housing

Housing is a basic human right. Right now, corporate and private equity-owned housing developments across our district claim to be both "luxury" and "reasonably-priced," while adhering to laws requiring affordable units be included. But these "affordable" units are only affordable for folks getting priced out of Williamsburg and Long Island City.

Large swaths of our district, in both commercial and residential areas, are gentrifying. Displacement and the passing of neighbors is pulling apart the social fabric of our neighborhoods.

Any new developments must have units that are affordable for the people displaced by the developers and the rising costs that lead to gentrification. These apartments must have the same fixtures and appliances as any other unit.

Small, locally-owned businesses must also be permitted to thrive. There must be a cap on the increases in commerrent, similar to those mandated in residences. Also, we should be actively encouraging more small business owned by folks from or in the district.

Local property-owners must also be protected. Consistently preyed upon, lied to, stolen from, and, for too many, taxed beyond their means. The beautiful, colorful, aromatic, unique social fabric of our neighborhoods must be held together.