Statement on NextGen NYCHA Efforts at Wyckoff Gardens.
April 4, 2016
April 4, 2016
As a member of the New York City Alliance to Preserve Public Housing (NYCAPPH) I support the observations and suggestions provided by the organization, and I repeat their call for a clear and direct answer to the questions regarding the tenant outreach efforts for NextGen NYCHA.
Having reviewed the plan documents found on the NYCHA website regarding the NextGen NYCHA effort going forward at Wyckoff Gardens, I can firmly say:
- No new buildings should be taller than any of the current Wyckoff Gardens structures.
- All new housing should be 100% affordable. NYCHA should not be in the business of conveying public land to private developers.
I am very aware of the precarious economic cliff NYCHA finds itself upon, and I appreciate the efforts being made to develop and stabilize cash flow to carry the agency and all its tenants into a more stable and sustainable future. However, NYCHA must also fulfill its obligations as a Public Authority for transparency and communication.
The task ahead is daunting and will require the good will and coordinated efforts of NYCHA, its tenants, New York’s community of housing advocates and certainly its elected government officials. Communication must be improved if the plan is to succeed.
NYCHA was developed as a means of providing safe and affordable quality housing for low and moderate income families in New York City, and included all the services required to sustain a quality of life: health centers, community centers, daycare, senior centers, etc. The need for quality affordable housing is arguably as great today as at any time in NYCHA’s history. NYCHA must remain true to its mission.
Senator Velmanette Montgomery
25th Senate District