Leadership needed on rezoning

To Councilman Andrew  ohen,

With reference to “More rezoning details needed” ( Sept. 3): 

After reading your response to criticism in The Riverdale Press, I am very concerned that you have forgotten what it means to be a good leader. Your constituents have been raising serious concerns about the impacts of the proposed rezoning under consideration by the Department of City Planning, but you have chosen to remain silent. Your silence is deafening. In your response, you state that more details are needed before you can take a position. I attended the Community Board 8 Land Use Committee presentation by City Planning, and disagree that there is not enough information available.

I find your stance troubling on many levels. Many seasoned officials have found fault with the mayor’s proposed rezoning plan. How is it that they are comfortable enough to communicate their objections to their constituents and the City Planning Commission in advance of the final legislation? Isn’t it better to be ahead of the curve than to try and play catch-up? If this is in fact a “living document” open to discussion, shouldn’t the discussions be held now? You are not listening to your constituents. I am sure that many of them are disappointed with how you have handled this issue. Please do not disappoint the people who believed enough in your leadership to go to the polls.

All effective leaders must make tough decisions. It goes with the job. What type of leader are you going to be? What will be your legacy?

Tara McMaster