Activists rally against rezoning plan in Sunset Park

A heated hearing came to an early end Tuesday at borough hall, as activists rallied against a rezoning plan in Sunset Park.

News 12 Staff

Jan 14, 2020, 10:31 PM

Updated 1,561 days ago

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A heated hearing came to an early end Tuesday at borough hall, as activists rallied against a rezoning plan in Sunset Park.
Many residents and organizations are calling on a Brooklyn councilmember Carlos Menchaca to defend Sunset Park's current residents and businesses in the process. After the hearing, activists rallied on the steps of Borough Hall, saying the process has lacked transparency from the very beginning.
They say they are worried that the rezoning plan proposed by Industry City will exacerbate displacement and gentrification, force out residents and business owners, and won't share their vision for their community.
Many argue that the plans, which include retail space, a hotel, and schools, don't take into consideration flood zones, rising rent prices and the existing manufacturing zone.
Meanwhile, Industry City is saying the plan will create 20,000 jobs, attract $1 billion in private investment, increase local spending and bring new opportunities to the neighborhood.
In a statement, representatives from Industry City tell News 12, "It is unfortunate that some agitators would prevent civil discourse simply because they are unwilling to let fact-based information be shared. We will continue to make the case for the plan to create 20,000 jobs."
However, many of these activists say they don't trust the plan or the process.
Menchaca told News 12 in a statement, "We need to come together as a community and figure out whether we can use their application to protect manufacturing and the community's vision. That means open discussion and listening to every idea."
There have been more than 10 public hearings on the topic. Community Board 7 is expected to vote Wednesday evening.


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