Councilmember Lincoln Restler Approves Rezoning And Secures Vital Space For Community Groups In South Williamsburg

The New York City Council voted to approve a rezoning of 347 Flushing Ave, a mixed-use commercial building, which allows for critical community benefits in South Williamsburg. 

The rezoning will formalize existing commercial use in the facility and create new space for community based organizations to better meet the needs of South Williamsburg residents. The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn will open a 2625 square foot food pantry to provide fresh groceries for local families, and Williamsburg Shomrim will benefit from eight parking spaces for their emergency vehicles and command center to further speed up their impressive response times. 

“I’m elated that we were able to achieve a rezoning plan that creates a much needed food pantry and strengthens community safety for the South Williamsburg community,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “Thank you to our partners at UJO and Shomrim for their tremendous service to our community.”

"I'm incredibly happy that 347 Flushing Avenue will now house a dedicated space for food and other crucial community supports," said Rabbi David Niederman of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn. "This new food pantry will allow us to more effectively carry forward our sacred mission of caring for the neediest, providing nourishment and assistance to residents in Williamsburg and Bed/Stuy, and expanding upon the many existing services we are already proud to offer. This development will also bring significant economic benefit and jobs to the neighborhood, with new businesses opening up within the building, providing local community residents a centrally located hub with offices, shopping, medical and health services, and communal support facilities within walking distance. We're deeply grateful to Council Member Restler for his commitment to securing this essential space for our community."

“The addition of eight new parking spaces for emergency vehicles will allow us to improve our response times in South Williamsburg and Bed Stuy and keep the neighborhood safe,” said Asher Markowitz, Williamsburg Shomrim Coordinator. “We appreciate Council Member Restler working to ensure Shomrim can continue to efficiently serve the community.”