DISCUSSION PANEL SUMMARY
JAN Thursday, January 28 6:00 pm, Free—1 AIA LU
The Futures of Gowanus NYC is planning to commence the official rezoning process for the Gowanus Study Area. The rezoning will address an 80 block area that has been under discussion for years. Learning Objectives • Outline key steps of modifying land use in New York City (otherwise known as “rezoning”) • Identify the pros and cons of current land use policies and procedures in New York City • Introduce concept of environmental justice as an overlooked aspect of traditional land use policy • Develop awareness of the differences between urban zoning (a technical process) and neighborhood planning (developing a vision)
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Michelle de la Uz Executive Director, Fifth Avenue Committee, Inc
Michelle de la Uz is the Executive Director of Fifth Avenue Committee, Inc. (FAC) and has over 25 years of experience in public and community service. Michelle oversees the organization’s mission and comprehensive programs serving more than 5,500 low- and moderate-income people; a budget of nearly $8 million and several nonhousing affiliate corporations with annual budgets of over $6 million, real estate assets over $120 million, and a housing development pipeline of over 1,900 units, representing more than $850 million in total development costs. Under her leadership, FAC became a NeighborWorks America member. Prior to FAC, Michelle was Program Director for the Center for Urban Community Services in Washington Heights and Harlem and was Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez’ first Director of Constituent Services and directed her South Brooklyn District Office. She was active in advancing transportation, environmental justice, immigration reform, and employment policy initiatives. Michelle is the first in her working-class immigrant family to graduate from college, is a product of bi-lingual education, a former trustee of Connecticut College, and recipient of the Ford Foundation’s Leadership for a Changing World award. Michelle serves on the National Board of Directors of the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), the New York Housing Conference, and the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development, among many others. Additionally, Michelle was appointed to serve as a City Planning Commissioner on the New York City Planning Commission from 2012-2021. Michelle is an alumna of Connecticut College, Columbia University and of Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Education Program. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter.
