Res. No. 682
Resolution calling upon the State of New York to provide funding to support the 12,500 housing units built by New York State and managed by the New York City Housing Authority.
By Council Members Dilan, Mendez, Brewer, Dickens, Fidler, Foster, Gonzalez, Jackson, James, Liu, Mealy, Recchia Jr., Reyna, Sears and Weprin
Whereas, From 1958 to 1974, New York State constructed 12,500 public housing units in fifteen developments throughout New York City that are managed by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA); and
Whereas, The fifteen developments originally financed with State funding are not included among NYCHA’s developments when determinations are made as to subsidies towards NYCHA’s operating or capital expenses; and
Whereas, It costs NYCHA approximately $62 million annually to operate the fifteen State developments; and
Whereas, Since 1998 New York State has not provided any funding towards operating expenses needed to maintain the public housing units in these fifteen developments; and
Whereas, Without the financial assistance of New York State towards meeting operating expenses, these fifteen developments might see a reduction in services, and rent increases for their moderate-income residents; and
Whereas, The failure of New York State to provide a subsidy will dramatically effect the quality of life for residents of these developments; and
Whereas, In Fiscal Year 2006 NYCHA had an operating deficit of $168 million arising in part from the continued financial drain of operating the fifteen State developments for which NYCHA receives no ongoing operating subsidy; and
Whereas, New York State has an obligation to ensure that the fifteen public housing developments continue as public housing by budgeting operating and capital funds annually to support these developments; and
Whereas, In Fiscal Year 2007, The City of New York provided $120 million in subsidies to support the preservation and long-term viability of public housing in New York City; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the upon the State of New York to provide funding to support the 12,500 housing units built by New York State and managed by the New York City Housing Authority.
LS# 2316
BJG
1/4/2007