New York City Council
Committee on Housing and Buildings
Mar 11, 2024
·
01:00 PM
5 hr 20 min
Summary
A hearing on the fiscal year 2025 preliminary budget and fiscal 2024 preliminary management report for the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Department of Buildings (DOB).
Discussions centered on addressing New York City's severe housing affordability crisis, HPD's strategies and budget to create and preserve affordable housing units, concerns about HPD's capacity to finance housing for extremely low-income households, accelerating affordable homeownership programs, and rising insurance costs impacting rent affordability.
The hearing also covered DOB's performance on construction inspections and permitting, staffing reductions, auditing of self-certified plans, implementation of risk-based audits, and Local Law 97 oversight.
Features testimony from HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr., DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Introduction to the housing and buildings committee hearing
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez opens the hearing of the committee on housing and buildings, focusing on the fiscal 2025 preliminary budget and the fiscal 2024 preliminary measures management report. …
0:00:29
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26 sec
Overview of New York City's housing affordability crisis
Council Member Sanchez highlights the severe housing affordability crisis in New York City, citing recent findings from the housing and vacancy survey. She emphasizes the low vacancy rate, the displacement …
0:00:56
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76 sec
HPD's budget and fiscal plans for addressing the housing crisis
Council Member Sanchez outlines HPD's responsibilities and budget for fiscal year 2025. She notes the increase in the budget due to additional responsibilities for asylum seekers and discusses the Programs …
0:02:14
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118 sec
Challenges and goals for affordable housing in New York City
Council Member Sanchez discusses the depth of the housing crisis, highlighting the need for more affordable housing and increased capital investments. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the council …
0:04:12
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3 min
Public Advocate's statement on housing and building safety concerns
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams addresses various housing and building safety issues, including staffing shortages at HPD and DOB, infrastructure concerns, and the increase in lithium-ion battery fires. He calls for …
0:07:44
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3 min
Announcement of the 'Homes Now' campaign for affordable housing investment
Council Member Sanchez announces the 'Homes Now, Homes for Generation' campaign, which calls for a significant investment in affordable homeownership and preservation of rent-stabilized units. She highlights the key programs …
0:11:30
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119 sec
Adolfo Carrión Jr., Commissioner of New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development, on the Housing Crisis and Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Commissioner Carrión testifies on NYC's dire housing crisis and HPD's FY2025 budget, emphasizing urgent need for action. - NYC's housing vacancy rate at 1.41%, lowest since 1968, with only 33,000 …
0:14:01
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19 min
Council Member Sanchez's opening remarks and appreciation for the commissioner's presentation
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez begins by expressing strong appreciation for Commissioner Carrión's remarks, describing them as the best she's heard in her time with the city government. She emphasizes …
0:33:39
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153 sec
Discussion on the mayor's goal of creating 500,000 units of affordable housing
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the mayor's moonshot goal of creating 500,000 units of affordable housing over the next decade, specifically asking what share of this target will be financed …
0:36:13
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10 min
Addressing housing needs for the lowest income New Yorkers
Council Member Sanchez focuses on housing for the lowest income New Yorkers, particularly those at 20% AMI and below. She inquires about HPD's efforts to reach these households and whether …
0:46:18
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5 min
Discussion on HPD's new construction and preservation pipeline timelines
Council Member Hudson inquires about the average time for HPD's new construction and preservation pipelines from proposal to closing. Commissioner Carrión explains that project timelines can vary significantly, ranging from …
0:52:00
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87 sec
Overview of HPD's project pipeline and involvement of non-profit developers
Commissioner Carrión and First Deputy Commissioner Tigani provide details on HPD's project pipeline and the involvement of non-profit developers in affordable housing projects. They discuss the number of projects in …
0:53:26
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3 min
Update on ANCP and Till programs
Commissioner Carrión and Deputy Commissioner Darga provide an update on the Affordable Neighborhood Cooperative Program (ANCP) and Till program. They discuss the progress made, challenges faced, and recent changes to …
0:56:53
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3 min
Funding allocation for Neighborhood Pillars and Open Door programs
Deputy Commissioner Caphart provides information on the funding allocation for the Neighborhood Pillars and Open Door programs. Council Member Hudson inquires about the status of these programs and plans for …
1:00:25
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82 sec
Council Member Brewer questions affordability in HDFC program
Council Member Gale A. Brewer raises concerns about the affordability of HDFC (Housing Development Fund Corporation) units, particularly regarding mortgages and maintenance costs. Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. defends the program's …
1:02:00
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161 sec
Discussion on the status of AEP and 7A programs
Council Member Brewer inquires about the status of the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) and the 7A program. Commissioner Carrión and Deputy Commissioner Santiago provide updates on both programs, including the …
1:04:42
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4 min
Debate over the future of the Mitchell-Lama program
Council Member Brewer expresses her opposition to changes in the Mitchell-Lama program, particularly the Kevin Plaza proposal. Commissioner Carrión affirms HPD's commitment to supporting the program while acknowledging potential changes …
1:09:27
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96 sec
Council Member Brewer proposes housing development on Ward's Island
Council Member Gale A. Brewer suggests developing housing on Ward's Island, proposing it as a potential site for Mitchell-Lama 2.0, 3.0, or 4.0 programs. She emphasizes that the island, which …
1:11:03
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35 sec
Update on the Harborview project
Council Member Brewer inquires about the status of the Harborview project, which involves 124 units. First Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Tigani provides an update on HPD's work with NYCHA on their …
1:11:38
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60 sec
Discussion on Mitchell-Lama apartments and their preservation
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about Mitchell-Lama apartments and their preservation in the context of affordable housing. Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. explains that preservation involves financial assistance, refinancing, and entering …
1:13:13
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113 sec
Concerns about affordability and conditions in Mitchell-Lama units
Council Member Dinowitz raises concerns about significant rent increases and poor living conditions in Mitchell-Lama apartments, questioning whether these units can still be considered affordable. He cites examples of 20-70% …
1:15:07
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122 sec
Rising insurance costs and their impact on affordable housing
The discussion focuses on the dramatic increase in insurance costs for affordable housing developments and its impact on rent affordability. Commissioner Carrión and First Deputy Commissioner Tigani explain the efforts …
1:17:09
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4 min
Discussion on construction of different sized apartments
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about the construction data for different apartment sizes (studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, etc.) and expresses concerns about the predominance of smaller units in areas that might be …
1:22:09
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110 sec
Insurance cost crisis and potential redlining in New York City
Commissioner Carrión and Council Member Sanchez discuss the broader insurance cost crisis affecting residential buildings in New York City, including concerns about potential redlining. They emphasize the need to address …
1:24:01
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138 sec
Council Member Restler's opening remarks and project updates
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens with appreciation for Chair Sanchez and echoes concerns about increased insurance costs. He then acknowledges progress on two projects: Bedford Gardens and Kaplan Plaza North. …
1:26:24
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91 sec
Discussion on homeless housing and supportive housing unit statistics
Council Member Restler raises concerns about the decrease in homeless housing and supportive housing units started and completed, as reported in the PMMR. HPD officials respond by explaining the cyclical …
1:27:57
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3 min
Discussion on Open Doors and Neighborhood Pillars programs funding
Council Member Restler inquires about funding for Open Doors and Neighborhood Pillars programs, referencing a recently announced initiative. He seeks clarification on current funding and explores the possibility of increased …
1:31:30
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3 min
Discussion on affordable homeownership and potential HPD program investments
Council Member Restler and Commissioner Carrión discuss the need for affordable homeownership opportunities in New York City and the potential for increased investment in HPD programs. They explore the possibility …
1:35:16
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109 sec
Council member Feliz inquires about Open Door program and homeownership units
Council Member Feliz inquires about the Open Door program, which focuses on creating affordable homeownership opportunities. Commissioner Carrión and First Deputy Commissioner Tigani provide information on the number of units …
1:37:28
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164 sec
Discussion on lack of homeownership units in District 15 and potential program modifications
Council Member Feliz raises concerns about the lack of homeownership units in District 15 and the low number of units produced citywide. Commissioner Carrión and First Deputy Commissioner Tigani discuss …
1:40:13
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4 min
Council Member Avilés inquires about HPD's investment in the Home First program
Council Member Alexa Avilés asks about the total investment made in the Home First program. HPD representatives provide details on the program's funding, including capital investments and federal home dollars …
1:45:18
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89 sec
Council Member Avilés discusses HPD's enforcement activities and programs
Council Member Alexa Avilés inquires about HPD's enforcement activities, including emergency repairs, the alternative enforcement program (AEP), and fire door safety. HPD representatives provide information on collections, program targets, and …
1:46:47
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6 min
Council Member Brewer inquires about uncollected money owed to HPD
Council Member Gale A. Brewer discusses the issue of uncollected money owed to the Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) with HPD representatives. She inquires about the process of …
1:53:36
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62 sec
Council member inquires about the arrest of landlord Daniel Ohebshalom
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about the recent arrest of landlord Daniel O'Hib Shalom, seeking clarification on the reasons for the arrest and its implications. HPD officials explain that …
1:54:41
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3 min
Discussion on HPD's enforcement powers and resource needs
Council Member Sanchez inquires about what HPD needs from the city council to improve its enforcement capabilities and address issues more quickly. Commissioner Carrión expresses openness to discussions about potential …
1:57:59
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4 min
HPD discusses agency vacancies and hiring progress
Council Member Sanchez inquires about vacancies in key HPD programs, and agency officials provide details on their staffing levels and recent hiring efforts. The discussion highlights the progress made in …
2:02:15
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176 sec
HPD addresses budget cuts and progress on housing blueprint initiatives
Council Member Sanchez inquires about budget cuts to housing blueprint initiatives and the progress made on these programs. HPD officials explain their approach to meeting savings targets while minimizing impact …
2:06:09
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6 min
Explanation of cost difference between homeowner and rental units
Council Member Sanchez asks for clarification on why developing homeowner units costs twice as much as rental units. HPD officials explain the factors contributing to this cost difference, including funding …
2:12:57
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101 sec
Council Member Sanchez introduces the Department of Buildings and discusses its budget and staffing
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez opens the hearing on the Department of Buildings' (DOB) fiscal 2025 preliminary budget. She provides an overview of DOB's role in regulating construction and real …
2:20:57
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168 sec
Council Member Sanchez raises concerns about building safety and DOB's capacity to enforce regulations
Council Member Sanchez expresses concern over recent building collapses and increasing construction fatalities in New York City. She questions DOB's ability to fulfill its core mission of safety with reduced …
2:23:46
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3 min
Jimmy Oddo, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings, on the Department's Fiscal Year 2025 Preliminary Budget and Performance Initiatives
Commissioner Jimmy Oddo presents the New York City Department of Buildings' fiscal year 2025 preliminary budget and discusses the department's performance and priority initiatives. - The fiscal year 2025 preliminary …
2:27:00
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16 min
Council member thanks DOB for response to 1915 Billingsley collapse
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez expresses gratitude to Commissioner Jimmy Oddo and the Department of Buildings staff for their responsive and coordinated efforts following the 1915 Billings Lee collapse. She …
2:43:43
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102 sec
Discussion on DOB staffing reductions and budget cuts
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the reduction of 577 positions at the Department of Buildings since fiscal 2022, including cuts of 137 positions in fiscal 2024 and 90 positions in …
2:45:26
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4 min
Clarification on DOB budget cuts and affected positions
Council Member Sanchez requests a breakdown of the budget cuts and affected positions. Commissioner Oddo and Assistant Commissioner Ugarte provide detailed information on the reductions in various job categories, including …
2:50:04
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159 sec
Discussion on construction safety measures and injury prevention
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the Department of Buildings' efforts to prevent construction-related injuries and fatalities. Commissioner Jimmy Oddo provides an overview of current safety measures, statistics, and …
2:53:06
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5 min
Discussion on uncollected revenue and enforcement challenges
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the amount of uncollected revenue from the Department of Buildings. Commissioner Jimmy Oddo reveals a significant amount of uncollected fines and discusses the …
2:58:59
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4 min
Discussion on the use of drones and technology in building inspections
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the use of drones in building inspections. Commissioner Jimmy Oddo discusses the department's plans to incorporate drones and other technologies to improve their …
3:03:06
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156 sec
Discussion on site safety training and curious injuries in construction
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the increase in curious injuries at construction sites, where no apparent cause was found. Commissioner Oddo provides statistics on the rise of such incidents and …
3:06:03
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130 sec
DOB inspections, technology improvements, and site safety card fraud
Commissioner Oddo discusses the quality of DOB inspections, the implementation of new technology to improve efficiency, and addresses concerns about fraudulent site safety training cards. Council Member Sanchez expresses concern …
3:08:14
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6 min
Council Member Restler and Commissioner Oddo exchange pleasantries
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the conversation with Commissioner Jimmy Oddo, expressing appreciation for Oddo's work and responsiveness. They engage in a friendly exchange, with Oddo emphasizing the importance of …
3:14:30
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140 sec
Discussion on DOB's headcount reduction and budget issues
Council Member Restler expresses concern about the 26% reduction in DOB's headcount since the beginning of the administration. Commissioner Oddo acknowledges the challenges and discusses the need for a smarter, …
3:16:50
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3 min
Addressing challenges with access agreements and neighbor disputes
Council Member Restler raises concerns about increasing complaints related to access agreements, particularly for tenant protection plans and Local Law 11 compliance. Commissioner Oddo and his team acknowledge the issue …
3:20:49
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3 min
Update on Local Law 97 implementation and staffing at DOB
Deputy Commissioner Laura Popa provides an update on the staffing dedicated to Local Law 97 implementation at the Department of Buildings. She reports significant progress in staffing levels compared to …
3:24:18
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119 sec
Discussion on building compliance with Local Law 97
Deputy Commissioner Laura Popa provides information on expected compliance rates for Local Law 97 and discusses the challenges in predicting compliance for different types of buildings. She explains the timeline …
3:26:17
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158 sec
Outreach efforts and financing for Local Law 97 compliance
Deputy Commissioner Laura Popa discusses the Department of Buildings' outreach efforts and financing options to help building owners comply with Local Law 97. She highlights the role of the New …
3:28:55
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85 sec
DOB boiler inspector staffing levels
Council Member Sanchez questions DOB officials about boiler inspector staffing levels. Officials explain that all 21 budgeted boiler inspector positions are filled, despite an overall reduction in DOB headcount. - …
3:32:11
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176 sec
DOB elevator inspector staffing and workload
Council Member Sanchez inquires about elevator inspector staffing levels and workload. Commissioner Oddo and other officials explain current staffing and challenges with expedited inspections. - DOB has 31 of 33 …
3:35:07
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4 min
Electrical inspector wait times and DOB staffing impacts
Council Member Sanchez raises concerns about increased wait times for electrical inspections. Commissioner Oddo explains the current situation and context. - Wait times for electrical inspections have increased by 4 …
3:39:32
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102 sec
Construction site safety and enforcement of violations
Council Member Sanchez questions DOB officials about protocols for ensuring hazardous violations are corrected and the department's enforcement capabilities. Officials explain reinspection processes and challenges with compliance. - Class 1 …
3:41:14
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4 min
Request for update on 1915 Billingsley Terrace
Council Member Sanchez requests an update on the situation at 1915 Billingsley Terrace, where a partial building collapse occurred. She notes that the owners claim to have resolved all open …
3:45:26
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8 min
DOB update on 1915 Billingsley Terrace repairs and violations
A DOB official provides a detailed update on the situation at 1915 Billingsley Terrace, explaining the progress made and current status of violations and repairs. - DOB has been meeting …
3:54:06
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133 sec
DOB's processes for auditing professionally certified plans
Council Member Sanchez questions DOB officials about their practices for auditing professionally certified plans. Officials explain current processes and plans for implementing more risk-based approaches to auditing. - DOB reviews …
3:56:19
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6 min
Risk-based auditing and self-certified plans
Council Member Sanchez asks follow-up questions about DOB's risk-based auditing approach and the volume of self-certified plans. Officials provide additional details on their processes and data. - DOB is considering …
4:02:34
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6 min
Initiative to remove sidewalk sheds
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the 'get sheds down' initiative proposed by the mayor, particularly focusing on potential increased penalties. DOB officials explain the proposed penalties and targeted areas for …
4:08:37
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158 sec
DOB budget priorities and staffing needs
Council Member Sanchez asks about DOB's priorities in budget discussions with OMB, particularly regarding staffing needs and previously eliminated positions. Commissioner Oddo responds about their efforts to regain resources. - …
4:11:15
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87 sec
Department of Buildings' involvement with Tenant Protection Plans
Council Member Brewer inquires about the Department of Buildings' involvement in Tenant Protection Plans (TPPs), particularly regarding a situation at 353 West 58th Street. Commissioner Oddo provides detailed statistics on …
4:12:42
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3 min
Gabriela Sandoval Requena, Director of Policy and Communications at New Destiny House, on addressing domestic violence, homelessness, and affordable housing access in New York City
New Destiny House advocates for ending the double trauma of abuse and homelessness among survivors of violence in New York City. - Highlights alarming 1.4% rental vacancy rate in 2023, …
4:22:56
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176 sec
Pascale Leone, Executive Director of Supportive Housing Network of New York, on improving NYC's 15/15 Supportive Housing Initiative and workforce support
Pascale Leone outlines three key points to improve supportive housing in New York City and support its workforce. - Proposes improvements to the New York City 15/15 Supportive Housing Initiative, …
4:26:00
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3 min
Barika Williams, Executive Director of Association for Neighborhood And Housing Development (ANHD), on Community Housing Preservation Strategies and Housing Production Challenges
Barika Williams requests continued support for community housing initiatives and addresses challenges in affordable housing production. - Asks for $4.95 million in FY25 budget for Community Housing Preservation Strategies Initiative …
4:29:33
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3 min
Adriene Holder, Chief Attorney at Legal Aid Society, on improving NYC's Right to Counsel and anti-harassment tenant protection programs
Adriene Holder emphasizes the critical need for improved Right to Counsel and tenant protection programs in NYC to prevent evictions and preserve affordable housing. - Stresses the importance of legal …
4:37:32
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4 min
Runa Rajagopal, Managing Director of Bronx Defenders, on Anti-Harassment Tenant Protection Program and Funding Fairness for Legal Services
Runa Rajagopal advocates for full funding of the anti-harassment tenant protection program and addresses pay parity issues in legal services organizations. - Highlights the importance of the anti-harassment tenant protection …
4:42:33
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5 min
Ami Shah, Deputy Director of Legal Services NYC, on Contract Challenges and Funding for Housing Programs
Legal Services NYC Deputy Director Ami Shah highlights urgent issues with expiring contracts for housing programs and right to counsel funding, affecting over $173 million in funding. - Contracts for …
4:48:05
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3 min
Viviana Gordon, Director of Planning and Implementation at Center for Justice Innovation, on Housing Instability and Public Housing Oversight
Viviana Gordon testifies on the impact of housing instability and inequity on New Yorkers, advocating for improved public housing oversight and code enforcement. - Center for Justice Innovation serves tens …
4:52:06
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3 min
Shekeema Gillans, Resident of an Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) in the South Bronx, on critical building issues and financial instability in her cooperative
Shekeema Gillans details severe maintenance problems and financial instability in her South Bronx HDFC cooperative, requesting immediate assistance to prevent foreclosure. - Building lacks gas since March 2022 due to …
4:58:44
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3 min
Jim Dill, Executive Director of Housing And Services Inc., on Reallocation of New York City's 15/15 Supportive Housing Initiative
Jim Dill advocates for changes to NYC's 15/15 supportive housing initiative, focusing on congregate housing over scatter-site units. - Urges reallocation of NY 15/15 housing units from scatter-site to congregate …
5:03:09
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127 sec
Paula Segal, Staff Attorney at Take Root Justice, on Community Land Trusts, Public Housing Support, and Municipal Debt Collection Redesign
Paula Segal advocates for increased funding and support for community-controlled affordable housing initiatives and a redesign of the municipal debt collection system. - Urges increase of funding for the Citywide …
5:05:23
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3 min
Colin Kent-Daggett, Advocacy Coordinator and Paralegal at TakeRoot Justice, on funding for the Stabilizing New York City Coalition and community housing initiatives
TakeRoot Justice requests $4 million in funding for the Stabilizing New York City Coalition to combat tenant harassment and preserve affordable housing. - TakeRoot Justice works with community organizations to …
5:09:12
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168 sec
Wendell Walters, Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Osborne Association, on Housing Challenges for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals and Reentry Services
Wendell Walters explains the critical role of stable housing in successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals and Osborne Association's efforts to address this need. - Osborne Association serves 10,000 participants …
5:12:13
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141 sec
Memo Salazar, Co-Chair of Western Queen's Community Land Trust, on Community Land Trust Initiative Funding and Affordable Housing
Memo Salazar advocates for increased funding for Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) repairs to address the housing crisis. - CLT Initiative funding enabled hiring …
5:14:56
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134 sec
Elaina Wood, Housing Director at Housing Works, on NYC Budget Impact on Housing Services and Affordable Housing Development
Elaina Wood criticizes NYC budget cuts and calls for increased investment in housing services and affordable housing development. - Budget cuts and hiring freezes have damaged critical agencies like Housing …
5:17:17
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135 sec