‘What good is two weeks off from work, when many of us are one paycheck away from devastation because rents are skyrocketing thanks to the mayor’s development agenda?’
Proponents wonder why an environmental impact study that explores so many facets of a neighborhood—its workforce, open space, traffic, housing market and even shadows—cannot also look at racial impacts.
The mayor in 2015 set a goal of rezoning up to 15 neighborhoods in a drive to create more density and more affordable housing. Five rezonings have passed and at least three are likely to move forward in 2019.
Some in Greenpoint are reassured by the plans put forward by the developer of the former NuHart and Company vinyl and plastics factory, but other neighbors remain wary.
The challenge contends the Inwood rezoning’s environmental impact study missed important factors such as the impact on preferential rent leases, racial displacement, and minority- and women-owned businesses.
Some East Harlem residents are less optimistic about the prospect of the new stations, and are particularly concerned about the potential disruption caused by their construction, which is estimated to take about nine years.
The suit by the City Council and Manhattan Borough President is one of three possible cases involving the proposed skyscrapers.
‘We have the opportunity to change the course for homeless New Yorkers and those on the brink of homelessness and we need to act now.’
‘There needs to be a moratorium on any new development schemes until NYCHA housing complies with all New York City building codes.’
‘Building supertall finger buildings that allow high sales prices based on the views they let inhabitants own hurts neighborhoods by blocking light and air from other buildings and public streets.’