Res. No. 482
Resolution calling upon the New York City Housing Authority to include an admissions priority to its developments for applicants with severe health conditions in its next proposed agency plan.
By Council Members Rodriguez, Dromm, James, Palma, Rose, Vann, Williams, Mark-Viverito, Dickens and Mendez
Whereas, Poor or inappropriate housing conditions can magnify problems fueled by tenants with severe health conditions and or disabilities; and
Whereas, Poor housing conditions are proven to have a significant negative health effect on the residents, and conditions such as dampness, mold or poor ventilation can frequently exacerbate respiratory or cardiovascular disease; and
Whereas, Residents who become mobility-impaired or suffer any other disability often find their current housing to be drastically inadequate or inaccessible, compounding the effects of their disability; and
Whereas, Low-income residents with severe health conditions who currently live in a dwelling where the environment does not allow them to recover safely and normally often must continue living in their current circumstance for lack of financial means to move; and
Whereas, Continuing to live in such circumstances with a severe health condition can aggravate any illness, potentially to a life-threatening state; and
Whereas, It is the stated mission of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to provide decent and affordable housing in a safe and secure living environment for low- and moderate-income residents throughout the five boroughs; and
Whereas, NYCHA is a public housing agency (PHA) organized and funded primarily through federal and state programs; and
Whereas, The requirements for income eligibility and admission preferences for PHAs are based on federal and state law; and
Whereas, Section 156 of New York State Public Housing Law gives NYCHA the authority to select tenants for its projects; and
Whereas, According to section 960.206 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, NYCHA has the authority to "adopt a system of local preferences for selection of families admitted to the PHA's public housing program;" and
Whereas, Such admission priorities must be based on local housing needs and determined by the PHA after a period of public comment and consultation with the resident advisory board of the PHA and then submitted as a part of PHA's annual or five year plan, whichever is applicable, to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which then must approve or disapprove the plan; and
Whereas, NYCHA has established an admission priority for victims of domestic violence; and
Whereas, Although victims of domestic violence should continue to receive top priority in admissions, applicants with severe health conditions should also receive an admission priority; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Housing Authority to include an admissions priority to its developments for applicants with severe health conditions in its next proposed agency plan.
LR
LS # 1469
9-22-2010