CM Salaam speaks in support of East Harlem El Barrio application
CM Yusef Salaam rises in support of the East Harlem El Barrio application, which makes a targeted amendment to a 2019 council-approved project. The amendment maintains 36 rental units while updating the project to include three community facility spaces. Salaam highlights the importance of preserving affordable housing and community resources.
I would now like to recognize any of my colleagues for any comments or questions.
We've been joined by Councilmember Zhuang and Councilmember Banks.
Okay.
So I'll start with Councilmember Salam, and then we'll go to Councilmember Wasey.
Good morning, everyone.
Today I rise in support of application number G26005XAM concerning the portfolio
of 53 East 110th Street, 201 East 120th Street, and particularly 204 West 121st Streets, which is in my district.
While this portfolio spans both my district and the district represented by my colleague, Councilmember Encarnacion,
the residents who call these buildings home share the same expectation that they have access to stable, well-maintained, affordable housing and community resources that strengthen their neighborhoods.
This application makes a targeted amendment to a project that the council originally approved in 2019.
It maintains the commitment to approximately 36 rental units while updating the project to include three community facility spaces instead of two commercial spaces and one community facility space.
That is a thoughtful adjustment that better reflects the needs of the surrounding community and creates additional opportunities for services that residents can
access close to their homes.
For the families living at these addresses, this is about more than a technical amendment.
It's about preserving affordable housing, supporting the continued rehabilitation and stewardship of these buildings, and ensuring that residents have access to spaces that can provide meaningful community benefits.
I appreciate the collaborations
between our council districts, the applicants, and all of the stakeholders who have worked to move this project forward.
When we invest in preserving affordable homes and strengthening the services available to residents, we are investing in the long-term stability of our neighborhoods.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge my colleagues on this committee to support this application.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Councilman Yusef-Salaam.