Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - An Update From The Bruckner Boulevard Public Hearing

 

Dear Neighbors,

Last Wednesday, the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises hosted a public hearing regarding the Bruckner Site Rezoning proposal. Over 75 individuals testified across all platforms, in addition to the Council receiving over 100 testimonies via email. Thank you all for participating in last week’s hearing and making your voice heard.

Enclosed in this email is an update on the status of the Bruckner Site Rezoning Proposal. For those who missed last week’s hearing, please click here to view the recording. In addition, I would like to make the following clarification regarding the New York City Land Use Process:

The New York City Council must allow all rezoning proposals to follow a Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). This means that all proposals must be reviewed by the local community board, the Borough President, and the City Planning Commission. The Council then introduces the land use items at a Stated meeting and holds a hearing on the items, which is then followed by votes at the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, then the Committee on Land Use, and finally the full New York City Council body. This is the legal process for all land use proposals that are subject to ULURP, and we cannot deter from the democratic processes that allow for a stable and structured government.

Additionally, many have asked whether or not my stance has changed - it has not. I stand opposed to the project and will work towards ensuring my colleagues are aware of the repercussions this project would impose on our community. Many of you have also inquired about Council Member deference, a practice in which local City Council members effectively have the most influence on land use decisions in their respective districts. I have had conversations with my colleagues and expressed my many concerns about the proposed rezoning of Bruckner Boulevard. As you all know, I have an open-door policy, and I am here to answer any questions you have regarding this process.

If you have not submitted a testimony, please email landusetestimony@council.nyc.gov. If you have general questions, you can reach out to my office at District13@council.nyc.gov or call 718-931-1721.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez