of Upper East Side testifies on preservation and deep affordability

She asks how Block by Block fits with other strategies, how it works in dense neighborhoods, and calls for preservation of existing affordable housing and replacement of demolished units.

3:14:08 2 min 35 sec

Dan Fortini of Plumbers Local 1 testifies on plastic piping opposition

He opposes expansion of plastic piping in buildings taller than five stories, says it poses fire safety and public health risks, and asks for public disclosure of task force recommendations.

3:16:43 1 min 50 sec

Anthony Orlowski of McWane Plumbing Group testifies on plastic piping

He opposes plastic piping in tall buildings, says it is inferior to cast iron and copper, and performance depends on installation quality.

3:18:33 1 min 51 sec

Matthew Gagliotta of Allied Building Inspectors Local 211 testifies on inspector staffing

He says the housing plan will increase workloads for inspectors at DOB, HPD, and NYCHA, and asks for increased funding for inspector staffing and equipment.

3:20:24 3 min 38 sec

Dave Parney of Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute testifies on plastic piping

He opposes plastic piping in buildings taller than five stories, cites fire safety and water safety concerns, and urges council to oppose code changes.

3:24:02 3 min 53 sec

Patricia Legate testifies on housing fraud and voucher issues

She describes losing her home to fraud, being injured, and discovering that her rental property is owned by NYCHA but stolen; Council Staff says they will connect her with assistance.

3:27:55 2 min 23 sec

John Biggers of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry testifies on plastic piping

He opposes plastic piping in tall buildings, cites fire safety concerns, and says height restrictions are common nationwide.

3:30:18 49 sec

Chair Riley thanks in-person panel and moves to virtual testimony

He thanks the panel, asks anyone else who wants to testify to see the sergeant at arms, and announces virtual panel: Kyle Ems, Cheryl Mervin, and Dominic Derwiski.

3:31:07 2 min 18 sec

Kyle Ems testifies on HPD tax exemption for preservation

He raises concerns about a large affordable housing preservation tax exemption awarded to his building, says tenants were not informed and do not want it, and questions the $359 million cost.

3:33:25 2 min 28 sec

Fabian Derewiecki of Local 78 testifies on asbestos permitting delays

He supports accelerating affordable housing, but says asbestos permitting delays are a critical obstacle, and urges support for professional certification legislation to speed up abatement.

3:35:53 1 min 27 sec