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June 12, 2006

Statement of
The Honorable Nydia M. Velázquez
at the
New York City Council Hearing on
NYCHA Annual Plan

 

Thank you Chairwoman Mendez and Councilmembers for holding this important hearing. I appreciate the opportunity to speak here today on NYCHA's Seven Point Plan to Preserve Affordable housing.

In April, NYCHA released its plan and over the past months tenants, housing advocates, and elected officials have been reviewing, expressing concerns, and meeting with the Agency to ensure that the final plan truly preserves affordable housing.

A few nights ago, more than a thousand people from around the City came together at a public hearing held by NYCHA to discuss concerns and offer suggestions on the current proposal. I am here today for the same reason -- to share concerns and offer alternatives.

It is critical for every level of government to play a role in helping NYCHA relieve its budget shortfall. Only in this way will we be successful in preventing the transfer of eight thousand four hundred Section 8 vouchers to public housing, and eliminating the need for Moving to Work -- the most troubling components of NYCHA's plan. A joint effort by the federal, State, and City governments will also, more importantly, ensure that tenants' rights and their homes are protected.

In Washington, the New York City Congressional delegation continues to fight to restore funding for housing programs. This week as the annual Housing and Urban Development funding bill comes before Congress my colleagues and I will look to assist NYCHA in beginning to close its $168 million dollar budget gap.

Although, given the Republican controlled Congress' limited support for initiatives that help working families, it is unlikely the Agency's entire budget deficit will be filled. It is our hope, however, to use this opportunity to put them back on the road to financial health.

The State is another vital player in the effort to restore funding for safe, descent, affordable housing. There are currently fourteen-thousand units of State-assisted public housing in the City. However in 1998, Governor Pataki zeroed out funding for their operation. Since that time, the Agency has stretched its already tight budget to run these State developments. This, however, is no longer an option. NYCHA is running a budget deficit, $57 million of which is the result of the 14,000 units built by the State. Reinstating a steady stream of State funding to cover the operation of these developments is another crucial step that must be taken.

Making this a reality, however, will require work by all of us committed to safeguarding New York City's stock of affordable housing. With this goal in mind, my colleagues and I from the New York Congressional delegation will continue to engage State elected officials one on one to urge them to make housing a top priority in Albany.

Finally, there is the part the City must play, which is paramount to this hearing today. Like the State, the City owns public housing. Unfortunately, also like the State, it no longer provides funding for its operation. However, this can change. I urge Councilmembers to follow Housing Chairwoman Rosie Mendez's lead and restore dependable, yearly funding for the City's seven thousand units of public housing.

Taking on the affordable housing crisis together -- on every level of government -- is vital. If everyone does their part, we can be effective in helping NYCHA find alternatives to the less desirable parts of their plan. In doing so, we take an important step in preserving affordable housing for the future.