You are reading

Van Bramer To Vote In Favor Of Zoning Text Amendments

Van Bramer

March 16, 2016 By Christian Murray

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer will vote in favor of two controversial zoning text amendments next week.

The zoning text amendments, called Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) and Zoning for Quality and Affordability (ZQA), are likely to be put up for a council vote March 22.

The amendments were designed by the de Blasio administration to promote the construction of affordable housing and high quality developments. They initially received a cool reception from Community Board 2.

Van Bramer is in favor of the amendments since they have been revised and they address many of the concerns residents have voiced, according to his spokesperson Arielle Swernoff.

Several elements of de Blasio’s zoning text amendments were changed as part of a deal struck with the City Council Monday. For instance, the Council has created a new affordable housing option where developers are given the option to construct a reduced number of subsidized units as long as they target residents in a lower income bracket.

Critics had claimed that the income bands to qualify for affordable housing were too high.

Another change aims to spread the affordable units throughout a development instead of allowing them to be more clustered within one section of a building.  It also requires developers who build the affordable units in a different building–offsite–to build more rent-subsidized apartments.Income Levels

The deal also aims to clamp down on developers trying to skirt their affordable housing requirements by claiming hardship through the Board of Standards and Appeals.

Van Bramer’s spokeswoman said the Councilman will remain attentive to infrastructure keeping pace with the increased housing stock.

She said that he has a strong record of bringing schools to the district.

Last month it was announced that the mayor had allocated $225 million for the construction of four schools in the 26th Council district. Three would be in Long Island City and the other in Woodside.

Click for previous coverage

email the author: news@queenspost.com

5 Comments

Click for Comments 
Kate

Thank you Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer ror all your handwork and dedication to our community. Keep fighting the class divisions and elitism that plague our neighborhoods. Ignore the bigots and classism.

Reply
PO

What in the world is happening JVB? Are you for the community or against it? I’m sick of your two-faced approach to governing.

Reply
Anonymous

Who really believes that 200,000 units will solve anything? It’s compromises for 2.5% of NY(C)ers…

Reply
Anonymous

JVB sold out to RE interests. Too cozy as a majority leader awaiting re-election.
Havoc will be created in LIC/Sunnyside.

Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at these Mexican restaurants in Queens

May. 5, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

Queens is a true melting pot of cultures, and few celebrations capture that spirit quite like Cinco de Mayo. Every year, the borough comes alive with vibrant festivities and the unmistakable aromas of Mexican cuisine, as local eateries prepare for one of the most festive cultural holidays on the calendar.

ASPCA promotes free and low-cost vet care in Long Island City for National Pet Week

As National Pet Week begins across the country, the ASPCA is spotlighting its newest Community Veterinary Clinic in Long Island City as a model for increasing access to pet care in underserved neighborhoods.

The Queens clinic, which opened in September 2024 near Queens Plaza, is the third ASPCA-operated location in New York City, joining similar facilities in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Since its launch, the clinic has become a vital resource for pet owners in western Queens neighborhoods including Astoria, Sunnyside, Woodside and Jackson Heights, offering free and low-cost veterinary care to eligible families.

Hard Rock CEO outlines vendor opportunities for $8B Metropolitan Park casino project

May. 2, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

Hard Rock International Chairman and CEO Jim Allen addressed hundreds of Queens-based vendors and small business owners Thursday morning at the Queens Theatre, outlining how they could play a key role in shaping the proposed $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino and entertainment complex near Citi Field—if the project is awarded one of the three downstate gaming licenses up for grabs later this year.

Beyond brunch: Unique ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Queens

May. 2, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With Mother’s Day just over a week away, there’s still plenty of time to plan something meaningful in Queens to celebrate the special women in your life. While brunch or dinner is always a classic choice, there are also unique and memorable ways to mark the occasion with family and friends. From candle-making workshops and floral arranging classes to beer tastings and hands-on crafting, here are some fun and heartfelt ways to celebrate Mother’s Day right here in the community.