The review process for Mayor Adams’ City of Yes Economic Text Amendments commenced yesterday at City Hall, with community advocates protesting vehemently, “No Way.”
Described by the Department of City Planning (“DCP”) as a “deregulation initiative for New York City businesses,” the plan, according to protestors, is devoid of a vital component – public input in its development.
Last week, Our Time Press presented the views of one of City Councilman Charles Barron, with some key points from Brooklyn Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman. This week, we publish an article sent to us exclusively by Alicia Boyd of The Movement to Protect The People (MTOPP), one of the most vocal groups against the Yes Plan elements.
MTOPP was joined at City Hall by Flower Lovers Advocating Against Corruption (FLAC), Elected Officials, and others. The group’s Monday press announcement expressed “outrage,” citing “there was not enough time, or support for community boards to really understand the thousands of text amendments changes (in the 700-page document). to make a truly informed decision about them.
“Nor was their true public engagement in the formation of these proposals.” Lines were “blurred,” the press release said, “between residential, commercial and manufacturing districts, causing serious environmental concerns including exposure to toxic chemicals, noise, air, and vibration pollution, without any upgrades in the environmental standards or any plan for enforcement of them.”
Other concerns pointed out by protestors include “the removal of the power of the City Council members to advocate for their communities; the displacement of residents from their apartments “as the law will allow the conversion of residential apartments into commercial businesses; and “the elimination of businesses that are currently forbidden to reside inside apartment buildings, such as barber shops, hair salons, kennels, etc.”
It should be noted that since the beginning of the Mayor’s term in office, he has welcomed community input and strategies for solving major concerns and issues facing the City.
(Bernice Elizabeth Green)