Jess Coleman

The public hearing focused on a proposed zoning map amendment and related special permits for a new 18-story mixed-use development at 2950 West 24th Street in the Coney Island neighborhood. The project involves a rezoning from R6 and R6/C1-2 to R7-3 and R7-3/C2-4, incorporating a mandatory inclusionary housing district to provide affordable units, a daycare facility, and commercial space. Key discussion topics included the proposed parking waiver, the impact of building massing on existing neighboring structures, the provision of new open space and recreational amenities, and coordination with HPD regarding housing referrals.

The hearing addressed two main agenda items. The first involved a proposed zoning map and text amendment at 46 Nelson Street in Red Hook to facilitate the development of a mixed-use residential and commercial building, with discussions regarding community facility space, parking requirements, and the inclusion of family-sized units. The second item concerned a zoning map and text amendment at 9201 4th Avenue in Bay Ridge to facilitate an 11-story mixed-use development, focusing on building massing, commercial flexibility, and infrastructure impacts.

The meeting featured presentations from two key offices regarding major initiatives impacting the borough. The first presentation, from the State Department of Environmental Conservation, provided an update on the state's community air monitoring initiative, which included many areas in Brooklyn. This initiative aims to assess air pollution burdens and will be followed by statewide mitigation strategy development. The second presentation, from the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), detailed the requirements of Local Law 12 of 2023, mandating that Community Boards develop five-year accessibility plans covering physical, digital, and communication accessibility for people with disabilities. Key next steps for the boards include posting accessibility statements and designating contact persons by November 1, 2024.

The meeting commenced with roll call, confirming quorum, and approving the agenda. Key discussion points included updates on funding application deadlines for discretionary and capital funding for organizations serving the 42nd council district. The board addressed the 'Divine Dwellings' program, which assists houses of worship in developing affordable housing to prevent unfavorable deals with developers. Announcements highlighted an upcoming Haitian Independence Day celebration and details about the Brooklyn College prenatal mental health online graduate course offering scholarships for a specialized maternal health certification. Other topics included workshops for community board applications, testimony for the Brooklyn SWAD 2026 solid waste management plan, the featuring of community boards in the Center for Brooklyn History's People Making Power Program series, and the scheduling of ULERPs meetings. A council member inquired about the application of temporary exemption for term limits for 2020 appointees, which the chair confirmed follows the City Charter. Discussions also touched upon supporting churches in Bushwick facing financial hardship.

The meeting included roll call establishing quorum, and subsequent approval of the agenda and minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting. Board member updates covered the introduction of Bill 1482, which mandates financial assistance for low-income tenants displaced by housing demolition or substantial rehabilitation, and information regarding the availability of community board application workshops. Further updates discussed the Brooklyn Public Library's "People Making Power" program featuring the Borough President. Council Member Darling Mey provided updates on upcoming free tax preparers and legal services. Member Caesar inquired about the funding sources and applicability of Bill 1482 to NYCHA housing, receiving a response regarding shared funding sources and planned agency rulemaking. Another member requested updated attendance data for board meetings. Unfinished business included deferring discussion on tabled topics, specifically proposed charter changes, pending administrative clarity. The main presentation featured a discussion on the HUD Section 202 preservation program, which addresses financial and operational challenges facing low-income senior housing developments, with a focus on the 83 such properties in Brooklyn.