“New York City is facing a dire housing crisis that must be addressed with urgency and action,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is committed to being part of the solution by approving sound housing projects that increase the availability of affordable housing, and today’s committee votes are a clear demonstration. It is critical for housing development to prioritize local concerns and community input, while helping to contribute to solving our affordable housing crisis citywide. Today’s vote shows how we can successfully achieve that goal of advancing local and citywide goals in unison. We deepened affordability for the housing, ensured seniors and veterans will benefit, and supported local job creation, union jobs, and community benefits. We must prioritize the development of affordable housing that meets the needs of New Yorkers who need it most through the land use process. Today, this Council accomplished that goal.”

“Throughout this process, I have maintained a commitment to prioritizing the needs of my district and local neighborhoods,” said Council Member Marjorie Velázquez. “We are in the middle of a citywide housing crisis that is similarly felt by residents of my district, with seniors and working people facing strains to remain in our neighborhoods. The updated project voted out of the Council’s committees today delivers significantly deeper affordable housing for our community, more good jobs for residents, and additional benefits for the neighborhood. This provides tangible benefits for the people of our community and transforms the unfortunate reality that this office before me had been unable to provide affordable housing for our residents, with less than 60 units produced in the last 8 years. We have far surpassed that in less than a year. I will never stop fighting for my local community and always remain committed to negotiating to the end to deliver for the people of my district.”

“New York City is in the midst of a housing crisis,” said Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Chair of the Committee on Land Use. “As rents soar and wages remain stagnant, the development of affordable housing that speaks to the needs of the local community is crucial to the city’s recovery. Today’s approval of the Bruckner rezoning is a development that does just that. Creating more affordable housing in this project than in the previous 10 years combined, Bruckner will set aside housing for families, seniors, and veterans, all while creating good union jobs. I thank Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Marjorie Velázquez for their emphatic support of building affordable housing, and the Division of Land Use and the development team for their efforts in finalizing this project.”

“Addressing the housing crisis in New York City must remain a priority for this Council,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley, Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. “With that, we must continue to push for open lines of communication that will ensure that the needs of our communities are met. I am truly elated that we were able to pass this through the Land Use Committee because our City is in dire need of housing and it’s important that each community does their part. I commend Council Member Velazquez for advocating for her community and ensuring their best quality of life. Let’s continue to work together and make sure we are doing everything in our power to address the housing crisis.”

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