Senator Hamilton, Disability Rights Advocates, & NYCHA Residents Call on Governor Cuomo to Sign “First Offer for the Vulnerable” Legislation

Brooklyn, NY – Today, NYS Senator Jesse Hamilton called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign legislation that helps mobility impaired NYCHA residents alongside, disability rights advocates, and NYCHA residents at a press conference at the Van Dyke Community Center (392 Blake Ave, Brooklyn, 11212)..

The “First Offer for the Vulnerable” legislation (S2720) gives mobility impaired tenants of NYCHA buildings the first offer on vacant apartments in lower floors in NYCHA housing. It passed unanimously in the Senate and overwhelmingly in the Assembly during the 2017 legislative session. The legislation stems from safety concerns and the difficulties mobility impaired tenants have faced getting to and from upper floor apartments. A resident Howard Houses (260 Mother Gaston Blvd) was killed in a fire in 2007. In 2009, a fire caused the death of a public housing resident of Carlton Manor in Far Rockaway who cared for her child with cerebral palsy who was confined to a wheelchair.

NYS Senator Jesse Hamilton said, “Every New York City Housing Authority resident deserves fair treatment. A tenant-centered approach means consistent care for the needs of mobility impaired tenants. This ‘First Offer for the Vulnerable’ legislation upholds those values. That is why I call on Governor Cuomo to sign this legislation and give mobility impaired residents the accessible housing they deserve.”

NYS Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, "I urge Governor Cuomo to sign into law bill S2720. Mobility challenged individuals are part of a vulnerable population and should be given first preference in occupying dwelling units that are on the ground floor of NYCHA residences. This allows ease of access and enhances their quality of life. This common sense legislation extends compassion and gives voice to the voiceless. Signing this bill into law is the right thing to do."

Lisa Kenner, Van Dyke I Resident Association President, said "There are many NYCHA Residents, throughout the five boroughs, who are mobility impaired and may have the desire to move to a lower floor, when a vacancy occurs, so they can live a more safer life. Hopefully, the recent passed legislation by Senator Jesse Hamilton, will help those individuals, who are mobility impaired will be given the opportunity and not passed aside."

Allison Nickerson, Executive Director of LiveOn NY states, "LiveOn NY thanks Senator Hamilton and Assemblywoman Titus for sponsoring this legislation which will ensure that older NYCHA residents receive both consideration and flexibility to help them remain in their communities as they age. By allowing mobility impaired individuals to move to a lower floor in the NYCHA building, this bill increases accessibility for seniors."

Lourdes I. Rosa-Carrasquillo, Esq., Director of Advocacy at Center for the Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY) said, "We are thrilled that the Senate has chosen to create such a crucial bill for people with disabilities. We have been lobbying for legislation since Hurricane Sandy to protect people with disabilities who have and may be stranded in their apartments when elevators are shut down. Such accommodations for people with disabilities are often not considered until there is an emergency. We hope that people with disabilities will be better served with this bill."

United Neighborhood Houses said, “United Neighborhood Houses (UNH) applauds Senator Hamilton and Assembly Member Titus for their work to improve accessibility within New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) buildings for individuals that experience mobility challenges. As the association of 38 settlement houses and community centers operating at over 600 sites across the five boroughs and in a number of NYCHA properties, we know that there are a number of issues that compromise the quality of life for NYCHA tenants, as well as make operating community spaces difficult for nonprofit human services providers. Senator Hamilton’s bill, which would allow individuals with mobility impairments to be prioritized for open units on lower floors, is a common-sense solution that the Governor should embrace. UNH encourages the Governor to sign this bill into law, and we look forward to working with Senator Hamilton in the future to improve NYC’s communities.”