The New York Housing Conference is supporting the Gowanus rezoning, called the Gowanus Neighborhood Plan. Last week we testified in support of the plan at the review by the Brooklyn Borough President’s office and you can read our testimony here. Last month we testified in support of the plan at the Community Board here and you can read our testimony here. We also published an op-ed in support in Gotham Gazette in January, which you can read here.
The city desperately needs more affordable housing and needs policies that will reverse and repair our history of racial discrimination. Rezoning high-income neighborhoods while requiring affordable housing development can help achieve both goals. The city must also commit to funding repairs at public housing developments. We therefore strongly support the Gowanus rezoning, as long as it includes a dedicated capital commitment for repairs and upgrades at local NYCHA residences Wyckoff Gardens and Gowanus Houses.
The plan should also be a model for future rezonings. An in-depth and inclusive community planning process was undertaken that produced the Gowanus Neighborhood Rezoning Plan, which is an opportunity to make significant investments that deliver tangible benefits to the community.