Want to learn about the zoning and land use review process? The Fifth Avenue Committee is sponsoring workshops in early November. They are part of a series the group has been presenting. The workshops are called “Demystifying ULURP.” They are bilingual and there are two sessions, on Monday, Nov. 5th, 2-5 pm and on Tuesday, Nov. 6th, 6-9 pm. They will take place at 621 DeGraw Street, which is between Third and Fourth Avenue. The group requires an RSVP to attend the free sessions. Anyone that is interested can call Dave Powell at 718-237-2017, Ext. 148 or email him at dpowell@fifthave.org. (Last time we posted about one of FAC’s zoning sessions we noted that an interest in zoning issues should be rewarded by open to doors to anyone that takes the initiative and attends. We still feel that way and hope that FAC doesn’t turn away concerned residents for not RSVP’ing for these important commmunity events.) The group explains ULURP this way:

The Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) is a public review process mandated by New York City charter. The procedure sets requirements and timeframes for public participation and government decision making about zoning changes, dispositions of city land and other special development projects.

Why do some government bodies have the power to make decisions during ULURP while others can only make recommendations? How effective is ULURP as a means of gathering public input about development? Can ordinary citizens use ULURP to shape development in their neighborhoods? Why was the Atlantic Yards project not subject to ULURP? Join us as we endeavor to answer these questions and more!

Given that zoning and ULURP can determine the character of a community for generations, understanding the process and how to have input in it is vital.