More rezoning details needed

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There seems to be a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about the potential rezoning under consideration by the Department of City Planning.  It is confusing, in part, because there are several rezoning proposals being developed simultaneously.  Some are citywide and may impact neighborhoods in the Northwest Bronx, such as “Zoning for Quality & Affordability” and “Mandatory Inclusionary Housing,” while others are for specific neighborhoods like East New York in Brooklyn and Morris Heights in the Bronx and will not affect our community. 

Just to be clear, a zoning change is a change in the zoning law, which can only be made by the City Council. As of today, NO bill has been introduced to the City Council that would change any of the current zoning of our neighborhoods. If a bill is ultimately introduced in the council, there will be multiple hearings and negotiations with the mayor before any bill comes up for a vote. 

To their credit, the Department of City Planning has come to the community board and presented some ideas about how they would like to change zoning to encourage the development of more affordable housing. These presentations are merely ideas and a starting point for community engagement and discussion. Despite this, a handful of local residents are up in arms and exploiting what are the hard-to-understand technicalities of zoning to create fear and anger, even suggesting that City Planning seeks to eliminate “every last blade of grass in Riverdale.” 

I have also been criticized for not being more outspoken on this issue and not taking a public stance on the ideas presented by City Planning. However, I feel that it is my responsibility as a legislator to read legislation before supporting or opposing a bill. As legislation has yet to be drafted, I have chosen instead to listen to my constituents, attend hearings at my community boards and seek counsel from City Council zoning attorneys. Furthermore, I have also met with City Planning several times to articulate my concerns regarding any changes that would increase height and density of apartment buildings or reduce parking requirements.  

It remains to be seen if any of the ideas expressed by City Planning will make it into possible legislation, but I can say for certain that I will continue to engage in discussions with the community, as well as be diligent and tireless in pursuing the best interests of the neighborhoods I serve. 

Andrew Cohen is the councilman for the 11th district. Point of view is a column open to all.

rezoning, Andrew Cohen

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