Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Housing and Buildings
Apr 29, 2025
·
10:00 AM
3 hr 21 min
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Summary
A hearing on the Housing Connect system and affordable housing in New York City.
Discussions focused on:
- Inefficiencies in the application process
- Accessibility challenges for seniors and non-English speakers
- Mismatch between income requirements and applicants' actual incomes
- Proposed legislation to improve the system
The hearing explored issues such as long processing times, re-rental vacancies, and the need for a comprehensive overhaul of Housing Connect.
Features testimony from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), housing advocates, developers, and members of the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Introduction to the hearing on Housing Connect and affordable housing
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez introduces the oversight hearing on the affordable housing lottery and the Housing Connect platform. She emphasizes the importance of this issue for New Yorkers and …
0:00:50
•
24 sec
Overview of New York City's housing crisis
Council Member Sanchez provides an overview of the severe housing crisis in New York City, emphasizing the human cost and the difficulties faced by residents in finding affordable housing. - …
0:01:14
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80 sec
Issues with Housing Connect platform
Council Member Sanchez details various problems with the Housing Connect platform, including long processing times, inefficiencies in the re-rental process, and accessibility issues for certain populations. - Highlights the average …
0:02:35
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161 sec
Proposed legislation to address Housing Connect problems
Council Member Sanchez introduces three bills aimed at improving the Housing Connect system and making it more accessible to New Yorkers. - Intro 1264: Allows users to apply directly to …
0:05:17
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113 sec
Introduction of Intro 1207 on high-pressure boiler operating engineer licenses
Council Member Sanchez reads a statement from Council Member De La Rosa introducing Intro 1207, which aims to streamline the licensing process for high-pressure boiler operating engineers. - Proposes allowing …
0:07:10
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102 sec
Introduction and overview of NYC's housing crisis
Ahmed Tigani, Acting Commissioner of HPD, introduces the hearing on Housing Connect and provides an overview of the current housing crisis in New York City. He emphasizes the urgency of …
0:09:22
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128 sec
Recent improvements to the Housing Connect system
Ahmed Tigani outlines recent improvements made to the Housing Connect system, focusing on removing barriers and making the process more accessible and efficient for applicants. - Elimination of credit checks …
0:11:30
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128 sec
Statistics on households helped through Housing Connect and homeless subsidies
Ahmed Tigani presents statistics on the number of households that HPD has helped secure affordable housing through various programs in the past year. - 14,654 households were helped to move …
0:13:27
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46 sec
Outreach efforts and Housing Ambassador Program
Ahmed Tigani details the various outreach efforts and support systems in place to help New Yorkers access affordable housing, with a focus on the Housing Ambassador Program. - Expansion of …
0:14:13
•
177 sec
Plans for full-scale overhaul of Housing Connect
Ahmed Tigani outlines HPD's plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the Housing Connect system to improve its functionality and user experience. - Commitment to making Housing Connect faster, clearer, and …
0:17:11
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22 sec
Discussion of proposed legislation (Intros 1264, 1265, and 1266)
Ahmed Tigani addresses three pieces of proposed legislation related to Housing Connect and affordable housing processes. - Intro 1266: Proposes creating an in-person Housing Connect assistance program. HPD acknowledges the …
0:17:34
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97 sec
Changes to re-rental process and temporary waiver
Ahmed Tigani discusses recent changes to the re-rental process for affordable housing units and outlines plans for future improvements. - HPD has implemented a new temporary update to improve the …
0:19:11
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81 sec
Council member Sanchez acknowledges HPD's announcement on re-rentals
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez expresses gratitude for HPD's recent announcement regarding re-rentals, viewing it as a positive step forward. She thanks the commissioner for their engagement and thoughtful testimony. …
0:21:06
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25 sec
Discussion on Housing Connect system redesign plans
Council Member Sanchez inquires about HPD's plans for redesigning the Housing Connect system. Acting Commissioner Tigani provides details on the timeline, scope, and process for the overhaul. - HPD has …
0:21:31
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125 sec
Details on Housing Connect technology, hosting, and maintenance
Council Member Sanchez asks for clarification on Housing Connect's technology infrastructure, hosting, and maintenance processes. Acting Commissioner Tigani explains the various aspects of the system's management. - HPD owns the …
0:23:36
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3 min
Addressing Housing Connect outages and notification procedures
Council Member Sanchez raises concerns about Housing Connect outages and their impact on users, particularly seniors and those with limited digital access. Acting Commissioner Tigani and Associate Commissioner Osgood explain …
0:26:37
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107 sec
Council member inquires about Housing Connect application process and batches
Council Member Eric Dinowitz asks Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani about the Housing Connect application process, specifically how offers are sent out in batches. Tigani explains that applications are collected, then …
0:28:33
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47 sec
Discussion on application rejection rates and processing timelines
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about the percentage of applicants rejected in each batch and the time between batches. Acting Commissioner Tigani and Associate Commissioner Osgood provide information on the process …
0:29:20
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96 sec
Council member highlights issues with Housing Connect filters and requests improvements
Council Member Dinowitz points out problems with Housing Connect's search filters, which don't properly remove listings that don't meet user criteria. He asks about potential improvements to the system, particularly …
0:30:56
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168 sec
Council member proposes provider portal for Housing Connect
Council Member Dinowitz suggests implementing a provider portal in Housing Connect to help organizations work more efficiently with clients. Acting Commissioner Tigani expresses willingness to discuss the idea further. - …
0:33:44
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87 sec
Inquiry about document sharing between Access HRA and Housing Connect
Council Member Dinowitz asks about barriers to direct document sharing between Access HRA and Housing Connect. Acting Commissioner Tigani explains ongoing efforts to improve data exchange between city agencies. - …
0:35:11
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106 sec
Request for HPD presentation to community board
Council Member Dinowitz mentions that a local community board has been having trouble scheduling a presentation by HPD on Housing Connect. Acting Commissioner Tigani commits to addressing this issue promptly. …
0:36:58
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25 sec
Council member expresses frustrations and requests timeline for Housing Connect improvements
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez expresses frustrations with the Housing Connect platform and emphasizes the need for a clear timeline for improvements. She highlights the importance of engagement with constituents …
0:37:25
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64 sec
Discussion on Housing Connect vendor and technological upgrades
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the vendor for Housing Connect and potential obstacles to major technological updates. Acting Commissioner Tigani provides information about the vendor, Prutech, and discusses the agency's …
0:38:30
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165 sec
Discussion on Housing Connect outages and advance notice
Council Member Sanchez raises concerns about Housing Connect outages and their impact on scheduled appointments for application assistance. She requests a commitment to provide advance notice for planned outages. Acting …
0:41:15
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125 sec
Discussion on expanding in-person support for Housing Connect applications
Council Member Sanchez advocates for expanding in-person support for Housing Connect applications, referencing Intro 1264. Acting Commissioner Tigani outlines the current in-person support initiatives and expresses willingness to explore additional …
0:43:20
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83 sec
Discussion on Housing Connect marketing and communication improvements
Council Member Sanchez inquires about recent changes to improve marketing and communication for Housing Connect. Associate Commissioner Emily Osgood provides information on the implementation of email reminders and notifications for …
0:44:43
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75 sec
Plans for engaging Housing Connect applicants in system improvements
Council Member Sanchez inquires about plans to engage directly with Housing Connect applicants to gather feedback on the user experience. Acting Commissioner Tigani outlines the agency's plans to implement a …
0:46:02
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70 sec
Discussion on affordable housing application volume and borough distribution
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about the volume of affordable housing applications and their distribution across boroughs. HPD officials provide statistics and insights on application patterns. - On average, …
0:47:13
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131 sec
Overview of affordable housing application process timeline
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the timeline for the affordable housing application process from submission to move-in. HPD officials explain the various factors affecting the process duration. - HPD's underwriting …
0:49:24
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93 sec
Document access and privacy in Housing Connect application process
Council Member Sanchez inquires about who has access to the documents submitted through Housing Connect. HPD officials explain the privacy measures in place for applicant information. - Only approved marketing …
0:50:58
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75 sec
Low-income tax credit compliance and efforts to reduce paperwork
Commissioner Tigani explains the low-income tax credit compliance process and HPD's efforts to streamline documentation requirements. The discussion covers federal regulations and HPD's initiatives to reduce paperwork burden. - Low-income …
0:52:13
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73 sec
Paper applications for affordable housing and the request process
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the process of requesting and submitting paper applications for affordable housing. HPD officials explain the tracking system, number of paper applications processed, and the role …
0:53:29
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3 min
Tabulation of paper applications and equal treatment in the lottery process
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the process of tabulating paper applications and their treatment in the lottery system. HPD officials explain the procedure for entering paper applications into Housing Connect …
0:56:50
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69 sec
Role and responsibilities of marketing agents in the affordable housing lottery process
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the role and responsibilities of marketing agents in the affordable housing lottery process. HPD officials explain who marketing agents are, their qualifications, and their role …
0:57:59
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4 min
Communication process with applicants throughout the lottery
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the communication process between HPD, marketing agents, and applicants throughout the lottery. HPD officials explain the notification system and key points of communication during the …
1:02:31
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4 min
Incentives and performance evaluation of marketing agents
Council Member Sanchez inquires about incentives for marketing agents to fill units faster and their performance evaluation. HPD officials explain the indirect incentives and challenges in assessing performance. - There …
1:06:32
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162 sec
Updates on changes to re-rental process for affordable housing
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about recent changes to the re-rental process for affordable housing units. HPD Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani and Associate Commissioner Emily Osgood explain the new …
1:09:16
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4 min
Balancing fairness and efficiency in the new re-rental pilot program
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez raises concerns about maintaining fairness in the new re-rental pilot program while improving efficiency. HPD Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani addresses these concerns and explains the …
1:13:29
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120 sec
HPD's plans for targeting re-rental units after one-year waiver
Council Member Sanchez inquires about HPD's plans to ensure re-rental units are better targeted to relevant applicants and filled quickly after the one-year waiver. Commissioner Tigani explains HPD's approach to …
1:15:30
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138 sec
Overview of the Housing Ambassadors program and its capacity
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the Housing Ambassadors program, including the number of partners and their capacity to serve applicants. Commissioner Tigani provides an overview of the program's reach and …
1:17:48
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163 sec
Financial support for Housing Ambassador organizations
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the level of financial support HPD provides to Housing Ambassador organizations. Commissioner Tigani explains the limited financial assistance available and acknowledges the need for more …
1:20:32
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100 sec
Consideration of moving from lottery system to universal waiting list for affordable housing
Council Member Sanchez raises the question of potentially moving from a lottery system to a universal waiting list for affordable housing developments. Commissioner Tigani explains the rationale behind the current …
1:23:04
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3 min
Closing remarks and introduction of new HPD staff member
Council Member Sanchez concludes the session with closing remarks, thanking the HPD team and encouraging them to stay for community testimony. Commissioner Tigani introduces a new HPD staff member. - …
1:26:49
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74 sec
Testimony by Jumelia Abrahamson, Director of Programs at University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP)
Jumelia Abrahamson, Director of Programs at UNHP, testified about the challenges with New York City's Housing Connect system, particularly for Bronx residents. She highlighted the mismatch between income requirements and …
1:43:40
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6 min
Testimony by Brendan Mitchell, Director of Real Estate at University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP)
Brendan Mitchell from UNHP testified about the challenges nonprofit developers face with the Housing Connect lottery system, particularly for re-rentals of older, affordable units in the Bronx. He highlighted how …
1:50:13
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3 min
Testimony by Ariel Hirsch, Director of Policy and New Projects at UHAB
Ariel Hirsch from UHAB testified about the challenges of using Housing Connect for affordable homeownership opportunities, particularly for HDFC cooperatives. She highlighted the system's limitations in handling resales and the …
1:54:08
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4 min
Q&A on HDFC cooperatives and mini lottery process
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the outcomes of three examples of HDFC cooperative resales using the mini lottery process. The respondent confirms that in all three cases, waivers were issued …
1:58:39
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26 sec
Remarks on affordability mismatch and need for deeper subsidies
Council Member Sanchez addresses the significant mismatch between the affordability levels of subsidized housing and the actual needs of community members in areas like the West Bronx. She emphasizes the …
1:59:05
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116 sec
Testimony by Eric Urquiza, Housing Specialist and Community Coordinator at West Bronx Housing
Eric Urquiza, a housing specialist from West Bronx Housing, testifies about the challenges faced by clients using the Housing Connect system. He highlights issues such as digital literacy barriers, account …
2:02:02
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81 sec
Testimony by Joshua Stephenson, Executive Director of West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center, on Housing Connect Challenges
Joshua Stephenson, Executive Director of West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center, testified about the difficulties faced by their clients in using the Housing Connect system for affordable housing applications. …
2:03:37
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3 min
Testimony by Howard Slatkin, Executive Director of Citizens Housing and Planning Council, on Housing Connect and Affordable Housing Allocation
Howard Slatkin, Executive Director of Citizens Housing and Planning Council (CHPC), presented findings from their ongoing research on affordable housing allocation systems in global cities. He emphasized the need for …
2:06:56
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133 sec
Discussion on effective notification methods for Housing Connect
Council Member Sanchez and Joshua Stephenson discuss the challenges of notifying constituents about Housing Connect updates, considering the digital divide and prevalence of scams. - Stephenson suggests a provider portal …
2:09:37
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94 sec
Discussion on contract flexibility and procurement processes for Housing Connect
Council Member Sanchez and Howard Slatkin discuss the challenges of contract flexibility for Housing Connect and the procurement process for tech services in city government. - Slatkin advises against fixing …
2:11:12
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98 sec
Inquiry about in-house tech talent in city agencies
Council Member Sanchez and Howard Slatkin discuss the challenges of maintaining in-house tech talent for city agencies and the implications for Housing Connect development. - Slatkin shares experience from the …
2:12:51
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86 sec
Testimony by Brendan Cheney, Director of Policy and Operations at New York Housing Conference
Brendan Cheney from the New York Housing Conference testified on the proposed legislation regarding Housing Connect, expressing support for the goals but concerns about implementation. He highlighted issues with the …
2:15:14
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139 sec
Testimony by Milagros Salazar, Member of AHORA, on Housing Connect Challenges
Milagros Salazar, a low-income health worker from the Bronx, shared her frustrating experiences with the Housing Connect system for affordable housing in New York City. She described the challenges she …
2:25:36
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11 min
Council member's response to testimony on Housing Connect difficulties
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez expresses empathy for the testifier's six-year struggle with Housing Connect. She acknowledges the hardship faced and the importance of UNHP's work in the community. - …
2:37:46
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23 sec
Council member comments on recent HPD announcement
Council Member Sanchez mentions a recent announcement by HPD regarding re-rentals, suggesting it may be related to ongoing policy efforts. - Notes a recent announcement by HPD about re-rentals - …
2:38:22
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14 sec
Testimony by Brendan Ben, Business Representative of IUOE Local 30, on Intro 1207
Brendan Ben, representing IUOE Local 30, testified in strong support of Intro 1207, which would allow apprenticeship training to count concurrently with supervised work experience for high-pressure boiler operating engineer …
2:39:58
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3 min
Testimony by Shane Canada, Stationary Engineer Apprentice from IUOE Local 30
Shane Canada, a Stationary Engineer Apprentice from IUOE Local 30, testifies about his experience in the apprenticeship program and the potential impact of Intro 1207. He emphasizes the value of …
2:43:16
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100 sec
Testimony by Richard Best, Graduate of Stationary Engineer Apprenticeship Program from IUOE Local 30
Richard Best, a recent graduate of the stationary apprenticeship program, testifies in support of Intro 1207. He emphasizes the value of the apprenticeship program in providing necessary skills and experience …
2:45:00
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74 sec
Council member thanks Richard Best and expresses support for Intro 1207
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez thanks Richard Best for his testimony and expresses appreciation for the real-life example of how the proposed legislation (Intro 1207) would impact workers. She commends …
2:46:15
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33 sec
Testimony by Valentina and Victor Mejia on Challenges with Affordable Housing Applications
Valentina and Victor Mejia, an elderly couple, shared their frustrating experiences with applying for affordable housing in New York City since 2012. They described a long, complicated process involving multiple …
2:49:05
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11 min
Testimony by Eric Lee, Director of Public Policy at Volunteers of America Greater New York
Eric Lee from Volunteers of America Greater New York (VOAGNY) testified about improving access to affordable housing and the Housing Connect system. He highlighted VOAGNY's recent affordable housing projects and …
3:01:32
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3 min
Testimony by Karen Baez, Representative of Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition
Karen Baez testifies on behalf of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, expressing strong support for the package of reforms to improve Housing Connect and the affordable housing lottery …
3:06:12
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130 sec
Testimony by Robert Desir, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Society, on Housing Connect Reforms
Robert Desir from the Legal Aid Society expresses strong support for Intros 1264, 1265, and 1266, which aim to improve the Housing Connect system and make affordable housing more accessible. …
3:08:33
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113 sec
Testimony by Alex Martinez, Representative from Kingsbridge Heights Community Center
Alex Martinez testifies on behalf of Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC), a housing ambassador since 2017. He highlights the challenges faced by the organization in supporting constituents with Housing Connect, …
3:10:39
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127 sec
Testimony by Sonia Simpson, Member of Affordable Housing Opportunity Right Away (AHORA)
Sonia Simpson, a member of the Bronx advocacy group AHORA, shares her frustrating experiences with NYC's Housing Connect system for affordable housing. She highlights issues with eligibility, communication, and usability …
3:13:02
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99 sec
Testimony by Mbacke Thiam, Housing and Health Community Organizer at Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY)
Mbacke Thiam, representing CIDNY, testified about the challenges faced by people with disabilities in using the housing lottery portal and advocated for fair housing application processes. He expressed support for …
3:14:58
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129 sec
Testimony by Kevin Wolfe, Senior Government Affairs Manager at Center for New York City Neighborhoods, on Housing Connect and Homeownership
Kevin Wolfe from the Center for New York City Neighborhoods testifies about the need for reforms in Housing Connect 2.0, particularly focusing on its impact on homeownership. He argues that …
3:17:20
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131 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public, on Housing Connect
Christopher Leon Johnson briefly expresses support for Housing Connect while also raising concerns about the involvement of nonprofits in housing projects. His testimony is somewhat disjointed and he mentions being …
3:20:02
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39 sec