FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23rd, 2008

CONTACT:
Rachaele Raynoff, Press Secretary -- (212) 720-3471

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER AMANDA M. BURDEN REGARDING THE CITY COUNCIL’S UNANIMOUS APPROVAL OF CITY PLANNING’S HUNTS POINT REZONING

July 23, 2008 – “Today’s unanimous City Council vote to adopt City Planning’s comprehensive rezoning of 70 blocks of the Hunts Point Peninsula will both support the food industry and preserve the fabric of a thriving residential community by providing a buffer from heavy industrial, especially waste-related uses. Today’s action will also pave the way for improved retail options for both residents and workers of Hunts Point. Significantly, the proposal will encourage much-needed supermarkets while requiring further public review and scrutiny of retail outlets larger than 40,000 square feet.

Today’s milestone has benefited from tremendous partnerships. I want to thank members of the Hunts Point Task Force, and in particular Council member Arroyo and Borough President Carrion for their partnership in advancing this extraordinary step for the South Bronx.

The rezoning accomplishes a key goal of Mayor Bloomberg’s Hunts Point Vision Plan, developed by a Task Force formed in 2003. The Task Force was a collaborative effort that identified priorities to help the Peninsula function better as a place for residents of the South Bronx to live, work and get to the waterfront.

In 2005, the Task Force identified city actions comprising the Hunts Point Vision Plan, including this rezoning, that would promote a competitive business environment and address the needs of a growing residential community. Completion of our rezoning is a key step towards realizing the goals of the Task Force and helping make better neighbors of the diverse mix of businesses and uses on the Hunts Point Peninsula.”

Department of City Planning
The Department of City Planning is responsible for the City's physical and socioeconomic planning, including land use and environmental review; preparation of plans and policies; and provision of technical assistance and planning information to government agencies, public officials, and community boards.

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