Metro IAF
Rally Backs Affordable Housing Initiative in Wingate
Officials showed support for Governor Hochul's plan to convert part of the Kingsboro Psychiatric Center campus into an affordable housing development.
by BK Reade Staff for the BK Reader
January 25, 2024
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (L) and Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas (R) address the crowd. Photo courtesy of Rob Chance
Hundreds of central Brooklyn residents and local officials rallied to endorse New York Governor Kathy Hochul's plan to convert part of the Kingsboro Psychiatric Center campus in Wingate into more than 1,000 affordable housing units.
Hosted by Metro IAF NY, a coalition of various organizations that advocate for NYC-area projects, the event on Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights featured stories from those directly affected by the housing crisis, including Nia Haggwood, a Brooklyn resident and teacher whose narrative highlighted the urgent need for accessible housing solutions.
Also speaking at the event was Reverend Rashad Moore, pastor at the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, who said that the Kingsboro plan would provide help to residents that are in critical need of affordable housing.
"Every day, New Yorkers are being forced out of the city we love — separated from our families, friends, congregations, and schools,” said Moore. "Many will try to delay the plan, but we can't wait — let's break ground on Kingsboro in 2024.”
Attendees included Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas and State Senator Zellnor Myrie.
The rally follows Metro IAF NY’s previous effort in securing affordable housing at the state-owned Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens. Hochul announced that a 2,800-unit affordable housing community are in the works there.