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Q&A
DFTA's headquarters relocation and strategies for capital funding
1:05:42
·
3 min
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about DFTA's headquarters relocation project and strategies for increasing capital funding. Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez discusses the agency's approach to capital improvements and funding challenges.
- DFTA's headquarters relocation project is in the final stages of decision-making after a five-year delay
- The agency advocates for increased funding but faces challenges in controlling project timelines
- DFTA is exploring partnerships with borough presidents for additional capital funding, citing a successful $7 million allocation from the Brooklyn Borough President
- Smaller organizations face difficulties accessing capital funding, which DFTA addresses through budget modifications and self-funding strategies
Crystal Hudson
1:05:42
Okay.
1:05:47
We know there's been a pause in NYC Aging's headquarter relocation.
1:05:50
When does NYC Aging expect the project to be resumed and completed?
1:06:15
Okay.
1:06:16
Do you plan to advocate for increased funding for your capital plan?
1:06:19
And if so, how much additional funding is needed to adequately address the agency's capital needs?
1:07:42
So let me just ask you, and you can give me maybe a yes or no answer.
1:07:48
Do you plan to advocate for increased funding for your capital plan?
1:07:59
You get better and better at this each hearing.
1:08:05
I've got to get better myself, I guess, for getting directly to the answers.
1:08:11
Many older adult service providers are smaller organizations that find it very difficult to access capital funding.
1:08:18
Has DFTA explored using expense funding to address smaller infrastructure needs at providers?
1:08:43
Through self funding?
1:08:58
What about centers that are not eligible for capital funds due to a lack of site control?
1:09:04
Reasons could include bond language that would prevent them from getting capital funds.
1:09:15
Yes.
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
1:05:57
We hope soon.
1:06:00
We hope very soon.
1:06:02
We've been attempting to move for five years and we hope that this could move forward as as quickly as possible.
1:06:10
And I understand that it is in the final stages of making decision.
1:06:28
is not directly operated by us.
1:06:33
We may get the funding, but we have to rely on other city agencies to complete the projects.
1:06:43
And so that does not give us as much control over the timing of that.
1:06:51
What has worked and what we have found to be helpful has been what Brooklyn Borough president did.
1:07:00
Which Brooklyn Borough president allocated $7,000,000 specifically for the improvements in renovation at older adult clubs.
1:07:10
And mostly older adult clubs and NOCs.
1:07:15
And what we've done is make an appeal to other borough presidents to follow suit.
1:07:23
My understanding, we're having a conversation soon with Manhattan borough president Mark Levine.
1:07:28
And we hope that this also could become a pattern where we can make a major investment in capital that will be managed and controlled with the Department for the Aging.
1:07:39
Okay.
1:07:52
I always advocate with OMB for all funding.
1:07:56
Okay.
1:08:27
Usually do that.
1:08:28
We usually do that through budget modifications and where things can be repaired and through self funding.
1:08:38
And that's a way that we normally do that.
1:08:45
Mhmm.
1:08:46
Because if a program underspends, you do a budget modification and you repurpose the dollars.
1:09:09
Are you talking about private landlords?
1:09:11
Is that what you mean by no site control?
1:09:18
If it's a major construction or redevelopment we normally would not engage unless it's an emergency or presents a safety issue.
1:09:33
We depend on the landlord to take care of their property.
Barbara Baer
1:06:25
You know,