The Brooklyn City Council approved a controversial development in Windsor Terrace featuring two 10-story towers with 40% affordable housing. This decision comes after extensive community debate and includes a community benefits agreement to support local organizations. Councilmember Shahana Hanif emphasized that the plan addresses housing shortages without the need for public subsidies. However, many residents express concerns over increased density and potential rent hikes, feeling the area’s charm may be compromised. Community advocates continue to voice opposition, reflecting the complexities involved in balancing development and local needs.
"We want to have a local child care provider working out of the one of the buildings and then an office space for an anti-domestic violence organization," said Councilmember Shahana Hanif, who represents the district.
"This is unprecedented because we're working with a private owner and usually adding more affordability requires public subsidies. And what's happening here is without any public subsidy. So we're really grateful that the community's advocacy really helped push that forward," she said.
"We are not in density and some people in New York don't want to live in density, and this neighborhood provides that," said Velma McKenzie, who has lived in the neighborhood for almost 20 years.
"It raises median rents in the area, and long-term residents are genuinely worried about being pushed out of their homes," said Jay Goldberg, addressing concerns from the community.
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