John,

Are you curious about how our public dollars are spent? You can check out our interactive website to see a breakdown of projects and organizations our office funded this year.
The Governor made a major announcement about affordable housing and planned new development in Gowanus this week! We’ll give you the highlights and top lines below.

A Quick Note On Gowanus

This week, Governor Hochul announced a new executive action that would enable several affordable housing developments in Gowanus to advance in lieu of the pending expiration of 421-a. This is not an extension of the real-estate developer tax break that has enriched millionaires at the expense of gentrifying communities. But after years of inaction in Albany around our housing crisis, without this executive action, critical components of the Gowanus Rezoning, including 3,000 units of affordable housing (2,000 of which are permanently affordable MIH units), 18 acres of public space, affordable artist space, as well as other commitments, would be left in limbo.

Over the past year, my office has made it a priority to steward the creation of the Gowanus Oversight Task Force, an unprecedented community-led accountability model in a City rezoning process. Facilitated by James Lima + Planning & Development, the Task Force is working diligently to ensure the 56 commitments are realized and we deliver an equitable, sustainable, resilient Gowanus through this process. The Governor’s announcement is an important step to make sure there is follow-through on the promises made to our community, especially affordable housing.

As the Council Member representing Gowanus, I’ll continue to work closely with all the stakeholders involved in overseeing this rezoning’s success. I am cautiously watching the Governor's implementation of this new program to ensure the benefits go to the communities impacted, not the real estate developers. I strongly believe that prevailing wages must be paid and will push to make sure workers earn what they deserve. While these important labor standards seem to be left out of the Governor’s proposal, I will continue to work with labor leaders to ensure any working-class New Yorker engaged in a project in Gowanus is paid fairly and equitably. Additionally, I am committed to the passage of comprehensive legislation for broader tenant protections, such as Good Cause Eviction. I look forward to working proactively with my neighbors, advocates, and elected colleagues to ensure that the City and State deliver for Gowanus.

As a reminder, if you’re interested in staying up to date on what’s going on with the Gowanus Rezoning, be sure to check out the Oversight Task Force’s website and sign up for their email newsletter.

Community Bulletin

Starting 7/24, Department of Transportation (DOT) contractors will begin work on 6th Avenue between Park Place and Union Street. As a result, there will be no parking on the West side of 6th Avenue from Park Place to Union Street starting at 6 AM on 7/24, and lasting until 7/28. Please reach out to our office if you have questions or concerns.
Starting on 7/26, traffic on 6th Avenue, between Prospect Place and Union Street, will no longer be one-way! Thanks to the DOT, 6th Avenue will be restored to its original two-way traffic pattern.
LEAP's Summer Theater Series will showcase "LEAP Artists LIVE!" - LEAP's performing ensemble! LEAP Artists LIVE provides educational performances of professional theater productions, which foster personal connections to the arts. Rooted in historical significance and accuracy, each performance presents learning opportunities that spark constructive conversation and support social awareness. Performances run from 7/25 to 8/17; get your tickets now!
Big fan of Shakespeare in the Park? The Public Theater that puts on the Central Park productions will be at the Windsor Terrace Library on 7/28 to distribute tickets. Ticket sales start at 12 PM, but feel free to line up beforehand!
Summer Streets are coming to Brooklyn! On 8/26, DOT is opening up Eastern Parkway to pedestrians and cyclists from 7 AM to 1 PM. The open street will run from Grand Army Plaza all the way to Buffalo Avenue. Check it out !
Like me, I’m sure you love the Open Streets on 5th Avenue - but did you know that running an Open Street is expensive? The 5th Avenue BID is looking for help to fund and maintain its incredible work of keeping our streets open to the public and available for local businesses to use. Remember - Open Streets on 5th Avenue run through 10/28!
During these uncertain economic times, many families in our community are struggling. If you, or someone you know, is dealing with food insecurity, you can check out this free resource to find free food options in our City.
Are you above the age of 60? The Park Slope Center for Successful Aging is a warm, welcoming neighborhood center in Park Slope, offering a variety of classes daily. Exercise, dance, art, there will be something that will interest you! The center also serves lunch daily. Stop in and check it out: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Located at 463 A 7th Street, 11215 (near 7th Avenue). You can call for more information: (718) 832-3726.

In Solidarity,

Shahana