Martha Sickles on J51 as critical tool for building modernization

Thank you.

Hey, Martha.

Hi.

Good afternoon, Chair Sanchez and committee members.

My name is Martha Sickles.

I'm principal of Urbicon.

I'm also a member of the Climate Works for All Coalition and the Green Co-op Council.

Thank you for the opportunity to attend and express support for the mayor's housing plan and the seven legislative items that are being discussed at this hearing.

I'm going to be submitting written testimony, but I'd like to make just a few points about support.

Of intro 1015, which

which is the revision and authorization of J-51.

As colleagues have discussed, this bill was passed by the state legislature.

It is critical to providing a funding resource for homeowners, co-ops, condos, and owners of rental buildings.

The revision and reauthorization of this bill will help to provide and create

healthier, cleaner, more efficient, more affordable homes for low- and moderate-income renters, cooperative shareholders, and condominium residents.

It was first enacted in 1955 to address a health, a public health, and building modernization crisis in substandard housing.

And we are facing a similar situation today.

The similar modernization crisis is building owners face increasing regulations, requirements, and new laws designed to improve public safety, reduce carbon emissions, and provide prevailing wages.

These are all valuable public goods that warrant public support to help building owners implement them.

There was a recent study done, released by the New York Housing Conference, conducted by Hunter students that indicate the sources of rising costs.

for both operation and construction of buildings, and J51 will assist in addressing some of these.

And as we face federal and state retreat from support of climate policy and funding, J51 will be useful.

I also hope that we can act quickly to educate the public and that this program can get up and running soon.

Thank you so much for your time.