Metro IAF NY Leader Rev. David K. Brawley speaks to 6,000 leaders at City Hall in Oct. 2017 | Photo Credit: Mark Clennon
Following a 6,000 person action at City Hall last October 2017, Metro IAF NY affiliates continue the fight for much needed affordable housing and clean living conditions for NYC residents.
Metro IAF NY has continued to shine a light on the decrepit living conditions NYCHA residents must face every day and affiliate organizations are getting results. NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye resigned on Tuesday, April 10th. At Metro IAF NY’s urging, Speaker Corey Johnson and the city council included $500 million for new senior housing on NYCHA land, and $1.95 billion for capital improvements (roofs, elevators, heating systems) in NYCHA in their budget response on April 10th. During the week of April 2nd Metro IAF NY strengthened a court-supervised settlement agreement that will force NYCHA to properly remediate mold and moisture. This follows Metro IAF NY’s rally in the rain at City Hall last October, when the mayor immediately added $137 million in additional rental subsidies to help more working class New Yorkers.
Power concedes nothing without demand.
The mayor is opposed to Metro IAF NY’s plan to create quality housing for 15,000 seniors, free up space for 50,000 New Yorkers to move into NYCHA, and make public housing a dignified place to live again. He will urge Corey Johnson and the council to drop the money for senior housing and NYCHA during budget negotiations. Metro IAF is fighting for not just a more aggressive housing plan but, more importantly, for recognition and respect.
Metro IAF NY will be taking action again at City Hall at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, April 24th. Four hundred leaders will rally on the steps of City Hall with council members, which will hopefully include Corey Johnson too. The mayor will be invited as well.