The citymeetings.nyc logo showing a pigeon at a podium with a microphone.

citymeetings.nyc

Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.

Q&A

Debate over building shelters vs. affordable housing and long-term planning

1:20:12

·

4 min

Council Member Brannan and Commissioner Park engage in a debate over the decision to build shelters instead of affordable housing, touching on payment speed, long-term planning, and the use of the term 'emergency' for shelter construction.

  • Brannan presents a case where a developer is choosing to build a shelter over affordable housing due to quicker payments from DHS
  • Commissioner Park emphasizes the need for both shelter and affordable housing
  • Discussion on the appropriateness of using the term 'emergency' for long-term shelter construction projects
  • Park explains the ongoing need for shelter due to systemic issues like income inequality and housing shortages
  • Debate over the balance between addressing immediate shelter needs and long-term housing solutions
  • Commissioner Park contrasts New York's approach to homelessness with other cities, emphasizing the moral obligation to provide shelter