Is This What we Can Expect From Mayor Eric Adams? - Borough President Eric Adams Rejects Proposals For 840 Atlantic Avenue In Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

 

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams rejected proposals to rezone a large assemblage of lots that would have supported a new 18-story mixed-use property in Prospect Heights. The proposed development site is located at 840 Atlantic Avenue and was projected to yield 300 rental apartments including up to 95 affordable housing units, 51,000 square feet of lower-level retail, and a 7,490-square-foot dance studio.

The project team responsible for the property includes developer Vanderbilt Atlantic Holdings, LLC with IMC Architecture at the helm of design.

The proposed building would have contained 342,610 square feet and would have topped out around 195 feet. Zoning map amendments were required to permit the construction of a tall, dense mixed-use property in a neighborhood that primarily comprises low-rise residential and mixed-use commercial properties.

On May 17, 2021, Adams held a remote public hearing on these zoning map and text amendments. There were 15 speakers on the item, with only one in opposition and 13 in support, including a representative of 32BJ Service Employees International Union (32BJ), who noted the developer’s commitment to providing well-paying building service jobs.

Community leaders present at the meeting requested that the affordable units, originally proposed at 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI), should be reserved for individuals and households at 60 percent AMI. They also protested the rezoning proposals would eventually lead to drastic contextual changes to the surrounding neighborhood as a result of increased allowable height and density.

In a public response, Adams said that he generally supports the developer’s proposal to increase density along wide commercial streets in this specific area of Prospect Heights, which would have facilitate the new building. He acknowledged that the project represents a large jump in density from what is permitted by the underlying district.

Adams challenged the developer to limit the height of the property to 145 feet, offer more deeply affordable housing units, increase ground-floor setbacks, and commit to extending portions of the sidewalk surrounding the property to improve pedestrian access among other recommendations inspired by feedback from community leaders.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR EUNICE PARK RETURNS TO CITY HALL

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced Communications Director Eunice Park will return to City Hall after a short leave of absence to reprise her duties of leading economic recovery and strategic planning, City Hall and agency communications, and event coordination.

“When a global pandemic hit New York City, Eunice Park’s determination, creativity and ability to innovate helped steer the City through some of the hardest months in our history,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Eunice is a tireless public servant and we’re excited she is picking up right where she left off as we drive a recovery for all of us.”

 

“It’s an honor to rejoin City Hall and continue to lead the communications strategy of the de Blasio administration," said Communications Director Eunice Park. "I want to thank the Mayor for providing me the opportunity to once again serve the people of New York City under his leadership.”

 

“Whether it is coordinating New York City’s response to the toughest days of a global pandemic or shaping the closing argument in a tightly contested citywide race, Eunice Park knows how to connect with New Yorkers in high pressure situations,” said Press Secretary Bill Neidhardt. “Eunice worked hand-in-hand with agencies across city government during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and with her back, we’re ready to make every moment count as we work to ensure our City recovers with equity.”

 

Eunice Park most recently served as Communications Director for Maya Wiley’s mayoral campaign while away from City Hall, where she also previously served as Deputy Communications Director and Communications Advisor. Prior to joining the de Blasio Administration, Ms. Park led public affairs strategy and campaigns for several progressive causes and public interest organizations, including the Center for Reproductive Rights, Fenton Communications, Clinton Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council, and World Wildlife Fund.

177 Days and Counting

 

I'm so happy that Eric Adams will be your next mayor, I may just endorse him since I am a Democrat. His opponent is still riding the subways, and playing vigilante. If Jumaane Williams wins for Governor maybe I can get my old seat back as Public Advocate, and who knows where I can go from there, maybe Mayor again.

Charlene and I are off to another state today to get away from all the bad things that are going on in New York City. Let me see where we can retire and THRIVE somewhere other than New York City.

Senator Rivera on States Reaching a Settlement Plan with Purdue Pharma

 

  “I commend the extraordinary efforts of New York Attorney General James who reached a historic settlement along with 15 other states to hold Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family accountable for their role in the opioid crisis. While this resolution is certainly imperfect, as it will shelter the Sackler Family and associates from future opioid-related lawsuits, it will shut down the Oxycotin manufacturer, force the Sacklers to provide critical documentation about the drug company's inner workings, and, most importantly, secure approximately $4.2 billion, with $200 million coming to New York State.

This resolution, along with New York's recent settlement with Johnson & Johnson for $230 million, will play a crucial role in holding irresponsible pharmaceutical companies accountable for their part in fueling our country's opioid epidemic, which has left millions of American families including thousands in our State mourning the untimely death of their loved ones. Earlier this year, the Governor signed my bill to establish an Opioid Settlement Fund, which will ensure the funds New York receives as settlements will be used for their intended purpose - funding substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services. 

While this settlement will not bring back those we lost, it will bring us one step closer to overcoming this horrific epidemic. However, we must continue to push for bold measures to protect New Yorkers, prevent overdose deaths, and help those struggling with substance use, including establishing Overdose Prevention Centers in New York. We can pass my bill or hope the Governor keeps his promise to authorize these centers through executive action."

ESPAILLAT HIGHLIGHTS CHILD TAX CREDIT BENEFITS TO DISTRICT FAMILIES

 

Rep. Adriano Espaillat Helped Secure Expanded Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan

Representative Adriano Espaillat released the following statement highlighting benefits of the Child Tax Credit to families in the district:

"Together, with President Biden, we have created more than 2 million jobs since he took office and unemployment claims have been cut in half. More than 140 million Americans are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and nearly 65 percent of adults have received at least one shot. Help is here. And thanks to the American Rescue Plan, we passed into law, even more help is on the way for working families," said Rep. Espaillat.  "Next month, more than 46,000 households in my district will begin to automatically receive Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments through the end of this year — and the average benefit will total $3,000. This massive tax relief – and major change was made possible by my Democratic colleagues and I in the House and Senate passing the American Rescue Plan – will help families and the community as a whole by putting more money in pockets to help pay for child care or put gas in the car so individuals can go to work and help fuel our economy while building better lives for themselves and their families. We are stronger together and are helping families and our community get back on track to be stronger and better than before," he concluded. Beginning July 15th, nearly all working families will automatically receive Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments through the end of this year–that’s tax relief for roughly 39 million households, covering almost 90 percent of children in the United States. More than 90% of children in New York's 13th congressional district will gain from the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit — reaching more than 141,000 children total. The average benefit for 46,400 households in the district will total $3,000, and the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit will help lift 13,700 district youth out of poverty.  Most families will start receiving monthly payments automatically in July. If you have filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020, or if you signed up to receive a stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service, you do not need to sign up or take any action. For the small number of families who did not file a tax return for 2019 or 2020 and who did not use the IRS Non-filers tool last year to sign up for the Economic Impact Payments, there is still time to make sure you get your Child Tax Credit Monthly Payments. Go online and use the IRS Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool to sign up today- HERE (English) and HERE (Spanish). For more information on the new and improved Child Tax Credit, visit HERE (English) and HERE (Spanish).

Nos Quedamos - Stage Garden Rumba at Sunshine Community Garden on SATURDAY, JULY 10th ~ 3-6PM

 

Facebook Twitter Website Subscribe STAGE GARDEN RUMBA 7/10 at Sunshine Community Garden East 174th Street and Bryant Avenue, Bronx On Saturday, July 10, from 3pm to 6pm, in partnership with Pregones/PRTT, we bring you another amazing al fresco session of Stage Garden Rumba—AKA "pachanga with conscience"—to the Sunshine Community Garden in the South Bronx! This week’s lineup: Emcee extraordinaire Caridad “La Bruja” De La Luz Norka Hernández Nadal's Afro Puerto Rican Grupo Bámbula Poets "MARIPOSA" Fernández, Rosalynn Díaz, and Ray Jane Civil/justice rights activist Edwin Ortíz, Environmentalist and health activist Dr. Melissa Barber Mexican dance troupe MAZarte Dance Company The kinetic rhythms of Los Pleneros de la 21 Space is limited and Covid safety will be observed. Open to ALL and always FREE. Click below for map and directions. Download FLYER (PDF). Join Nos Quedamos' PHOENIX e-newsletter and stay in-the-know. Programs made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with City Council, and from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Southwest Airlines is the Official Airline of Pregones/PRTT. View a full list of our generous funders here: pregonesprtt.org.

SAVE THE DATE: JULY 18 - Fordham Flea

 

Uptown Night Market - Cancellation Saturday Due to the Weather