Op-eds by stakeholders, policymakers and other citizens of New York
‘Across the city, the mayor and developers are pushing rezonings and development projects that attempt to rip out the fertile roots of people and place, to wholly redefine city neighborhoods for a wealthier and whiter population.’
‘A landmark is not merely an old building, but a navigational point for a community. Landmarks are given meaning by our relations to them – they do not exist in a vacuum. And where developers are able to displace monuments, we fear they will also succeed in displacing communities.’
‘While the scourge of domestic violence is found within all communities, ultra-Orthodox Jewish women face additional and unique challenges. Understanding how someone’s culture heavily informs the choices they make, enables us to better serve domestic violence survivors and also eliminates barriers.’
‘New York State needs plans in place to make sure New Yorkers never have to fear that they can’t get health insurance. For example, the state needs to expand access to affordable coverage for New Yorkers who don’t have health insurance and can’t take advantage of New York’s policy to remain on their parents’ plan until they’re 29.’
‘We can’t collect New Yorkers’ data first and justify it later; we have to only track the public when it will actually help, and then with safeguards against abuse and misuse.’
Most cities do not sell their tax liens to a private trust. Many have programs which help homeowners pay off their debt and repair their neglected rental properties. Other cities also allow nonprofits to buy back the lien and then work out a payment plan with the property owner.
‘1607 Surf Ave. can begin to address the pain of the housing and food instability that many in this community face every day, and offer an economic boost for the neighborhood as well.’
‘Without a radical bump in funding, nonprofits will not be able to continue meeting the colossal demand for life-saving support like affordable housing, homecare, food pantries, home-delivered meals, rental assistance, job training, and the countless other essential services we provide to our communities.’
‘The truth is, New York State has not met its constitutional responsibilities, laughing off multiple court orders and duly-passed laws mandating minimums for neglected, underfunded schools. And it has never mattered more, but instead of standing together, parents and teachers are finger-pointing in classic “scarcity mindset.”’
If the 4 percent rate had been fixed, the same set of affordable housing projects that lost $51 million in equity this year would have raised $240 million instead, helping to finance 1,700 affordable units in New York City.