FAC's de la Uz, in backing 80 Flatbush, claims benefits "created without any public subsidy"

It's been a calculated pattern. Before any key governmental meeting on 80 Flatbush, the developers orchestrate an article or op-ed.

Today's New York Daily News has an op-ed from Michelle de la Uz, executive director of the Fifth Avenue Committee, the project's affordable housing partner--right before Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises meeting tomorrow at 9:30 at City Hall.

Remember, the Community Board nearly unanimously opposed the two-tower project; Borough President Eric Adams called for a decrease in height far more than bulk, and the New York City Planning Commission affirmed the project. The City Council, notably Council Member Steve Levin, will have the final say.

For housing answers, look up: We need to build bigger to create affordable units, including at 80 Flatbush, writes de la Uz, acknowledging that her position on density has evolved:

Of course, we need to be smart about where it goes: in areas near mass transit, where it’s in context with surroundings and where the threat of displacement is low. Mayor de Blasio deserves significant praise for making affordable housing preservation and production a priority.
...The need to do better is the primary reason why the Fifth Avenue Committee has proudly signed on as affordable housing developer of 80 Flatbush, a large project proposed on the border of Downtown Brooklyn, a neighborhood of predominately wealthy renters, and Boerum Hill, a neighborhood of predominately wealthy homeowners.
The area has high household incomes, average home prices are well over $1 million, and few low-income tenants threatened by displacement. It’s also served by dozens of train and bus lines and has a rich history of building tall and big.
The project, proposed by Brooklyn-based Alloy Development, would include 900 housing units, 200 of which would be permanently affordable through the mayor’s affordable housing program for people making as little as $29,000 per year, along with two public schools, office and cultural space. These benefits are all being created without any public subsidy.

(Emphases added)

At least de la Uz acknowledges that it's a transitional zone. But, unfortunately, she's still not fully candid.

Sure. The ? is where & how much. Context: large building could already be built on #80Flatbush site. The spot upzoning (@ near site marked)→a building 50% taller than tallest building nearby (also left in 2nd photo)
cc @thebridgebk https://t.co/QXqN5kfzUihttps://t.co/i0EoSKsRSI pic.twitter.com/zdKGKqk0kS

— Norman Oder (@AYReport) August 13, 2018

MdeLaUz: "These benefits are all being created without any public subsidy"
No direct subsidy. But upzoning has $ignificant value
"we need to be smart about where it goes: in areas near mass transit, where it’s in *context* with surroundings"
depends on angle, see photos above

— Norman Oder (@AYReport) August 13, 2018