Tell City Council to just say no

To the editor:

(re: “Just say no to ‘City of Yes,’” Feb. 29)

Readers of the recent edition of The Riverdale Press who own homes, condos and co-operative stock shares in Riverdale — and in all of New York City — should take note of the Point of View by Laura Spalter and Rob Spalter. 

Their Point of View alerts us to yet another ill-advised proposal which, if approved by the City Council, could materially and unfairly have a negative impact upon our quality of life by changing the zoning laws to permit incursions of commercial activity into residential neighborhoods. 

This proposal — City of Yes for Economic Opportunity, which is touted in the interest of “economic opportunity” — provides no economic opportunities for the residents of the neighborhoods, which will be decimated, but provides money-making opportunities for profit-making enterprises who care nothing about Riverdale.

The proposal would enable zoning changes that would allow commercial interests to build and to operate in the midst of residential areas.

Read the Point of View from the Spalters, and you will learn how easy it would be for homeowners to receive above-market cash offers for their properties on contiguous lots in the midst of residential areas. This has already happened on Tulfan Terrace, changing the character of a once charming enclave.

Those of us who purchased homes in New York City did so with the knowledge that appropriate zoning protected our neighborhoods. To change zoning after the fact is unfair, to say the least.

It will negatively impact our quality of life, and decrease the market value of our homes.  It will also have a chilling effect on future housing sales in our city.

Please acquaint yourselves with the issues. The City Council will soon vote to approve or disapprove this proposal. I strongly urge you to acquaint yourself with all of the details of this dangerous proposal, and then contact your council member to register your opposition.

Vivian Oleen