Former Councilmember says, ‘Preserve our community’

St. Albans/Hollis rezoning plans discussed
BY TONIA N. CIMINO
Councilmember Leroy Comrie held a zoning meeting at the Presbyterian Church of St. Albans to present plans on the St. Albans/Hollis Proposed Rezoning.
Approximately 500 blocks are in the proposed rezoning area. The existing zoning has been in place since 1961. Robert Holbrook, the representative from City Planning and the City Planner for all of Community Board 12, was in attendance.
Holbrook said it was a laborious process to change the zoning laws. Buildings already built will get a Certificate of Occupancy and be allowed to remain. On the day the zoning changes are approved by the City Council, the Department of Buildings (DOB) will pull all the permits. If no work has been done, they’ll have to submit new plans. Builders will be under pressure to finish all their projects before deadline.
Holbrook encouraged people to call 3-1-1 when they see work being done without a permit, or work being done on weekends or anytime other than weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. He further suggested that callers get a complaint number. Comrie said people can take time stamped pictures and email them to the DOB.
Concern was expressed from audience members about massive construction undertakings. Comrie implored people not to sell their home to a developer. “Sell it only through a reputable local real estate broker,” he said.
“We have a low density community and we want to preserve it and pass it onto our children,” said former Councilmember Archie Spigner.
Anyone interested can visit Comrie’s District Office at 113-43 Farmers Boulevard to look at block by block plans.