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Dear John,

Before we dive into this week’s newsletter, I want to wish a heartfelt Ramadan Mubarak to all those celebrating! May this month be peaceful and restorative for you and your loved ones.

Last week, the City Council voted to approve the modified Arrow Linen Rezoning proposal, a significant victory for Windsor Terrace. Through negotiations and extensive community input, my team and I were able to secure a strong proposal that reduced the building height from 13 stories to 10 stories, while maintaining the total unit count through a legally binding Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). This means that 250 new units will be added to the neighborhood, across two 10-story buildings, with 100 of those designated as affordable housing.

Initially, the proposal called for only 25% affordability. I successfully negotiated an increase to 40% of the units being permanently below market rate. This level of affordability—achieved without any subsidies—is a groundbreaking achievement for our city. Notably, over half of these affordable units will be two- and three-bedroom apartments, ensuring that working families can continue to call Windsor Terrace home.

Additionally, for the homes located in the horseshoe shape between the two Arrow Linen buildings and the rent-stabilized building on the west end of the block, we’ve secured a separate R6B zoning designation. This ensures that the height of those buildings will be limited to six stories, addressing concerns raised by neighbors about future speculation and ensuring that the buildings will include MIH (Mandatory Inclusionary Housing) affordability.

The CBA also includes subsidized community space for Sakhi for South Asian Survivors ([link removed]) , a partner organization that has been providing vital services and counseling to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in the District 39 community, particularly in Kensington. This agreement will secure a dedicated home for Sakhi’s work. Additionally, the plan includes a childcare center operated by a local provider. This is critical because housing alone is not enough to address the affordability crisis—families also need access to affordable, quality childcare. Childcare is the second-largest expense after housing, and too many families with children under six are being forced to leave the city for neighboring states. I discuss the need for Universal 2-Care in my recent op-ed in the Daily News ([link removed]) .

Moreover, the applicant has committed to establishing a Construction Task Force to engage local elected officials and constituents, ensuring accountability and minimizing disruption during construction. Through our partnership with 32BJ, this project will create good jobs for New Yorkers. Sustainability measures, such as a green roof and stormwater management systems, are also integral to the development. Importantly, the terms of this CBA are legally binding and have been recorded against the property, meaning that if the developer fails to uphold them, they can be held accountable in court.

Without this rezoning agreement, the site would have been developed as a luxury building with no affordable units. Instead, we’re bringing 100 affordable units to our community, in perpetuity, while avoiding the construction of super-tall buildings and preserving the character of the neighborhood.

You can read more about the deal here ([link removed]) and watch my interview with News12 ([link removed]) for a deeper look at what this means for our community.

I’m proud to have led the charge for this landmark agreement that directly addresses the needs of our community. A special thank you to every constituent who made their voice heard throughout this process—particularly Housing Not High Rises, Community Board 7, and the entire Windsor Terrace community. Your engagement played a pivotal role in strengthening this proposal.
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Caption: Council Member Shahana Hanif, alongside community members and housing advocates, at a press conference on the Arrow Linen Rezoning Proposal ahead of the Council vote.

Constituent Services Corner

Ali, our Kensington and Borough Park Constituent Liaison, recently assisted a domestic violence survivor in securing critical welfare and immigration benefits after she separated from her abusive spouse. Facing the threat of eviction due to over two years of rent arrears, she came to our office for support. Ali helped her apply for rental assistance and relief, ensuring she stayed in her home. Additionally, through our partnership with CUNY Citizenship Now!, Ali helped the survivor apply for citizenship, and they are now assisting her children with applying for derivative citizenship.

Community Bulletin
* SAVE THE DATE: My office, in partnership with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, will hold a virtual presentation on Monday, 3/10, at 6 PM on how to access NYC’s Free Tax Prep options ([link removed]) . RSVP and Zoom details will be shared in next week’s newsletter.
* National Grid has begun construction ([link removed]) on Parkside Avenue and Park Circle to decommission old regulator station infrastructure. The work is expected to continue through May. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to report them to our office or contact National Grid directly at (347) 408-4027 or [email protected].
* My office, in collaboration with Council Member Lincoln Restler, Steven Winter Associates, Inc., and Building Energy Exchange (BEEX), is hosting a workshop for small building owners, co-op and condo board members, managers, and operators to learn from technical experts and industry professionals about building decarbonization and electrification strategies on Monday, 3/24 from 6 PM to 8 PM at PS 261, 314 Pacific Street. RSVP to attend ([link removed]) !
* Applications ([link removed]) are open until 4/4 for BrooklynOrg’s Neighborhood Collective Impact Projects, offering up to $25,000 to local nonprofits tackling community challenges and fostering collaboration. Preference will be given to projects that promote community engagement, local voices, and voter participation in the 2025 municipal election.
* Construction at FDNY EMS Station 32, located at 347 Bond Street, has concluded. The upgrades to essential emergency infrastructure are now complete, which has helped unobstruct nearby streets, including dead-end streets and areas in front of residential buildings.
* Calling all youth for three exciting opportunities:
+ Join The Circle Keepers, Boerum Hill School For International Studies (BHS), and my office’s District 39 Youth Leadership Council for a youth-led workshop for students to learn hands-on skills to help defend, protect, and document ICE interactions in your homes, neighborhoods, and schools on Tuesday, 4/1 from 4 PM to 6 PM at John Jay Campus Auditorium, 237 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215. RSVP required ([link removed]) .
+ Gowanus Canal Conservancy’s (GCC) Green Team is an environmental stewardship apprenticeship program for youth ages 16 to 19, in partnership with the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) ([link removed]) . SYEP applications close on 3/14. Please note that when completing the application, youth must select the providers listed on the flyer to work with the Gowanus Green Team.
+ Gowanus Canal Conservancy is also accepting applications for their Youth Stewardship Internship, an unpaid internship is for high school students grades 10-12 to engage in environmental stewardship. This spring, students will focus on planting, pruning, and urban forestry. Internships culminate with a final project and presentation. No GPA or former experience is required. Applications ([link removed]) close on 3/3 at 11:59 PM.

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana

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Our mailing address is:
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif
197 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
USA
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