BY EMILY SUHR
Community Board 15, which covers areas of southeast Brooklyn, met on Oct. 28 to discuss the electoral ballot proposals that could reshape city land-use policy, the reopening of the Gerritsen Beach Public Library, and other key issues.
Speaking for the City Council’s Planning & Land Use Division, Frank Julca from the NYC Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy gave an in-depth presentation on Proposals 2, 3, and 4, which he claimed could significantly reduce local control over housing and development decisions.
Julca argued that the proposals would transfer power from the City Council to the mayor’s office and unelected planning bodies, limiting community oversight in the city’s land-use process. He noted that the proposals would “fast-track” affordable housing but warned that most of the new units would still be market-rate, with only 20-30% designated as affordable.
“Your local council member is usually the one that negotiates for the deeply affordable housing, and this does not guarantee it,” said Julca. “Again, a yes would eliminate the only vote that your elected representative would have.”
Julca warned that proposed changes could weaken zoning protections for single and two-family homes and remove the City Council’s formal vote on development projects, replacing it with an advisory review. He noted that past projects like the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan and the Gowanus rezoning demonstrated the council’s ability to negotiate affordable housing and infrastructure, which would be challenging under the new system.
“These are not your local representatives, and therefore they do not know your community best,” said Julca. “And it weakens communities’ negotiating power to be more affordable housing and investments to local parks, schools, and transits. Do we trust the developers to listen to our community needs and make these happen? I guess you can answer that.”
Julca provided a website where residents can go to learn the pros and cons of each proposal.
When asked by Community Board 15 Chairperson Theresa Scavo whether City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams had taken a position on the proposals, Julca said she had not. “We are not allowed to tell people how to vote,” Julca said. “During my presentation, what I’ve done is give you our side and the facts, but it is up to you all to decide how to vote.”
The meeting also included updates on the Gerritsen Beach Public Library, which is preparing to reopen on Nov. 12 after renovations. Assistant Branch Manager Marisa Kuras shared that the library will offer both its traditional materials and an expanded range of programs and community services.
“We’ll have our quality selection of books, periodicals, DVDs, newspapers,” said Kuras, “but we’ll also provide services and programs for children, teens, adults, and older adults.”
Some of those services include notary, resume writing, arts and crafts, and more.
Christopher Greif, who is part of the New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC) and an advocate for improving accessibility on public transit, discussed the Access-A-Ride (AAR) program. AAR is shared-ride transportation that allows people with disabilities to avoid public buses and trains. The fares are the same as public transit and trips can be booked online. Greif handed out leaflets with more information about AAR.
Public transportation was a hot topic during the public session. Allan Rosen, former director of MTA NYCT Bus Planning, informed attendees of the MTA’s Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign, which is in its final stages.
“Last month I requested that the board request from the MTA that they issue a second draft as opposed to a proposed final plan for the Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign, which they intend to do,” said Rosen.
Chairperson Scavo took offense, responding, “How do you know I didn’t do it?” She confirmed that she requested the MTA to release a second draft, but did not provide any updates.
Rosen is a longtime opponent of the redesign, which would consist of eliminating bus stops in favor of improving travel time, and changing some of the bus routes. Rosen has written about his stance before.
Other speakers included representatives from the 41st Assembly District, the 48th Council District, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and the Brooklyn Borough President’s office, who each provided updates for ongoing projects.
Community Board 15’s next meeting is Nov. 18.