THE CITY OF NEW YORK

COMMUNITY BOARD 4
Contact: Celestina Leon, District Manager
Community Board 4
Celeon@cb.nyc.gov
(718) 628-8400
January 14, 2020
COMMUNITY BOARD 4 CHAIRPERSON AND DISTRICT MANAGER RESPOND TO THE CITY’S DECISION TO
NOT SCOPE THE BUSHWICK COMMUNITY PLAN.
“This Monday we received a letter from Deputy Mayor Vicki Been informing us that the city would not
move forward and scope the Bushwick Community Plan. We find this news incredibly frustrating,
disappointing, and contradictory, given the ongoing efforts to address the impact of development across
the city, including the Where We Live study.
This decision allows for the continuation of decades of neglect and disenfranchisement, furthering
discriminatory policies by unfairly characterizing a well-thought-out and carefully crafted community
vision as a downzoning. The community’s plan endeavors to retain the low density, family-oriented
housing common throughout the neighborhood, as well as, strategically direct the same growth possible
within the current zoning framework to more appropriate areas.
It is a shame the Mayor’s office has chosen to walk away from six years of work and partnership, although
it is not unexpected. Bushwick’s history beyond the blackout, fires, drugs, and crime is one of resilience,
advocacy, and tenacity. We have always had to fight for our needs, and this time it’s no different.”
Robert Camacho is the Chairperson and Celestina Leon is the District Manager of Brooklyn Community
Board 4, which represents the neighborhood of Bushwick. Its boundaries currently extend from Flushing
Avenue on the north, Broadway on the southwest, the border with Queens to the northeast, and the
Cemetery of the Evergreens on the southeast. The Community Board is the official municipal body whose
primary mission is to advise elected officials and government agencies on matters affecting the welfare of
the district.
Brooklyn Community Board 4 meets on the third Wednesday of the month, except during July and August,
at the Hope Gardens Multi-Service Senior Center located at 195 Linden Street unless otherwise announced.
All meetings are open to the public.
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