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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Theodora Makris, Senior Program Manager at Center for New York City Neighborhoods
3:59:33
ยท
138 sec
Theodora Makris from the Center for New York City Neighborhoods testified on critical investments needed to protect homeowners from storm risks and ensure housing stability. She highlighted three main areas: expanding resiliency retrofit programs, conducting a feasibility study on housing adaptation and mobility, and investing in water infrastructure upgrades.
- Urged support for Resolution 341 to expand eligibility and increase funding for flood resilience upgrades
- Called for passing Intro 153 to determine strategies for adaptation, buyouts, and relocation support
- Emphasized the need to pass Resolution 144 to remove funding restrictions for flood prevention investments
- Praised DEP's efforts to reduce sewage overflow in Newtown Creek
Theodora Makris
3:59:33
Good afternoon.
3:59:33
My name is Theodora MacKerson.
3:59:34
I'm a senior program manager at the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, a nonprofit that promotes and protects affordable homeownership for middle and working class families.
3:59:42
I would like to thank members of this committee for holding today's budget hearing and I'm happy to be with you today.
3:59:49
Today, I want to highlight three critical investments New York City must make to protect homeowners from escalating storm risks and ensure long term housing stability.
3:59:57
Number one, expand access to resiliency retrofit programs.
4:00:01
Homeowners need financial support to afford essential flood resilience upgrades such as backwater valves and sewer line repairs.
4:00:07
We urge the city to support resolution zero three four one that calls on Albany to expect to expand eligibility and increase funding for these programs.
4:00:16
Number two, conduct a feasibility study on housing adaptation and mobility.
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With rising flood risks, homeowners in vulnerable areas need equitable pathways to relocate or adapt their homes.
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Passing intro zero one five three will help determine best strategies for adaptation, buyouts, relocation support.
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And number three, investing in water infrastructure upgrades.
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Severe storms and climate driven flooding continue to endanger thousands of homes.
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Notably, a recent report by the Regional Planning estimates that New York City could lose as many as 19,300 homes over the next fifteen years due to flooding from high tides and storms.
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Additionally, the report predicts that another 2,400 24,300 units could suffer significant damage by 2040 from a major storm that has an an that has an annual 1% chance of occurring, and notably, these estimates do not account for flooding caused by extreme rainfall, such as the impact from hurricane Ida's remnants.
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So with that in mind, we call on New York State to pass resolution zero one forty four, which removes funding restrictions to allow for necessary flood prevention investments.
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And we want to applaud the Department of Environmental Protection's efforts to reduce sewage overflow in Newton Creek, a vital step towards mitigating pollution and stormwater risks.
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Continued investments in these projects is essential for the health and safety of homeowners by prioritizing these initiatives.
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City can protect homeowners, prevent displacement, and build resilience for at risk New Yorkers.
4:01:46
I wanna thank this committee once again for allowing me the opportunity to testify.
4:01:50
Thank you.
Lincoln Restler
4:01:50
Thank you.