Statement on Inwood rezoning plan
 

NEW YORK – Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer issued the following statement on new announcements in the Inwood rezoning negotiations:

“When this rezoning proposal came before my office it was missing critical pieces and did not offer enough to Inwood's existing residents and businesses. After careful analysis and outreach to businesses and residents, my office pointed out that the plan could add thousands of permanently affordable housing units by using available public land, and that it would pose much less of a threat to the businesses that form the neighborhood's backbone if the changes to the 'Commercial U' were delayed or removed.

"By including the Dept. of Transportation site for affordable housing development, by removing the 'Commercial U', and by utilizing the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program's deepest affordability option, the plan that's now taking shape is much closer to the outline I said I could support. I'm also very pleased to learn that the rezoning plan now includes support for a cultural center.

"Today's announcement doesn't solve every problem. We still need more resources for legal services and tenant support to prevent displacement and preserve rent-stabilized housing. The city should also be making every effort to purchase the Charter-Spectrum site at 218th Street and 9th Avenue and redevelop it to produce more affordable housing. I will continue pushing for these and other priorities, as my office scrutinizes the details of today's agreement.

"I thank Council Member Rodriguez and Speaker Johnson for their diligent work improving this plan. As I've said repeatedly, stopping this rezoning would not stop change from coming to Inwood. But if there's going to be a rezoning, it must be one that benefits this vibrant, inclusive community and helps to preserve what makes it great, even as it makes room for more jobs and housing. Today is a significant step toward that goal."

Borough President Brewer issued her recommendation on the Inwood rezoning proposal as part of the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure on April 26. The recommendation is available here (PDF).

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