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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2007
Contact: Sarah Krauss
(212) 669-4193; (917) 541-0936
Public Advocate Gotbaum Helps East New York Tenants Reach Compromise with NYCHA
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum announced a recent victory for the tenants of Boulevard houses in East New York who had been battling the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) over the use of a valuable community green space.
Last month, Public Advocate Gotbaum visited the East New York housing complex to meet with residents and community members who voiced their long-standing concerns about losing an open space where their children play. NYCHA had planned to transform the highly-used, public space into the site for a new trash compactor. NYCHA has agreed to preserve the green space and relocate the intended trash compactor.
Public Advocate Gotbaum, former New York Parks Commissioner, called Tino Hernandez, Chairman of NYCHA and expressed the tenant’s concerns, hoping a compromise could be reached. In response, NYCHA agreed to place the trash compactor in an unused area of the complex and preserve the valued community space.
Public Advocate Gotbaum said, “Green spaces in New York City are precious, especially at public housing complexes. I would like to thank the New York City Housing Authority for doing the right thing preserving the green space at Boulevard houses. This is a great example of a compromise that resulted in a win-win for everyone involved.”
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