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.’
‘It’s an exercise in dreaming big,’ Carl Rodrigues, a senior policy adviser to Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen, told attendees.
Opposition to the towers is vocal, and the oppositions’ strategies are varied: Some want to force a land-use review via legislation, while others are threatening a lawsuit.
The activist turned developer pitched a community land trust based not around collective ownership of affordable housing but private owners with deep roots in gentrifying areas. Not everyone loved the idea.
City Limits invited readers to go on camera and explain why the most important issue to them in this election year should matter to us, too. Ocesa Keaton of Syracuse took us up on the offer.
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