Resident asks Community Board 11 to call public hearing on proposed SRO micro‑units at 626 Pelham Parkway South

During the public‑comment portion of the March 10 meeting, a resident identified as Roxanne urged the Health & Social Services Committee to request a public hearing on a redevelopment proposal at 626 Pelham Parkway South (the former Apple Bank site). Roxanne said the plan calls for about 106 micro units or single‑room‑occupancy (SRO) units with shared kitchens and small bathrooms and said the community deserves a hearing before public funds or approvals are pursued.

Roxanne also accused a referenced contractor (named in the comment as "BRC") of prior audit findings and misappropriation of funds for personal expenses and said the community had repeatedly requested a hearing without action. "We need a public hearing on 626 Pelham Parkway South," Roxanne said, adding that residents are concerned about livability and neighborhood impacts.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about the proposal’s features (kitchen arrangements and bathroom size). The chair said she would raise the request at the board’s leadership meeting and add it to new business for further consideration; no formal hearing was scheduled during the March 10 session.

The comment raised allegations about organizational audits and service effectiveness that were not substantiated during the meeting and were not answered by representatives of the organizations named. The committee’s recorded next step was to discuss the issue with leadership and consider drafting a letter reflecting community concerns.