Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Renee Keith, Member of the Public, on NYCHA Demolition Plans and Lack of Transparency
4:07:28
ยท
157 sec
Renee Keith testifies about concerns regarding NYCHA's plans for demolition at Fulton and Elliott Chelsea Houses, highlighting issues with resident surveys, lack of transparency, and the potential for displacement. She criticizes NYCHA's approach to resident engagement and decision-making processes.
- Keith argues that a resident survey was misrepresented as consent for demolition plans
- She points out discrepancies between working group recommendations and NYCHA's RFP language
- Keith expresses fear that residents are being treated as "real estate" to be leveraged for profit
Renee Keith
4:07:28
Okay.
4:07:29
So in 2019, the discussion without possible demolition of two Fulton House's buildings.
4:07:40
Now we're on the verge of trying to demolish 22 buildings in Fulton and Elliot Chelsea.
4:07:47
What I'd like to discuss the subject of the survey brought up by public advocate Williams.
4:07:52
The problem is not how the votes took place.
4:07:55
There wasn't a vote.
4:07:56
It was a survey, a temperature check as Simon Cowitsky, VP of Portfolio Planning has said.
4:08:02
May 20, the survey closed.
4:08:04
May 26 draft PHA annual agency plan for fiscal year 2024, you see marked demolition and disposition.
4:08:13
Six days later, impossible, manufacturers consent.
4:08:17
The survey wasn't for PACT, but for new construction and rezoning, or in reality, demolition or rehabilitation.
4:08:25
The NYCHA RFP to implement a community driven preservation and investment RFP
UNKNOWN
4:08:29
strategy for Fulton And Elliott Chelsea, key updates and the third round of questions and answers.
4:08:35
NYCHA wants to remind applicants that this RFP includes the option to submit an additional alternative scenario that deviates from the recommendations of the Chelsea working
Renee Keith
4:08:45
group, but still achieves the goal of providing comprehensive repairs to the four properties and creating an enhanced built environment with additional amenities for NYCHA residents.
4:08:56
The important part, applicants are encouraged to think creatively about design interventions.
4:09:02
They may not have been considered a part of the working group process and should clearly explain the benefit that provides to NYCHA residents.
4:09:10
The resident review committee must select a project that is financially sound and that may mean a proposal that is different from the proposed development scenario recommended by the working group.
4:09:21
First thing the working group said, no demolition.
4:09:25
This tells us there was a lack of transparency.
4:09:28
Only through backtracking were we able to find these.
4:09:31
It tells us from the beginning this was a convoluted plan.
4:09:34
Yes, a plan to unhome us.
Chris Banks
4:09:38
Thirty seconds to wrap it up.
Renee Keith
4:09:41
Okay.
4:09:42
And also residents who participate in the resident review committee will also sign a confidentiality and conflict of interest agreement.
4:09:49
This was never in the thought of the residents.
4:09:53
We are real estate to them.
4:09:56
They are leveraging us, our lives, our homes.
4:10:00
This needs to be understood.
4:10:02
We are not here for anyone's profit or gain.