Adriene Holder, Attorney-in-Charge of The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice, joined Public Advocate Jumanne Williams and a coalition of advocates for a virtual press conference in support of his legislation to require a racial impact study as part of potential rezonings prior to the bill’s hearing Monday morning.

The City’s rezoning plans have been one of the greatest sources of displacement of low-income tenants of color from neighborhoods for decades, as reported by Black Star News.

“Rezonings have been a primary source of displacement and homelessness in New York City, impacting New Yorkers of color at a disparate rate,” said Holder. “This is a racial justice issue. At the very least, the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure must take into account the racial impact behind any potential rezoning. This will help ensure that some of our most vulnerable neighbors will remain in their homes, defended against the forces of gentrification that rezonzings usually accelerate.”

“The Legal Aid Society applauds Public Advocate Williams for introducing this legislation, and we urge the City Council to advance this matter at once,” she continued.