On Wednesday, the Astoria community mobilized to share our opposition to the IQNS rezoning at the Community Board 1 public hearing. Working-class Bangali families in the neighborhood, who are clear that luxury development is about profit at the expense of the working-class, were excited to talk about how this rezoning would impact their lives. Imagine our disappointment when our people - many of whom took time off work to speak - were denied the right to share their story. Despite promises that no one would be turned away to speak, a majority of the Bangali tenants did not get their one minute of time to speak. Those who could only come after work arrived as early as 6:45 PM & were denied entry. Whether they choose to listen or ignore us, we have been abundantly clear from the beginning: NO Innovation QNS Rezoning. NO to luxury development that displaces our people. We won’t stand by as you destroy our neighborhood 🥊🥊🔥 📸 Credits: Julia Moro (first photo) & John Bahia (last three)