PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Migdalia Cortez on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity
5:54:57
·
120 sec
Migdalia Cortez, a 61-year-old lifelong New Yorker, testifies against the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan, expressing concerns about affordability and the risk of eviction after 30 years in her home. She argues that the proposal favors developers over long-term residents and fails to address existing vacant spaces and lots.
- Cortez emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions that don't harm long-term residents like herself
- She criticizes the focus on new development when there are already vacant apartments and lots that could be utilized
- Cortez calls for the City Council and Mayor to work together on well-thought-out plans that prioritize affordability and community preservation
Migdalia Cortez
5:54:57
There's enough room for everyone, so everyone makes some room I am 61.
5:55:07
I just turned.
5:55:08
I love New York.
5:55:09
I lived here all my life.
5:55:11
I'm at risk of getting evicted after 30 years.
5:55:16
And privatization sounds the same thing to me as developers.
5:55:22
They don't care about people like me.
5:55:26
The rent just keeps going up and up.
5:55:29
This is about affordability.
5:55:31
This is about using what's they're already.
5:55:35
There's so many vacant lots and vacant spaces and like someone testify before apartments that are that are empty.
5:55:46
That's a cry.
5:55:49
While people are in the street laid out, how can we just walk over them and ignore it?
5:55:56
The the the problems are there if we're willing to solve them and it's not up to a developer.
5:56:02
Is up to the council working together with the mayor and and creating comprehensive things that don't hurt people like me.
5:56:16
I love my community, and I love my neighbors.
5:56:24
And I've worked all my life, and I do not deserve this.
5:56:31
They make investments and they get something.
5:56:33
I invest in living in my building and I get put out.
5:56:40
So I emphatically say no to this so cool.
5:56:46
Plan.
5:56:48
It needs to be well thought out, so it doesn't hurt people like me.
5:56:56
Thank you.
