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TESTIMONY
Testimony by Britny McKenzie from the Fair Housing Justice Center on strengthening fair housing mandates
1:28:54
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4 min
Britny McKenzie from the Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC) testifies on the need for stronger fair housing mandates in the city charter.
FHJC supports the Thriving Communities Coalition's call for comprehensive planning.
Specific recommendations include: strengthening the fair housing plan within the charter, requiring evaluation of city actions (laws, zoning, investments) on segregation and housing access, mandating stricter enforcement of accessibility standards in construction, and expanding homeownership opportunities, including passing the co-op disclosure bill.
Britny McKenzie
1:28:54
Sure.
1:28:54
I'll go ahead.
1:28:56
Thank you, commissioners, for the opportunity to submit our testimony and contribute to this important discussion.
1:29:02
The Fair Housing Justice Center, FHJC, is a nonprofit civil rights organization committed to eliminating housing discrimination, promoting inclusive and accessible communities, strengthening the enforcement of fair housing laws throughout New York City and its seven surrounding counties.
1:29:17
For over two decades, FHJC has played a leading role in advancing housing equity and access across our region.
1:29:24
We have assisted thousands of individuals and organizations in challenging discriminatory practices, filing complaints, and asserting their legal rights under local, state, and federal fair housing laws.
1:29:34
Our organization operates a full service fair housing program, including proactive investigation, systemic testing, litigation support, policy advocacy, education, and technical assistance.
1:29:45
Through our investigative work, FHJC has uncovered widespread discriminatory practices among both housing providers and public agencies.
1:29:54
Our legal actions, more than 160 in total, have resulted in increased compliance, open access to over 80,000 units, and secured $55,000,000 in damages and penalties.
1:30:05
Yet despite these victories, discrimination remains a persistent force shaping housing opportunity in and access in New York City.
1:30:14
We submit this testimony today to urge the Charter Commission to take bold necessary steps to embed a stronger fair housing mandate within the city's planning governance and account planning and accountability structures.
1:30:29
As a member of the Thriving Communities Coalition, the FHAC supports the Our Neighborhood, Our Plans initiative, which calls for a fair and comprehensive planning approach.
1:30:39
While we support the range of recommendations of the Thriving Communities Coalition, given our service area and expertise, we want to highlight and provide recommendations related to fair housing and fair housing enforcement.
1:30:51
Specifically, one, strengthening the fair housing plan and the charter pursuant to the Thriving Communities Coalition comprehensive plan.
1:31:02
The Thriving Communities Coalition comprehensive plan is attached in my written testimony, which you'll see.
1:31:09
Secondly, require fair housing planning documents, including those required by the city charter, to evaluate how city laws, zoning codes, infrastructure investment, and program administrative administration effort affects, excuse me, residential segregation, the relative success of fair housing enforcement efforts, and the location, availability, and accessibility of housing.
1:31:32
For example, CHR should be required to release data on discrimination complaints received and to make preliminary determinations on whether discrimination exists, regardless of whether it proceeds with enforcement.
1:31:48
Third, any update to the city charter as it relates to residential units must enforce stricter requirements and robust oversight around the design and construction may I have more time?
1:32:00
seconds.
1:32:01
Yeah, just one more point.
1:32:04
I'll start from the top.
1:32:06
Any update to the city charter as it relates to residential units must enforce stricter requirements and robust oversight around the design and construction standards to ensure that all new developments and renovations are fully accessible to people with disabilities.
1:32:20
My last point, expand on access to homeownership opportunities and implement reforms that ensure fairness and inclusivity in housing markets.
1:32:30
The commission's recommendations should include advocating with the mayor and the city council to pass the co op disclosure bill four zero seven, currently pending before the city council.
1:32:40
Just to conclude, addressing these structural issues requires more than, acknowledgment.
1:32:45
It requires sustained, coordinated action the political will to make bold and often uncomfortable changes.
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New York City has often been described as a tale of two cities, one where privilege is preserved through restrictive zoning and planning policies, and another where communities of color and low income residents are left to shoulder the burden of limited affordable housing options and government disinvestment.
1:33:08
If we're serious about equity, we must we must stop, mistaking performative planning for progress.
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And the time to review is now.
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The time for action is now.
1:33:18
Thank Thank you for your time.
Gale A. Brewer
1:32:00
Just a few