Elected Officials Applaud NYC’s Affordable Housing Record, Highest Production Since 1989

July 26, 2016

“The affordable housing crisis is the defining challenge New York faces today, and this administration’s commitment to meeting that challenge with bold action is laudable,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “We must keep working together to produce and preserve more affordable units in every neighborhood while protecting the things that make those neighborhoods special, so we can continue the centuries-old traditions of economic and cultural diversity that have made Manhattan and New York City a beacon to the world.”

State Senator Brad Hoylman said, “With more than 23,000 affordable units created in 2016 alone, Mayor de Blasio’s Housing New York plan is an unprecedented investment in both the physical infrastructure of our city and the diverse communities that make it such a vibrant place to live. Each new unit of affordable housing built represents a new opportunity for a family to build a better life for themselves. I’m grateful to the Mayor and HPD Commissioner Been for working to make New York a more open and affordable city for all.”

State Senator Liz Krueger said, “Maintaining and expanding affordable housing is one of the most important priorities in New York City. I thank and congratulate Mayor de Blasio for staying on track to meet his ambitious housing goals. It is critical that we continue to move forward with building and preserving affordable housing, so that real New Yorkers can remain here, raise their families and enjoy their senior years in this city that they call home."

Assembly Member Walter Mosley said, "I commend Mayor de Blasio for his continued commitment to producing and preserving affordable housing units in our city. We worked tirelessly over the past year to return nearly 700 units of affordable housing stock in my district of Crown Heights alone. I continue to stand by my pledge to fight for more affordable units so New York City can continue to be a city welcoming to all.”

“Our city’s affordability crisis is an issue that affects all New Yorkers, from students to seniors and everyone in between,” said Assembly Member Robert J. Rodriguez. “I applaud Mayor de Blasio, the Housing Preservation Department, and other community partners for making real progress on the City’s most pressing issue. This unprecedented amount of new affordable homes provides immediate relief to thousands of struggling New York families.”

“New York City cannot turn its back on our poor, so I commend Mayor de Blasio for delivering on his promise to building affordable housing, particularly for our city’s most vulnerable citizens. As Chair of the Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee, I will continue to work with our administration to encourage affordable development throughout the city, and I look forward to working with the Mayor to ensure our city reaches his ambitious 10-year goal for our neediest New Yorkers,” said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Committee on Housing.

"The need for truly affordable housing is not unique to New York City – cities large and small are struggling with how to create and preserve it. Not only are we creating more affordable housing than we have in decades, but we are building housing that is truly affordable to a wide range of incomes. I’m proud that I’m going to see some of the most affordable housing built in my community, East New York, where over the next two years we will see housing built that is affordable to families of three making as little as $19,000 per year. We’re making real progress, and I congratulate the Mayor and his team on this milestone,” stated Council Member Rafael L. Espinal, Jr.

Council Member Brad Lander said, "The affordable housing crisis facing New Yorkers is urgent and real, so bold action is required. I'm proud to support Mayor de Blasio's housing plan, and very pleased to see it producing results: more new affordable housing than any time in a generation, with a focus on low-income families, a rent freeze, new attention to NYCHA, and a commitment to planning with neighborhoods for smart and livable growth. As the Mayor committed when the Council passed mandatory inclusionary housing, we are also working together on new policies to prevent tenant harassment, to make sure we are doing everything we possibly can to help New Yorkers stay in their homes and neighborhoods."

"New York City continues to show what government can do to help those in need," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. "These historic affordable housing totals will ensure New York remains a welcoming place for working families. I applaud Mayor de Blasio and his administration for their sincere focus on those striving to reach the middle class during these challenging times. Through these efforts, New York City will be strengthened for years to come."

"Of all the constituent services issues that come to my district office, housing is number one, making Mayor de Blasio's goal of building or preserving 200,000 affordable housing units especially important for my district. Reaching this milestone is welcome news that will make a difference in the lives of thousands of New Yorkers. Equally important is the Mayor's $1 billion investment in the schools, roads, parks and other infrastructure necessary to support new housing units. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration to ensure that all New Yorkers can continue to call this great city home without fear of displacement," said Council Member Debi Rose.

Council Member Fernando Cabrera said, “I commend Mayor de Blasio on the administration’s record achievements in affordable housing. I am especially pleased that Housing NY New Construction in the Bronx totals 6,068 – the highest in the City.”