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"Affordable Housing in Brooklyn," Brooklyn, May 9, 2006

"Affordable Housing in Brooklyn"

Brooklyn, NY, May 9, 2006

Affordable Housing in Brooklyn: Challenges + Solutions

7 PM, May 9, 2006

Brooklyn Central Public Library
Second Floor Meeting Room


According to a recent survey by the Community Service Society, when New Yorkers are asked "what personally worries you the most?" their leading response is "housing." As the Nation's affordable rental housing stock continues to shrink, many low and middle-income residents are facing a housing crisis.


For residents of Brooklyn, New York City's most populous borough, continued gentrification and the loss of subsidized housing make finding affordable, safe, transit-accessible housing a formidable task.


The expert panelists will address the increasing challenge of providing affordable housing in Brooklyn and will respond with solutions—both realized and possible. Specific Brooklyn projects incorporating affordable housing will be addressed (including Greenpoint-Williambsburg and Atlantic Yards), followed by a discussion of broader city and regional issues impacting Brooklyn. Two respondents will address the
panel to clarify issues addressed by the panelists and segue into the general question and answer portion.Introductions & Overview:
Heather Boyer (moderator)


Panelists

Brooklyn-Specific Issues & Projects:
Brad Lander

Lander became director of the Pratt Center for Community Development in 2003 after serving for 10 years as executive director for the Fifth Avenue
Committee, a Brooklyn-based community development organization.

Brooklyn-Specific Projects:
Michelle de la Uz

De la Uz became the Fifth Avenue Committee’s executive director in 2004 after serving on its board of directors from 2000-2003. She has 15 years of experience in public and community service.

City-Level Issues:
Rafael Cestero

Cestero, currently the deputy commissioner of development of the city of New York, Department of Housing and Preservation Development, previously served as director of New York programs for the
Enterprise Foundation.

Regional-Level Issues:
Christopher Jones

Jones, vice president for research at Regional Plan Association (RPA), is responsible for developing and directing research to support the RPA’s economic, housing, transportation, environmental, design and community development programs.

They will be joined by two respondents: urban critic and author Alex Marshall, and Kimberly Miller of the Citizens Housing and Planning Council and the Municipal Art Society.