Protecting Affordability, Preventing Overdevelopment
For as long as I’ve lived in our neighborhood, affordable housing has been a problem. Whether it’s looking for a place to call home as rents rise and large institutions in our neighborhood buy up buildings, or trying to shop at local stores and restaurants that are being pushed out by high rents and big box stores - everyone has felt the crunch of the rising cost of living. In recent years, these factors have only accelerated.
Protecting Residents
Throughout my career, from a tenant lawyer to my years in government, I have worked to make sure our neighborhood remains financially accessible to people of different means. Whether you’re a renter or an owner, we all benefit from a diverse community that brings people from different backgrounds together.
With with neighbors, grassroots activists, and organizers, I have worked to keep our community open to all. I helped establish the Morningside Heights Historic District, and have fought to prevent large institutions from pushing out renters and owners across our neighborhood. I have worked to secure funding for NYCHA, from new doors to replacing roofs and boilers, and will continue to press the State, Federal and Local government until every NYCHA resident has heat, water, and a safe place to live.
In Albany, I have worked my colleagues to protect tenants and small businesses, including being an early co-sponsor of the landmark “Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019”. I will keep pushing to expand rent-support systems for seniors (SCRIE), prevent landlord harassments and evictions, and ensure that residents who own continue to live in a safe, diverse, and vibrant community.