Blood Center Approval: Political Pressures Prevail Over Common Sense
Today the New York City Council voted 43-5 to approve the modified Blood Center/Longfellow tower over the extensive and persistent opposition to the plan by the community and Council Member Ben Kallos.
Demand that the City Council Represent Communities and Respect Member Deference
Use the form below to remind the New York City Council of the importance of representing their communities and maintaining member deference. We all need a meaningful seat at the table when it comes to overreaching developments in our neighborhoods.
“A Really Sketchy Deal”: New Details About the Blood Center Rezoning
Council Member Ben Kallos explained his opposition to the altered proposal of the Blood Center rezoning. FRIENDS will continue to stand with the electeds and community in opposition to this project, and the prospect of forever weakening member deference, the only bit of leverage average New Yorkers have against powerful developers and lobbyists in the already lopsided debates in cases of developer overreach.
Today in the Daily News: This debate is not about blood. And it’s not just about shadows either. It’s about a meaningful seat at the table.
Council Member Ben Kallos explained his opposition to the altered proposal of the Blood Center rezoning. FRIENDS will continue to stand with the electeds and community in opposition to this project, and the prospect of forever weakening member deference, the only bit of leverage average New Yorkers have against powerful developers and lobbyists in the already lopsided debates in cases of developer overreach.
Blood Center Approval Over Local Council Member’s Objection Would Pose Direct Assault on Community Voices Citywide
Yesterday the Land Use and Zoning committees of the City Council votes to approve a slightly modified version of the rezoning for the New York Blood Center/Longfellow commercial tower. The deal entailed some small "gives" from the applicant: 100 feet shaved off the original proposal for an adjusted height of 233 feet, despite barely reducing the square footage of the building due to the inflated initial proposal.
Submit Written Testimony AGAINST the Blood Center rezoning
Whether you were able to attend the New York City Council Zoning Subcommittee Public Hearing on October 20th or not, your written testimony is vitally important, even if you have already emailed individual Council Members using FRIENDS' form.
Support Reasonable Alternatives to the Blood Center’s Commercial Tower
The community supports the important work of the Blood Center. However, the scale and nature of the current proposal are grossly inappropriate in any residential neighborhood. There are several viable and reasonable alternatives which would fulfill many of the Blood Center's goals.
Tell Council Members to vote AGAINST the Blood Center rezoning
Use the form below to let the New York City Council know you're against the proposed Blood Center/Longfellow tower. Each submission will be emailed directly to all the members of the Committee on Land Use, Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and Council Members Ben Kallos and Keith Powers.
PRESS RELEASE: City Planning Commission Approves Blood Center Rezoning
On Wednesday, September 22, 2021 the New York City Planning Commission voted 8-2 to approve the rezoning application by the New York Blood Center, despite significant and unified opposition from local politicians, civic groups, and residents.
Elected Officials and Community Members Voice Their Opposition Against the Blood Center Rezoning
Last week, the City Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on the rezoning of the New York Blood Center site. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Council Member Ben Kallos, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer were among the many community members that spoke against the 334 foot commercial tower.