"We're talking about revitalizing our neighborhoods and rebuilding our communities that are facing blight and abandonment. We're also talking about adding tax dollars to our revenue stream and creating new economic opportunities."
Bourgette's situation is part of a broader dispute at 388 Roncesvalles Avenue, where tenants are at odds with the building's owners over eviction notices and the future of the property.
"The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is CUNY's top priority. That's why, over the past two years, the University has invested $850 million in our facilities, completing or advancing more than 100 projects."
In his four years as director of the New York City Department of Planning, Dan Garodnick oversaw one of the most sweeping changes to the city's zoning rules in decades. The policy, called City of Yes, initiated a collection of revisions to boost housing, including updates that allow new apartment projects to add bulk used for affordable housing, homes to convert basements or add backyard cottages as accessory dwellings, and more office buildings to be converted into residential space.