Below is the letter CG CORD received from Brooklyn Community Board 6 on June 11, 2019.
We were heartened by this letter.
CG CORD
BROOKLYN
COMMUNITY BOARD SIX
We were heartened by this letter.
CG CORD
BROOKLYN
COMMUNITY BOARD SIX
Eric Adams
Borough President
June 11, 2019
Marisa Lago, Chair
Department of City Planning 120 Broadway, 31st Floor New York, New York 10271
Borough President
June 11, 2019
Marisa Lago, Chair
Department of City Planning 120 Broadway, 31st Floor New York, New York 10271
Peter D. Fleming
Chairperson
Chairperson
Michael Racioppo
District Manager
District Manager
Re: Gowanus Neighborhood Rezoning and Community Information Dear Chairperson Lago:
As you know, Brooklyn Community Board Six has been working with the Department of City Planning (DCP) to ensure that, whatever happens with the possible Gowanus rezoning, the larger community, not just the board, but everyone who calls it “home” has an opportunity to be fully informed about it. This requires us to operate as a conduit - a source of information for, as well as from, our neighbors.
DCP’s Brooklyn office, specifically Winston Von Engel and Jonathan Keller, have always made themselves accessible by attending various committee meetings and while in attendance answer a wide range of questions. This is of course greatly appreciated but, as stated above, we want to make sure everyone is fully informed, and having heard from an involved segment of our community that has circulated a petition seeking more information we seek your help in getting a positive response to their request.
Specifically, The Carroll Gardens Coalition for Respectful Development (CORD) is asking that we conduct at least 2 public meetings with all relevant City, State & Federal governmental agencies to explain the Gowanus Neighborhood Rezoning’s impacts & consequences. The various agencies would also be expected to explain how they would address those impacts & consequences. We ask that the Commissioners of each agency (copied and listed below) find agreed upon date(s), meet with our community, and do just that, at their earliest opportunity.
As the lead agency for the city we’d hope that the DCP is supportive of these efforts. We would also like you to confirm, precisely as possible, when the Environmental Impact Study will be completed when the Universal Land Use Review Process “clock” will begin.
DCP’s Brooklyn office, specifically Winston Von Engel and Jonathan Keller, have always made themselves accessible by attending various committee meetings and while in attendance answer a wide range of questions. This is of course greatly appreciated but, as stated above, we want to make sure everyone is fully informed, and having heard from an involved segment of our community that has circulated a petition seeking more information we seek your help in getting a positive response to their request.
Specifically, The Carroll Gardens Coalition for Respectful Development (CORD) is asking that we conduct at least 2 public meetings with all relevant City, State & Federal governmental agencies to explain the Gowanus Neighborhood Rezoning’s impacts & consequences. The various agencies would also be expected to explain how they would address those impacts & consequences. We ask that the Commissioners of each agency (copied and listed below) find agreed upon date(s), meet with our community, and do just that, at their earliest opportunity.
As the lead agency for the city we’d hope that the DCP is supportive of these efforts. We would also like you to confirm, precisely as possible, when the Environmental Impact Study will be completed when the Universal Land Use Review Process “clock” will begin.
Our scoping comments highlight dissatisfaction of the board, and in the community at large, with a lack of specificity in the Draft Zoning proposal as well as the PLACES Study. That makes it difficult to, as we will eventually have to do, vote to approve or disapprove of this plan. These public meetings would help us make that decision and serve to illuminate, for better or worse, what it would mean.
We can see clearly when decisions are made transparently.
Peter D, Fleming Chairperson
Cc:
Hon. Brad Lander 39th New York Council District
Hon. Stephen Levin 33rd New York Council District
Hon Eric L. Adams, Brooklyn Borough President
Commissioner James P. O’Neill, New York City Police Department
Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, New York City Fire Department
Commissioner Vincent Sapienza, New York City department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Joseph Esposito, New York City Office of Emergency Management
Chief Lillian Bonsignore, New York City Office Emergency Medical Services Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, New York City Department of Sanitation
Commissioner Richard Carranza, New York City Department of Education Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Mitchell Silver, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Basil Seggos, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation President Andrew Byford, New York City Transit Authority
Chairman Patrick J. Foye, Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Regional Administrator Peter Lopez, Environmental Protection Agency Region 2
Regional Administrator Thomas Von Essen, Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 2
We can see clearly when decisions are made transparently.
Peter D, Fleming Chairperson
Cc:
Hon. Brad Lander 39th New York Council District
Hon. Stephen Levin 33rd New York Council District
Hon Eric L. Adams, Brooklyn Borough President
Commissioner James P. O’Neill, New York City Police Department
Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, New York City Fire Department
Commissioner Vincent Sapienza, New York City department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Joseph Esposito, New York City Office of Emergency Management
Chief Lillian Bonsignore, New York City Office Emergency Medical Services Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, New York City Department of Sanitation
Commissioner Richard Carranza, New York City Department of Education Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Mitchell Silver, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Basil Seggos, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation President Andrew Byford, New York City Transit Authority
Chairman Patrick J. Foye, Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Regional Administrator Peter Lopez, Environmental Protection Agency Region 2
Regional Administrator Thomas Von Essen, Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 2
