Elected Officials, Housing Providers, Advocates, Developers and Labor Applaud 'Housing New York: A Five-Borough, Ten-Year Housing Plan'

May 5, 2014

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced Housing New York: A Five-Borough, Ten-Year Plan, a $41 billion plan to build or preserve 200,000 affordable units. Elected officials, housing providers, advocates, developers, and labor across the city lauded the plan, which will double HPD's capital budget, target vacant and underused land, protect tenants in rent-regulated apartments, streamline rules and processes to unlock new development opportunities, contain costs, and accelerate affordable construction.

Read the full plan at nyc.gov/housing.

"I applaud the Mayor for his ambitious housing plan to serve low and middle income families with affordable housing options and I look forward to working with the City on its implementation," said Secretary Shaun Donovan, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"New York City's current crisis of housing affordability threatens the basic human right to decent housing. Since the 1960s, the Catholic Church in all boroughs of New York City, through parishes, religious communities, community-based organizations and Catholic Charities, has been at the heart of the development and preservation of affordable housing. I applaud the Mayor's far-reaching 10-year plan to build and preserve 200,000 affordable housing units throughout our city, and the Church in all boroughs of New York City looks forward to continuing to work with NYC and Mayor de Blasio to help achieve this important affordable housing goal," said His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York.

"I applaud Mayor de Blasio for launching an ambitious plan to tackle the affordable housing crisis we face in New York City—in a creative and collaborative way—that develops our underutilized spaces and generates local jobs. The future growth and prosperity of our great city is hitched to the wagon of this necessary and worthy affordable housing plan, and I will work to deliver any and all available federal investments to see it through," said Senator Chuck Schumer.

"I commend Mayor de Blasio for putting forth a comprehensive plan to create more affordable housing at a time when so many New York families still struggle to make ends meet and afford to stay here. I look forward to working with the Mayor to help him achieve this critical goal," said New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

"We need a robust affordable housing program that keeps New Yorkers from being priced out of neighborhoods. I'm encouraged by Mayor de Blasio's commitment to building new affordable housing and preserving existing affordable units. Together, we must ensure that low-income and middle class New Yorkers have access to affordable housing in all five boroughs," said Public Advocate Letitia James.

"Mayor de Blasio has put forth an expansive and necessary plan to provide affordable housing to thousands of New York City residents. The skyrocketing cost of housing is diminishing our City's future as a place where working families can live and put down roots. Mayor de Blasio recognizes this crisis and the report he's issued today lays out concrete plans to build and preserve more affordable housing over the next 10 years. I look forward to working with the administration to ensure that we take a financially sound approach to building and funding this vital effort," said Comptroller Scott M. Stringer.

"The Assembly Majority has always fought to ensure that all New Yorkers are able to live with dignity and can afford to stay in their homes and in their communities. Mayor de Blasio has put forward a bold plan to address affordable housing in New York City, and I look forward to working with him, our partners in government, and advocates to preserve and grow our neighborhoods. This is a big plan with big goals, and I am happy the Mayor recognizes that affordable housing is key to our future," said Speaker Sheldon Silver.

"I look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio and others to find housing solutions for New York City residents that properly incentivize the creation and development of affordable housing," said Senate Co-Leader Dean G. Skelos.

"We have an obligation to ensure that every working class New Yorker can afford to raise a family without being financially squeezed out of the housing market. Mayor Bill de Blasio has laid out an admirable plan that will ensure that countless New York City residents will have the chance to do just that. At the same time, we must also focus on expanding the ranks of the middle class, which is why I first proposed the creation of a Mitchell-Lama 2020 plan that will add hundreds of thousands of new middle-income housing throughout the entire state. I look forward to working with the Mayor to help him achieve his goal that will undoubtedly help make his city a more affordable place to live," said Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein.

"All New York City residents deserve to live in quality housing at an affordable price. As wages have stagnated, the costs of utilities, groceries and rent have continued to grow, meaning more and more city residents are struggling to make ends meet. The idea that over 50,000 people are forced to sleep in homeless shelters and hundreds of thousands more struggle to pay their rents is deeply troubling, and I know that New York City can do better. I applaud Mayor de Blasio for making this crisis a priority for his administration, and for his decisive leadership to ensure all New York City residents have access to affordable housing," said Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

"The lack of affordable housing is a crisis that affects New York's ability to continue to be a home and pathway to a thriving and productive middle class. Mayor de Blasio's plan to protect or defend 200,000 units of affordable housing will begin to ensure that New York remains affordable to the middle class, while also helping low income New Yorkers for whom the affordability crisis has had a devastating impact," said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

"The affordable housing crisis facing Brooklynites and all residents of New York City is imposing, but it is far from insurmountable. Housing New York is a road map that will help lead us to the goal of constructing and preserving the hundreds of thousands of housing units we will need to maintain our City's vibrant economy and rich diversity. I thank Mayor de Blasio and Deputy Mayor Glen for their vision and commitment to making Brooklyn affordable for all those who wish to call it home," said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have a mayor who is committed to creating 200,000 affordable homes over the next 10 years. Mayor de Blasio's vision is moving New York City in the right direction, and his ambitious goal will finally address the affordable housing crisis that has been growing for decades. This is the right plan at the right time to ensure working families will have a future in this city for many years to come," said Congressman Charles Rangel.

"Stable, safe and affordable housing is the foundation for building a strong community, yet far too many New Yorkers struggle to put a roof over their families' heads," said Congressman Joe Crowley. "The lack of affordable housing is one of the greatest economic challenges of our time, and I thank the Mayor for making this issue a top priority and putting New York families first."

"Safe and reasonably priced housing is not a luxury, but a right and necessity for all New Yorkers. Mayor de Blasio and his administration have taken a strong step in the right direction with today's announcement of the City's ‘Five-Borough, Ten-Year Housing Plan,'" said Congressman Jerry Nadler. "I will continue to work with Mayor de Blasio and to help lead the fight to ensure that the federal government does its part to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens have access to affordable housing."

"There is a real need for more affordable housing options in New York City. We need to do more to keep working and middle class families who are struggling to keep up with rising rents. We need to find more ways to keep them here, and to ensure New York remains affordable for their kids. Nor can we afford for our writers, artists, teachers, or emergency personnel to be priced out of the city. It's vital to preserve our city's income and cultural diversity. I applaud Mayor de Blasio for taking bold steps to correct this ongoing problem," said Congressman Eliot Engel.

"Affordable housing is a perennial issue for all New Yorkers," said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. "I am pleased Mayor de Blasio is making this matter a priority and look forward to working with him to ensure all our city residents can secure safe, livable, affordable housing."

"In releasing his new plan on housing, Mayor de Blasio is tackling one of the most pressing challenges in our city," said Congressman José E. Serrano. "So many families and individuals struggle with skyrocketing costs and decreasing availability. The strain on their lives is taking a real toll. I applaud the Mayor for his new vision and plan and look forward to working with him to secure federal support for improvements for our city's residents."

"Tacking the shortage of affordable housing in New York is critical to our city's future," said Congresswoman Grace Meng. "I applaud Mayor de Blasio for putting forward a comprehensive plan, and for putting the issue high on his administration's list of priorities."

"Low income and moderate income families are struggling to meet their housing needs, so I applaud Mayor Bill de Blasio for developing an affordable housing plan that is inclusive and will allow all New Yorkers access to decent affordable housing," said Council Member Fernando Cabrera.

"Our city should be a place every New Yorker can afford to call home, yet many low-income and working families have been denied this basic right for far too long. This housing plan represents a bold step to address New York City's housing crisis head-on, by creating and preserving 200,000 units of quality, affordable housing that reflect the economic diversity of our communities. I especially applaud the administration's prioritization of affordable housing options for seniors; as Chair of the New York City Council's Committee on Aging, I have heard seniors from across the five boroughs share the difficult experience of being priced out of their lifelong homes and neighborhoods. As New York's aging population continues to grow, identifying viable senior housing where older adults can age in place is a task our city must decisively address. I thank Mayor de Blasio for his continued commitment to building a New York City that can welcome all of us home," said Council Member Margaret Chin.

"Mayor de Blasio's affordable housing plan is a statement of commitment and a call to action that will impact every community in our city over the next decade and far into the future. The broad coalition involved in the creation of this plan is reflected in its content, which appropriately includes consideration of the needs of New Yorkers of extremely low and very low incomes, who were ill-served by Bloomberg-era affordable housing incentive policies, such as those that encouraged an 80/20 mix. I believe that the people of New York will wholeheartedly embrace this plan and look forward to working with the residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant and northern Crown Heights to preserve and create affordable housing," said Council Member Robert Cornegy.

"The Mayor's new housing plan is a bold historic step in addressing our city's affordability crisis," said Council Member Elizabeth Crowley. "New York City is facing the highest levels of homelessness since the Great Depression, but we don't need more shelters – we need more permanent housing that is truly affordable and attainable."

"I thank Mayor de Blasio for his leadership and commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing throughout New York City. Low and middle-income families should not have to struggle to remain in the communities they built. Housing New York is a critical step forward to protect the diversity of our great borough and city while creating jobs for New Yorkers," said Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo.

"I congratulate the Mayor for his leadership in helping New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs with a viable plan in accessing a safe and affordable place to live. As the cost of living continues to escalate in our city, we cannot afford to lose its most viable equity – the lifelong residents, who have endured the city's worst times and who shaped the immense vitality we now enjoy. It is our job to ensure that every New Yorker, old and new, has a safe and affordable quality standard of living," said Council Member Inez E. Dickens.

"Every day, I witness the tragic impact of the New York City housing crisis on the residents of my district. I see senior citizens unable to afford rent and sleeping on a sofa in exchange for cleaning services. I see children living in our shelter systems, and families being priced out of their lifelong homes. This cannot continue. Shelter is a basic, human right, and it is our responsibility as elected officials to provide our residents with a safe and healthy quality of life. I would like to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio for his leadership and his dedication to bringing affordable housing to all New Yorkers. I will continue to fight for equality in our housing system and support our Mayor's efforts in any way that I can," said Council Member Mathieu Eugene.

"Today is a great day for the City of New York," said Council Member Julissa Ferreras. "As Chair of the Council's Committee on Finance, I look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito and my colleagues in local government to ensure that we will continue to foster diverse, livable neighborhoods across all five boroughs. The guiding principles of the Mayor's 10-year plan not only address the housing needs for the constituents in my district, but for all New Yorkers. I am proud to support this historic announcement today, and I applaud our Mayor for making affordable housing a priority."

"With its emphasis on increasing the commitment to affordable housing for New York's lowest income families, reducing our city's reliance on homeless shelters as a means of housing, and enhancing the availability of affordable housing for seniors and working families, Mayor de Blasio's housing strategy includes important key elements that address our city's affordable housing crisis," said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. "I look forward to working with the de Blasio administration to make sure that all New Yorkers have access to quality affordable housing that meets their needs."

"The current ratio of rent to income in New York is not sustainable. I applaud the Mayor's broad based approach to create and preserve residential housing for low and middle income New Yorkers. One initiative, in particular, that I look forward to working with the Mayor in my capacity as Chair of the Council's Committee on State and Federal Legislation, is to reform state law with respect to vacancy and luxury decontrol of rent regulated apartments," said Council Member Karen Koslowitz.

"Mayor de Blasio's housing plan honestly confronts a cruel irony: many non-union construction workers on affordable housing projects aren't paid enough to afford the housing they themselves are building," said Council Member Rory I. Lancman. "The Mayor's commitment to develop affordable housing with ‘quality construction jobs with fair wages, safe working conditions and advancement opportunities' is a welcome change in city policy, and I applaud his leadership on this issue."

"I am very pleased that Mayor de Blasio is keeping his promise to make affordable housing a priority. New York City desperately needs places for people of low and moderate income to live, and this is a great start," said Council Member Alan Maisel.

"I unequivocally and absolutely applaud the Mayor's aggressive vision to address this citywide priority for affordable housing. Here in the 27th District and throughout the outer boroughs, many young and indigenous residents of our city utilize affordable housing on their pathway to traditional homeownership. This project and this vision are the first steps toward meeting this important local need," said Council Member Daneek Miller.

"With the highest rent burden of all five boroughs, Bronx residents are desperate for an aggressive and comprehensive housing policy. Mayor de Blasio's plan to build or preserve 200,000 units of affordable housing will bring relief to families in the Bronx. As someone who has experienced homelessness first-hand and watched the shelter population soar under the previous administration, I'm encouraged by the Mayor's plan to shifting funding from homeless shelters to permanent housing," said Council Member Annabel Palma.

"I am anticipating the release of the Mayor's affordable housing plan in what could comprehensively address the sustainability of working families across New York City. This plan alone will emphatically require not just encourage the development of affordable housing by the City. Representing numerous community based organizations in North Brooklyn, I am looking forward to the integration of community input in helping to identify new development and preservation sites that can assist the 10,000 families that have been displaced at the hands of luxury developers. I welcome the promotion of economic diversity that will introduce mixed income programs including low, moderate, and middle income households to accommodate the changing dynamics of my district," said Council Member Antonio Reynoso.

"We are in nothing short of crisis, when hardworking New Yorkers are priced out of decent living space suitable for raising their families," said Council Member Donovan Richards. "I applaud Mayor de Blasio and his bold plan to provide housing for the everyday New Yorker that works tirelessly to keep our great city running."

"Our city must take a proactive approach, if we are going to solve the affordable housing crisis in New York City. From Washington Heights to the outer boroughs, residents are facing a devastating crunch in their budgets and are in desperate need of relief. Mayor de Blasio's timely and ambitious plan to build and preserve 200,000 units of affordable housing can have a tremendous impact for working families. I look forward to working with our Mayor to ensure all our residents have an opportunity for stable housing, helping them get on their feet and better support our great city," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez.

"As a second generation Staten Islander representing a diverse and changing district, I recognize that there is a need for affordable housing, so that our residents can continue to live in the neighborhoods they have called home all their lives. In addressing this important issue of affordable housing in our city, I commend the Mayor's plan, which uses a broad, multi-pronged approach, taking a far-reaching look at the infrastructure and zoning needs of North Shore neighborhoods, while generating quality construction and permanent jobs. The Mayor's commitment to work with communities and address their needs is important to me and my constituents, as they are the real stakeholders here. In addition, I'm pleased to see that the Mayor is addressing middle income and senior housing needs, which are priorities in my district," said Council Member Debi Rose.

"I commend Mayor de Blasio for this bold plan to create and retain affordable housing in all five boroughs," said New York City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. "It is clear in its goals, precise in the AMI's targeted, and honest about what needs to be done to achieve affordability for more New Yorkers. I am particularly pleased with the community engagement called for including respectful consultation with NYCHA residents on future plans. Feeling safe and secure in one's home is what everyone needs as a baseline for happiness. This plan brings us closer to making that a reality for all in our city."

"The Mayor and the Council are committed to helping the people who make this city great afford to live here," said Council Member Mark Weprin.

"Tenants in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, and throughout the city are struggling with skyrocketing rents, and I applaud Mayor de Blasio's comprehensive plan for moving forward," said State Senator Adriano Espaillat. "Our city is experiencing a dire economic crisis that requires a new commitment to investing in affordable housing. Tenants have been ignored for far too long, and I am committed to reaching the goal of creating and safeguarding 200,000 affordable units."

"I commend Mayor de Blasio for his bold and ambitious plan to address New York City's affordable housing crisis by doubling the City's investment, more accurately defining what constitutes affordable housing, and developing a strategy at the state level to protect our rent laws, which is a significant departure from the prior administration. Recent studies show that a majority of renters today are spending more than half of their income on rent and New York City is losing thousands of units of affordable housing each year due to deregulation. The Mayor's plan will help keep our diverse communities intact and the local economy moving in the right direction," said State Senator Brad Hoylman.

"I am proud to see our mayor announcing a bold housing agenda, much of which I'm in complete agreement with. In particular, it has been too long since we had a mayor willing to work toward repeal of the Urstadt Law which handcuffs our city's efforts to preserve affordable housing and protect tenants, and it has been too long since we had a mayor willing and able to shift the city's focus to where it needs to be: large-scale creation of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers. There's much to be thrilled about in the plan released today, and I look forward to working with the mayor to get it moving," said State Senator Liz Krueger.

"I look forward to working with city officials and experienced professionals in the housing community to meet housing needs while boosting economic growth and private sector job development," said State Senator Cathy Young.

"As Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Housing, I am greatly encouraged by Mayor de Blasio's thorough and contemplative affordable housing agenda. This proposal is progressive, fair and most importantly, it will fulfill the dire need in the City of New York for the preservation and creation of housing. I especially commend the Mayor for his proposed 50-30-20 paradigm which would ensure that affordability will finally reach those households at the lower end of the income scale, who are most in need," said Assemblyman Keith Wright. "I look forward to working with the Mayor and my colleagues in the Legislature to secure the enactment of reforms that will ensure that all New Yorkers have a safe and affordable place to call home, regardless of their economic circumstances."

"New York City's future depends on the city staying affordable for people living on an average salary. This is how we grow a middle class, emerge from the financial crisis, and keep jobs in communities. The new proposal put forward by the de Blasio administration is a much-needed way forward for New York City. I applaud this effort to make a long-term commitment to 200,000 affordable housing units over the next 10 years, balance construction with low and middle income units, and bring together diverse groups from across the five boroughs to implement a plan that works for all New York families," said Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny.

"I applaud Mayor de Blasio's ambitious and much-needed affordable housing plan, which is a positive step forward in making New York City affordable for all. I'm hopeful that this plan will reverse the trend that has seen places like Crown Heights, Lefferts-Gardens and East Flatbush in Brooklyn become unaffordable to residents who were born and raised there. It's clear that something needs to be done when seniors who kept their neighborhoods together during the ‘70s and ‘80s are now being pushed out by rising rents. If we want neighborhoods to thrive, we must make them affordable for long-time residents and their families. When fully realized, the Mayor's plan will make a profound difference in the lives of all New Yorkers," said Assemblyman Karim Camara.

"As a member of the Committee on Housing, I am so pleased that Mayor Bill de Blasio is making affordable housing a priority. For too long, New York families have watched prices rise while incomes stagnated. To maintain New York City's standing as one of the world's best places to live, work, innovate, start a business, and raise a family, housing must be available to a range of income levels, not just high-income earners. Low- and middle-income families shouldn't be squeezed out of New York City by the constant drumbeat of increased housing prices. Mayor de Blasio fittingly seeks to take a multi-pronged approach to a multi-pronged problem. I look forward to working with him to achieve our shared vision of a better housing program for our residents," said Assemblyman Francisco P. Moya.

"Housing New York is a bold plan, a plan which addresses our housing emergency. In particular I'm excited to work with the city on moving away from the outdated 80/20 program, to address housing for a broader range of income levels, supporting both moderate and low income levels. Equally important to this plan is the preservation of our affordable units, units which we have seen vanish at unacceptable levels," said Assemblyman Robert J. Rodriguez.

"Mayor de Blasio's affordable housing plan is a breath of fresh air to those of us who have been fighting to stem the tide of gentrification and make the city an affordable place to live, regardless of income," said Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal. "Mayor de Blasio presents a bold and comprehensive roadmap: from engaging communities in conversations regarding new developments, to revamping the complicated and imbalanced tax abatement system, putting an end to landlord harassment of existing rent-regulated tenants, and creating a much-needed mandatory inclusionary housing program. I look forward to working closely with the Mayor in the coming months to make this plan, long a dream of many tenants living in my district –
as well as tenants across the city, a reality."

"Mayor de Blasio's housing plan is a significant and ambitious step forward in the efforts to ensure that New York remains accessible to everyone," said Bill Rudin, Chairman of the Association for a Better New York. "We agree that the time is right to take bold new steps to address our city's housing crisis, and we applaud Mayor de Blasio and his administration for issuing this important plan. We look forward to working with the Mayor and his team to meet these critical goals for our city."

"I want to commend Mayor de Blasio and his talented staff for putting forward a plan that attempts to deal with the housing needs for all New Yorkers. It identifies the problems and provides a realistic roadmap for solutions. The Real Estate Board of New York looks forward to working with the administration to implement these critical objectives," said Steven Spinola, President, Real Estate Board of New York.

"Today's announcement at the Cultural District Site 1 in Brooklyn, a project where 50 percent of the housing will be affordable and the construction work force is unionized, demonstrates the one-two punch of creating affordable housing and jobs with good wages, health insurance and retirement security that can put an enormous dent in our city's affordability crisis. We look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio to realize his plan to have projects like this create the magnitude of affordable housing and career opportunity worthy of our great city," said Gary LaBarbera, President of the 100,000 member Building and Construction Trades Council.

"We commend Mayor de Blasio and his administration for their continued dedication to this crucial issue and the manner in which they have framed the crisis as one of unsustainable rent burdens, pent up demand, and a widening gap between income and housing costs. Investing in affordable housing can and should create good jobs, vibrant communities and the strengthening of local economies. The 70,000 New York members of 32BJ SEIU – security officers, cleaners of office buildings and schools, doormen and other residential workers – are uniquely positioned to benefit from both the increased availability of affordable housing and from the quality jobs that will be created as a result of their development. We are also ready and eager to implement the city's laudable green practices in both the building and maintenance of existing and new affordable housing units, which will lead to lower operating costs that can keep units affordable. 32B knows how much of an economic engine responsible development committed to the greater good can be, and look forward to working with both the de Blasio administration and the real estate industry to making this ambitious vision a reality," said Hector Figueroa, 32BJ SEIU President.

"We applaud Mayor de Blasio for his ambitious plan of building and preserving 200,000 units of affordable housing. I look forward to working with the Mayor and our legislative leaders to create good, quality jobs while making New York City an affordable place to live," said Peter Ward, New York Hotel Trades Council.

"On behalf of more than 300 members of the affordable housing development community, we commend Mayor de Blasio and his entire team for their extraordinary vision for the future of housing in New York City. Today's plan represents an important moment for our city, not only because of its clear commitment to individuals and families across the five boroughs, but also because it offers sound steps for how we can best achieve these important goals. As affordable housing professionals who have been investing in New York's communities for decades, we remain dedicated to moving forward with the impactful projects currently in the pipeline, and look forward to further collaboration with the Mayor and all city leaders as we expand access to safe, affordable housing for all New Yorkers," said Jolie Milstein, President and CEO, New York State Association for Affordable Housing.

"All New Yorkers are entitled to an affordable, decent, safe place to live," said Jonathan Westin, executive director of New York Communities for Change. "Mayor de Blasio's plan takes real strides to include the lowest-income New Yorkers, who were left out of last decade's housing boom and are now homeless in record numbers. We stand squarely behind the Mayor's groundbreaking commitments to build new housing for extremely low-income families and to move away from the failed 80/20 model. We look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio in the years to come to maximize the number of affordable units created for these families."

"Today's affordable housing announcement is a strong step to address the housing crisis in New York City," said Gladys Puglla, Board Co-Chair of Make the Road New York. "We look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio and the City Council to make this a plan that creates housing that my community can access and one that we can all be proud of."

"The plan announced today is an important milestone on the road to a more just and equitable city, where New Yorkers in every neighborhood will benefit from the opportunities that affordable housing creates. We look forward to continuing our work with Mayor de Blasio to promote and protect affordable and sustainable homeownership in New York City," said Christie Peale, Executive Director of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods.

"LISC lauds Mayor de Blasio's five-borough affordable housing plan and especially its commitment to deeper affordability and neighborhood-centered, comprehensive development," said Denise Scott, Local Initiatives Support Corporation's Executive Vice President for Programs. "We are so excited the heart of affordable housing development is going back to the neighborhoods and addressing the housing needs of very low-income New Yorkers."

"The need for high quality affordable housing in New York City's neighborhoods is a great as ever," said Rafael E. Cestero, President and CEO, The Community Preservation Corporation. "For nearly 40 years, CPC has worked with small developers and owners to create and preserve affordable housing and stabilize neighborhoods throughout New York City. CPC is well positioned and proud to partner with Mayor de Blasio on this bold and innovative Housing New York plan in order to continue our commitment to bring our capital to neighborhoods throughout New York City to finance stable, long-term affordable housing."

"The AIA New York Chapter supports the Mayor's affordable housing plan and notes, in particular, that the plan calls for ‘unlocking' potential sites for new housing development by changes in regulatory procedures, including potential changes in zoning. This is consistent with the our Platform for the Future of the City, which called for streamlining of procedures and more capability to build on underutilized sites served by public transportation," said Rick Bell, Executive Director of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter. "In addition, the energy efficiency provisions of the plan will have long term environmental benefits and, at the same time, save money for homeowners and property owners. Lastly, AIANY applauds the Mayor's focus on housing for those most in need, preventing homelessness and recognizing the special needs of our aging population. One size does not fit all, and architects are ready, willing and able to bring design talent and procedural know-how to get needed affordable housing built and preserved now."

"This affordable housing plan brings true to the Mayor's vision of having a stainable New York for all New Yorkers. It ensures a viable lifestyle for not only the lowest of income but for the middle income bracket who finds it difficult to find affordable housing. This plan goes beyond the stop gap measures, it ensures affordable housing for years to come," said Reverend Daryl Bloodsaw, First Baptist of Crown Heights.

"I'm looking forward to working with the Mayor to implement the new housing plan. The proposed boost in city capital funding is great news for affordable housing. The plan's focus on innovative preservation programs that will assist people in the less than 80 percent AMI income bands is very important to our neighborhoods in the Bronx. The rent burden has been steadily rising for so many in the city and the plan launches a major effort to keep New York City affordable," said Jim Buckley, Executive Director, University Neighborhood Housing Program.

"We support the Mayor's efforts to develop affordable housing. The Abysinnian Development Corporation has been developing affordable housing for 25 years, and we understand the importance of housing for New Yorkers and New York families. We look forward in working with the Mayor in all the ways we can," said Reverend Calvin Butts, Abyssinian Baptist Church.

"I'm very excited about the Mayor's proposal. It is a needed program, and we hope that he receives 100 percent support on the program, and that the program will be expedited as soon as possible," said Reverend Herbert Daughtry, House of the Lord Church.

"We appreciate that the leadership the Mayor has brought in has extensive experience, and we are confident that the plan will recognize the strengths and challenges of various neighborhoods and that all neighborhoods will be treated fairly. We look forward to working with HPD and the Mayor's Office going forward," said Harold DeRienzo, Banana Kelly CIA, Inc.

"The scale of the affordable housing need is large, and so the Mayor's plan is correctly ambitious. But as important as the scale of the plan is the fact that the plan details promise not just affordable units, but affordable housing that will best meet the needs of the community and build stronger neighborhoods. That means building housing that is truly affordable to local residents, that means building housing that will be affordable for the long-term, and that means working with local not-for-profit developers who make stronger communities. The plan is also groundbreaking because it promises to rebalance the interests of private developers with the needs of the community. The city has many tools at its disposal to incentivize the creation of affordable housing – including zoning incentives, tax abatements, direct subsidy – but for too long, the city has created a guaranteed windfall for private developers without enough benefit in the form of good affordable housing for the local community. The Mayor's plan will energize the housing market, but make sure that is serves the New Yorker's who most need it," said Benjamin Dulchin, Executive Director, Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development.

"The Mayor is to be commended and we stand shoulder to shoulder with him. This is something that is dear to our heart and the heart of all clergy because this is something that we deal with every Sunday. We applaud the Mayor for caring for the plight of all new Yorkers," saidPastor Tim English from Bronx Christian Fellowship Church.

"Mayor de Blasio tackles New York City's affordable housing crisis head-on in a thoughtful and innovative plan that prizes equality, community and government efficiency. ‘Housing New York' provides a framework for unprecedented public investment to build, preserve and finance 200,000 desperately needed homes for New Yorkers priced out of their own neighborhoods. The Mayor's housing initiative is also forward- thinking in preparing for the future growth of the city and keeping neighborhoods economically viable and livable for all New Yorkers. The Housing First! coalition congratulates Mayor de Blasio on this tremendous achievement," said Rachel Fee, Housing First!

"A striking feature of the Mayor's plan is its recognition of the need to not only build more affordable housing but to build healthy communities" said Adam Friedman, Director of the Pratt Center for Community Development. "Development is more likely to occur and to benefit existing residents when there is a real dialogue with the community that can address other community needs in a comprehensive manner – from sewer infrastructure to living wage jobs to parks to classroom space, and the proposed plan moves the city in that very desirable direction."

"It is great that Mayor de Blasio is fulfilling his promise in preserving and creating affordable housing. We should all get behind this initiative to ensure housing for all New Yorkers. We support the Mayor 100 percent in all his efforts to create and preserve housing for New Yorkers," said Reverend Johnnie Green, Pastor of Mt. Neboh Baptist Church and President of Mobilizing Preachers and Communities.

"The Mayor's focus on protecting tenants from harassment is crucial for our great city, especially in rapidly gentrifying areas like North Brooklyn, where many residents are being unjustly displaced," said Greg Hanlon, Saint Nick's Alliance.

"This is an ambitious and comprehensive plan that will benefit New Yorkers today and in future generations. This plan emphasizes long-term preservation through investments both in buildings and in the organizations that steward affordable housing. The plan continues to position the city as the nation's leader in housing quality through sustainable and resilient building to benefit the health of residents and contribute to affordability. The plan also strongly acknowledges that permanent housing is the solution to the homelessness crisis. We look forward to supporting the city and our housing partners to make this plan a reality that benefits all New Yorkers," said Bomee Jung, Interim Market Leader for New York, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.

"These 200,000 affordable units will go a long way in helping the city, its immigrants, and working poor obtain access to affordable housing, especially in times when the supply is not meeting the demand. The new five-borough housing plan will increase the tools and resources available to not-for-profit developers, resulting in increased affordable housing production and preservation. AAFE shares Mayor de Blasio's affordable housing vision and commends his bold plan to increase and protect affordable housing that also celebrates neighborhood diversity and works towards ensuring that all New Yorkers have a safe and affordable place to live," said Christopher Kui, Executive Director, Asian Americans for Equality.

"A true mark of a society's growth and achievement can be measured by how it provides for its most under-served citizens. Mayor de Blasio has taken a critical step today in ensuring an even stronger and better New York City through providing Affordable Housing to NYC's lower- and middle-class families and given us all the more reason to be proud of our city. I stand by Mayor de Blasio in this effort and hope all New Yorkers will do so as well," said Imam Khalid Latif, Islamic Center of New York University.

"I applaud the Mayor's new housing plan because it considers all New Yorkers' housing needs. It will create additional permanent housing opportunities for the homeless while developing housing and improving communities throughout the five boroughs. This plan provides additional ownership opportunities for the individuals and families that are the workers who keep our City running. I have always been committed to equitable development, so I am thrilled to see a plan that represents the people, promises to hear their voices and includes increased efforts towards local employment. This equitable plan not only provides housing for several income levels, it presents an enhanced commitment to the homeless and those who face the greatest rent burdens," said Lucille McEwen, Executive Director, Manhattan Valley Development Corporation.

"We applaud the Mayor for addressing the housing crisis that the city has faced for many years. This plan will create over 140,000 jobs for our city and it clearly shows the Mayor's commitment to address the inequality issues that the city has faced for many years," said Muhammad Rahman, Secretary General, Islamic Circle of North America, Queens.

"Housing is a major challenge in the city, and whatever is done to make it affordable is of good service. This is a good example of the Mayor trying to ease people's lives and as a public servant; I can see him doing more to make it affordable for all new Yorkers," said Imam Rasool, Masjid Un-Noor, Staten Island.

"Mayor de Blasio is addressing the issues of sustainability for all New Yorkers with this plan. It is critical to provide affordable housing for low and moderate income families to remain a viable city. The Mayor is a fulfilling a vision of having One New York for all," said Reverend Gary Simpson, Senior Pastor Concord Baptist Church.

"The commitment to capital is among other things an amazing step forward for affordable housing," said Adam Weinstien, Phipps Houses.