PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Bernadette Ferrara, President of Van Ness Neighborhood Alliance
1:45:43
·
124 sec
Bernadette Ferrara, representing the East Bronx, urges the City Council to reject the City of Yes Housing Opportunity proposal. She argues that the city faces an affordability crisis rather than a housing shortage and expresses concerns about the lack of homeownership programs and infrastructure priorities.
- Criticizes the last-minute addition of a housing action plan as a tactic to secure votes
- Warns council members about potential electoral consequences of supporting the proposal
- Emphasizes the importance of preserving community diversity and characteristics
- Expresses concern about the proposal reducing community and city council input on land use decisions
Bernadette Ferrara
1:45:43
Good morning, Chair Riley, and members of this committee.
1:45:46
My name is Bernadette Ferrara, and I represent thousands of families in the East Bronx.
1:45:51
I'm the president of the Van Ness Neighborhood Alliance, a member of Cepka, former chair, and 17 year board member of Bronx Community Board 11, and a lifelong East Bronx resident still living in 1 of the Van Ness of the oldest neighborhoods of Van Ness established in 1853.
1:46:10
I am urging city council to reject the city of yes housing opportunity in its entirety.
1:46:18
For the past year and a half, many like myself have testified that we do not have a housing shortage, but an affordability crisis.
1:46:29
There are no HPD programs that lead to homeownership, and we need to prioritize on our infrastructure.
1:46:38
Earlier this month, at the 11th hour, with the vote in city council, speaker Adrienne Adams said before voting on the city of yes changes, the council will be developing and housing action plan.
1:46:53
That includes affordability and will be attached to the city of yes housing opportunity.
1:46:59
This is a tactic to get a yes vote from city council.
1:47:04
If you care about your communities and those that voted you in office, You will fully reject this, vote no, and protect your communities.
1:47:14
Next year, 34 city council members will be up for reelection, and your constituents will remember how you voted.
1:47:24
As diverse are our ethnicities, so are the unique diverse characteristics of each community.
1:47:31
We need your no vote to protect and preserve those special qualities.
1:47:38
Also, How can you vote, yes, on an initiative that will take away both community and city council input of land use items.
Kevin C. Riley
1:47:47
Thank you, Brenton.
