Hi I am part of a committee to collect signatures by October 29 to present to the City Council to pressure NYCHA to hold hearings with the public on their plan to convert public housing play grounds, parking lots & apartments into luxury apartment buildings. I need your full name, address, phone/email address so the petition will count. This will also enable us to let you know how the City Council responds to our demand.

NYCHA houses more than 400,000 people. As a result of mismanagement and underfunding from the federal government it faces a 300 million dollar operating deficit at a time when billions are needed to make capital improvements. The City plan to save to NYCHA threatens the poor. One part of the plan is to sell to private developers. Once a unit is sold, the developer gets a subsidy, in addition to the rent,representing the difference between what the average tenant pays( $425 per month and Market rent($ 2,500-$3000 monthly). If a tenant leaves, evicted or dies the developer can choose the next tenant . This bypasses the NYCHA waiting list.

The other part of the plan is to lease or sell NYCHA land. Playgrounds, open space, parking lots will be replaced by high-rise buildings. 3500 apartments will be market rate and the rest will be affordable housing meaning for families with an income of $46000 or more. This plan reshapes neighborhoods by making it affordable for those who live there.

I live in public housing and urge others who live in NYCHA or have friends and family who live there as concerned New Yorkers you will go ahead and sign our petition.

Sincerely,

Mark