Mister Smith tells committee DGC used eminent domain at mass scale, criticizes local zoning and developer ties

Mister Smith told the Neighborhood Community Service Standing Committee that the DGC — which he described as a quasi‑governmental entity — “was the first entity to ever take property through eminent domain…at a mass scale,” and pointed to a site he called Jefferson Village as an example. He said residents in the Lower East Side face improper zoning and “toxic dust” from nearby industrial operations and accused some council members of accepting money from developers while ignoring neighborhood health and zoning complaints.

“...they have a lot of powers that they don't act like they have,” Mister Smith said, adding that “they are also hiding behind that veil…of being private.” He named neighborhood properties including “3405 Gaylord” and said the parcel was once residential (he said it measures 3.44 acres), linking those changes to decisions that disadvantage longtime residents.

Mister Smith also referenced specific firms and people by name during his remarks, including Kronos Concrete and individuals he associated with zoning decisions and developer interests. The committee did not provide a response during the meeting; his comments were made during the public‑comment period and did not prompt a formal staff directive or vote.

Other public commenters raised separate neighborhood concerns. A caller identified by the clerk as Betty Varner and who described herself as president of the DeSoto Ellsworth Black Association announced a free health and vision fair on April 18 at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church offering free eye exams and screenings for children and adults.

William M. Davis, introduced as a caller and speaking about public safety and neighborhood resources, said the city should not subsidize expenses for retired officers accused of violent crimes and urged expanded library and recreation services for District 7. Another caller, identified as "Owner Papa," asked the committee to investigate why an assessor had changed his property status to not owner‑occupied and requested assistance from committee representatives.

The public‑comment segment concluded with no formal action on the allegations about eminent domain or zoning. Committee business then moved to a series of petitions and administrative items that were carried forward to formal session for consideration.