| Releases
& Statements
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2007
Contact: Sarah Krauss
(212) 669-4193; (917) 541-0936
Release #: 062-2007
Statement by Public Advocate Gotbaum Against Further Segregating Low-Income Hud Residents
- Proposal would dislocate tenants and further concentrate poverty in certain neighborhoods -
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, “NYCHA clearly needs more money, both for new units and also to maintain its current housing stock. But history has shown us that using a Robert Moses-esque approach to housing development would do nothing more than further segregate low-income residents.
“HUD’s current suggestion would dislocate tenants and further concentrate poverty in certain neighborhoods. We need more mixed-income communities, not fewer. I am surprised this idea was floated by a well-regarded HUD executive but not surprised it came out of a Republican administration that is starving the city's housing authority. HUD has cut much-needed funding for public housing, and it’s appalling that they are suggesting policies that would further hurt the very people they are supposed to help.”
Budget cuts to NYCHA have forced major delays and cuts to the quality of repairs. Recently, Gotbaum spoke out against cuts to the maintenance budget of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), saying that hazards such as broken elevators and intercoms and filthy hallways are jeopardizing the safety of many New York families living in public housing.
Next year, NYCHA faces a budget gap of approximately $225 million. Gotbaum called on all levels of government to immediately invest more money in NYCHA.
Public Advocate Gotbaum receives hundreds of calls a year from New Yorkers living in NYCHA housing. Complaints range from leaky ceilings to unsafe repairs and unsanitary conditions.
###
|
