During a recent government meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to the proposed Arrow Linen development in Windsor Terrace, citing concerns over potential displacement of residents and the impact on local infrastructure.

One speaker highlighted the presence of 59 rent-stabilized units in the area, including six located at 437 Prospect Avenue, which is included in the rezoning proposal. They urged the borough president to take immediate action by removing this building from the rezoning area to protect tenants from displacement. The speaker emphasized that upzoning could lead to real estate developers making offers that tenants cannot refuse, ultimately resulting in loss of homes.

Additionally, the speaker called for the removal of nine renter-occupied buildings situated between two proposed towers, noting that no residents from these buildings have expressed support for the development. They further demanded that any additional height granted to developers should come with a commitment to affordable housing, asserting that the community seeks solutions to the housing crisis that prioritize affordability over luxury developments.

Another resident, Maria Scavalone, echoed these sentiments, expressing disbelief that local officials would consider such extensive spot upzoning. She warned that the proposed towers would be significantly taller than surrounding buildings, creating an incongruous skyline and potentially setting a precedent for further developments that could threaten the character of the neighborhood. Scavalone also raised concerns about the strain on local infrastructure, fearing that an influx of new residents could exacerbate existing issues, such as flooding.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between community needs and development interests, with residents advocating for measures that prioritize affordable housing and protect existing tenants from displacement.