Statement from Carlo A. Scissura on the Gowanus Rezoning

“Brooklyn is where I was raised. I have dedicated my career to improving the lives of New Yorkers. As the President & CEO of the New York Building Congress, the former President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and the former Chief of Staff to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, I’m very familiar with the needs and opportunities of the Gowanus neighborhood,” said Carlo A. Scissura, President and CEO of the New York Building Congress. “This city-led rezoning – decades in the making – will generate approximately 8,000 new housing units, including 2,800 affordable units, while creating good-paying jobs in the immediate and surrounding areas. I’m supportive of the rezoning because it will help revitalize the community at a time when our economy continues to suffer from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Allowing this rezoning to move forward will help address the growing need for affordable housing in New York City. This lawsuit is an attempt to stop community participation in land use review, despite how heartened we all have been to see participation increase since hearings moved online during the pandemic. It’s time to invest in our communities, and frivolous lawsuits should not stand in our way.”