Housing Advocates Voice Support For Senate Democrats’ Plan

           Roland Lewis, executive director of Habitat for Humanity in New York City, said "If New York State is to grow and prosper, we need decent, safe, affordable homes—both upstate and down. The Senate Democrats have crafted a bold plan that addresses the critical housing needs of every community across the state. Its goals are lofty, but they are achievable. Habitat for Humanity – New York City calls on our next governor and our state leaders to work in tandem with the private sector, the nonprofit sector and groups like Housing First! to build a state where every family has the stability of a secure home."

          Julie Miles, Executive Director of Housing Here and Now, a New York City-wide affordable housing coalition, said, "Under Pataki's watch we've lost significant ground on affordable housing, hemorrhaging hundreds of thousands of rent-regulated units. By adopting this thorough plan, the next governor can make up for this lost ground."

         Michael McKee, treasurer of Tenants Political Action Committee, said, “We look forward to the day, soon, when the Democrats are the majority in the State Senate. We are particularly pleased that their platform includes strong support for rent and eviction protections, and immediate repeal of the Urstadt Law. Urstadt repeal would finally restore home rule to the New York City Council and Mayor over our rent laws, eliminating the need for us to try to negotiate with upstate legislators who do not have a single rent-regulated apartment in their districts, and who receive carloads of campaign contributions from New York City landlords.”

        Irene Baldwin, executive director of the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development said, "The neighborhood housing movement has grappled with the shortage of affordable housing for New Yorkers for many years.  Fortunately, New York has a tremendous budget surplus both at the city and state level.  This year, we are in a position to tackle the problem head-on and build more affordable housing for ordinary New Yorkers. "