I hope this email finds you well on this Wednesday that some could mistake for a Tuesday.
Last night was the Warren Street Tenants meeting that had been repeatedly mentioned in previous updates. The purpose of the meeting was to get some much needed, and deserved, clarity for the residents of 572 & 574 Warren Street as the property enters the RAD program. Representatives from NYCHA and the development team (they will manage the property and oversee the renovations) ran the meeting and started by answering questions that the tenant association had askedin a letter earlier this month and followed it up by answering additional questions.
After speaking with tenants this morning as follow up on last night, I am pleased that they felt there was greater clarity from NYCHA and the development team. However, gaining clarity doesn’t mean that all is positive. NYCHA tenants must be treated better, and information has to be given to tenants sooner and more openly. This meeting, yet again, reinforces why tangible improvements to living conditions for NYCHA residents must be secured to move forward with the pending rezoning of Gowanus.
Before moving on to other items, it’s important to thank those who worked tirelessly since our initial “meeting to get a meeting” on January 4th. That includes, but is not limited to, the Warren Street tenants and our very own CB6 member Joe Anne Brown, Assemblymember Simon’s office, Councilman Levin’s office (specifically Ben Solotaire) and the Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Lincoln Restler.
P.S Please forgive any typos or brain freezes in the text as I get these updates out in haste at the end of the day and if there is a community-centric item you think I should know about please reach out.
