MSCC, Sharon Jasprizza, January 7, 2025, Posted March 13, 2025 9:30 am-11:00 am, ZOOM.US

SUMMARY

• Paul Graziano, Save 1 Family NY: A. The current issues stem from a deal made by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, which aimed to create a slush fund for city unions in exchange for transitioning retirees to Medicare Advantage. B. The core issue surrounding housing in New York City is often mischaracterized as a housing crisis when, in reality, it is an affordability crisis

CHAIR: John Mudd, MSCC

SECRETARY/MINUTES: Sharon Jasprizza, MSCC

WELCOME / INTRODUCTIONS

John Mudd, MSCC, welcomed the committee and members of the community.

POLICY MEETING UPDATES

There were no updates for the 8:30 am Homeless and Housing Policy meeting.

DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

• MSCC and its large coalition fighting for health justice are pleased that on December 17, 2024, the New York Court of Appeals issued a landmark ruling in favor of 250,000 Medicare-eligible retired New York City workers and their dependents, affirming their right to City-funded health insurance. The decision mandates that the City must cover the entire cost of any health insurance plan chosen by retirees, preserving their access to Medicare supplemental insurance. This ruling counters the City’s previous attempt to cease funding for retirees’ health insurance and switch them to a less comprehensive Medicare Advantage plan, which limits provider access and coverage. Over the past three years, the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees, under the leadership of Marianne Pizzitola, has successfully fought three lawsuits to protect retirees’ health care rights, culminating in this unanimous decision by the state’s highest court.
• The MSCC Health Care Committee met on Monday, Dec 23, 2024 to discuss the forthcoming meeting with Erik Bottcher planned for January 10, 2025. John Mudd is the main driver for MSCC and its wide coalition throughout them Councilman’s district, supporting Chris Marte’s 1096 bill. The bill protects the City’s retirees from the Mayor’s continual harassment to push the retirees into a corporate disadvantage plan. Bill 1096
  https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6902538&GUID=935D7515-AC4A-4DA1-B73F-DD1C0F0F4582&Options=&Search=
• UPDATE from October 2024. Testimony by John Mudd, Executive Director of Midtown South Community Council criticized “the city’s development policies and the proposed housing plan. He argued that these policies lead to burdening rents, widening disparity, and increasing homelessness. Mudd contends that the “build it and let the free market fix it” approach has been disproven and that commoditizing homes always leads to investors seeking profits at the expense of renters. He criticized the plan for disguising tax giveaways, using problematic methods to determine affordability, and failing to address infrastructure problems. Mudd suggests alternative solutions, such as protecting rent-controlled and rent-stabilized stock, and bringing warehouse apartments onto the market.” citymeetings.nyc, Your guide to NYC’s public proceedings. Home>New York City Council Meetings>City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, Day 2: Public Hearing – October 22, 2024

SPECIAL INTRODUCTION(S) AND OR UPDATES: 

• Molly Zeif, Sanctuary for Families, Housing Navigator:  focusing on Rapid Re-Housing program and connects clients with property owners and management companies while providing some financial assistance for rent and move-in costs and helping survivors of domestic violence and trafficking through a rapid rehousing program. 
• John Mudd, MSCC: an upcoming meeting on Friday, the 10^th January, with Eric Botcher and representatives from various coalitions, including the New York City Organization of Public Service Retirees and Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP). The goal of the meeting is to persuade Eric Botcher to support Bill 1096, which aims to protect retirees from the mayor’s push to switch them from traditional Medicare to a corporate Medicare Advantage plan. This bill is very important in light of ongoing legal battles between retirees and the mayor, who has been attempting to change their healthcare coverage despite retirees having paid into the system. Following the meeting, there will be a press rally to discuss the outcomes and the implications of the bill. There are plans to visit additional council districts

RETIREES, NYC POOR DEVELOPMENT POLICIES AND THE CITY OF YES

Paul Graziano, Save 1 Family NY, Open New York’s lobbying efforts

• The current issues stem from a deal made by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, which aimed to create a slush fund for city unions in exchange for transitioning retirees to Medicare Advantage. The current mayor, Eric Adams, initially opposed this plan but has since reversed his stance. The council leadership was wrong for delaying action on the bill, and its attributed to their reluctance to ongoing litigation rather than a genuine concern for retirees. Over 250,000 retirees are affected by this situation and the retroactive changes imposed on them, mainly since these individuals had contributed to the Medicare system through their taxes. Both the mayor and the unions share culpability in this issue, emphasizing the need for fairness and protection for retirees who rely on Medicare
• The coalition “Save One Family” and the extensive support from diverse organizations across the city has been a great support. It’s clear that the modifications to the bill fall short of what’s needed for the community’s well-being
• The process of interviewing lawyers has begun, and Jack Lester has been retained, a seasoned attorney known for his involvement in significant cases such as congestion pricing and the Noho Soho rezoning and which was recently invalidated. They are preparing to fundraise approximately $250,000 to support multiple lawsuits at both the federal and state levels. The state lawsuit will focus on challenging the city’s decisions as arbitrary and capricious, while the federal case will address civil rights concerns, particularly affecting communities of color in Southeast Queens and Brooklyn, which are already facing environmental challenges. The mayor’s recent comments about the City of Yes plan supposedly addressing racism have been met with skepticism and criticism, highlighting perceived absurdities in the administration’s arguments. The speaker also criticized Maria Torres Springer, suggesting her privileged background renders her out of touch with the issues at hand
• There is frustration over the hypocrisy surrounding a lawsuit related to environmental issues and urban development in New York City. The situation is not only inadequate but also fraudulent. There is an emphasis on commitment to bring these issues to light. Fundraising efforts raised over $50,000 from civic and homeowner organizations, with ongoing efforts to gather more support through platforms like GoFundMe. There are certain Manhattan organizations focusing solely on local issues while neglecting the broader implications of citywide rezoning, which every property in New York. It needs to be clarified that the real issue at hand is not a housing crisis but an affordability crisis
• The core issue surrounding housing in New York City is often mischaracterized as a housing crisis when, in reality, it is an affordability crisis. The distinction is crucial: what we truly need is not just more housing units but more genuinely affordable units—those that are accessible to the average resident, rather than those labeled as “affordable” by the city, which often do not reflect the economic realities faced by many New Yorkers.
• Our plan is to initiate legal proceedings by the end of January or the beginning of February, tackling this issue from multiple fronts. We recognize the challenges that come with an Article 78 process, which can be quite complex and arduous. However, we are confident in our approach and our commitment to addressing the significant red flags we have identified in the environmental impact statement
• We have assembled a team of experts, including George James, a planner who has worked extensively with Manhattan community boards. Together, we are prepared to present compelling arguments to push back against the current developments that threaten our neighborhoods. We are also collaborating with a group of pro bono lawyers led by Jack Lester to help navigate the legal landscape
• This is not just a theoretical exercise; it has real implications for communities, particularly in the lower-density areas where I have been focusing my efforts. My work primarily concerns neighborhoods in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island, while George is more engaged with higher-density communities in Manhattan
• For instance, areas in Queens and Brooklyn, especially those along the ocean and south shore, face unique vulnerabilities due to their geological composition. Unlike Manhattan, which has solid bedrock, many parts of these boroughs are built on sand and soil, making them susceptible to flooding and erosion. This is particularly evident in neighborhoods that sit on outwash plains, where glacial activity has left the land flat and prone to storm surges, as seen during Hurricane Sandy and other significant weather events
• The impacts of sea level rise and land subsidence further exacerbate these challenges. Recent studies indicate that parts of the city are sinking, influenced by the weight of new developments. In my own neighborhood in Queens, I have observed how the street level has risen noticeably over the past two decades, creating an alarming disconnect between the original curb heights and the current street levels
• We are not simply fighting against development; we are advocating for a future where all New Yorkers can afford to live in safe and sustainable housing
• There are ongoing challenges of urban flooding and zoning changes in the South Shore area, particularly in neighborhoods like Bell Harbor and Neponset. The streets must be kept at a consistent level due to existing underground infrastructure, but residents are experiencing “daytime flooding” caused by rising tides, leading to significant water accumulation on streets and in basements. Recent zoning changes have allowed for increased redevelopment, significantly raising the number of properties that can be subdivided and developed, potentially leading to a population surge in these vulnerable areas.
• The inadequate existing sewer infrastructure cannot handle heavy rainfall and thus exacerbates the flooding issues. Critics argue that the city’s environmental impact statement is flawed, as it only analyzes a minuscule fraction of properties while claiming no negative consequences from the proposed developments. Additionally, the promised $5 billion investment—allocated for infrastructure, affordable housing, and hiring—lacks guarantee and could be jeopardized in a budget crisis, given its relatively small scale compared to the city’s overall budget. The concerns revolve around the lack of sustainable planning and the potential for worsening The inadequacy of a proposed $2 billion infrastructure plan is insufficient as it does not meet the city’s needs, which are decades behind. The city council members who support the “City of Yes” initiative for prioritizing their individual interests fail to genuinely protect vulnerable neighborhoods. The council’s actions are “greenwashing,” meaning their efforts are merely superficial and ineffective
• Lester, a lawyer known for his reasonable rates and successful community advocacy recent secured a legal victory where he overturned a controversial rezoning in Soho and Noh. He deemed there was “government extortion” by judges aiming to convert artist lofts into residential units and create a mayor-controlled slush fund. Lester’s involvement continues in ongoing legal battles regarding congestion pricing while asserting that media coverage oversimplifies the complex situation. Lester is a competent and flexible advocate for community interests

DISCUSSION

• Luana Green, MSCC: concerned about developments 
• Paul Graziano, Save 1 Family NY:  clarifies that the lawsuit is not limited to the 28 neighborhoods or properties but encompasses broader environmental issues and focuses on communities of color. He discusses the Green Amendment, which guarantees clean air and water in New York, noting its recent and untested status. Paul criticizes the city’s studies as inadequate, arguing that they provide an insufficient basis for decisions affecting over 313,000 properties. He emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the lawsuit, which aims to challenge the entire zoning regime rather than a specific area. Paul also points out the difficulties in navigating the judicial system, particularly the disconnect between Manhattan judges and the realities of neighborhoods in Queens. He plans to address concerns about affordability as a significant aspect of the lawsuit, particularly in relation to Manhattan and Brooklyn
• Luana Green, MSCC: acknowledges the complexity and volume of information that needs to be addressed regarding the filing process, particularly concerning an Article 78 proceeding
• Paul Graziano, Save 1 Family NY:  Important to know the specifics of the Article 78 filing and the importance of presenting all relevant information upfront, as there is a limited window for amendments after the initial submission. There is a need for collective input and collaboration from various organizations and individuals to tackle broader issues such as housing affordability and the implications of recent zoning changes. There is a significant discrepancy in the planning process that deviates from established parameters, stressing the necessity for community support and engagement in these matters
• John Mudd, MSCC:  It’s important to mobilize legal expertise within their network to aid in the process. There is concern over the economic challenges facing the community, particularly regarding housing and healthcare, and criticizes the ongoing demolition of properties in NYCHA complexes, framing it as part of a broader struggle for equitable housing solutions
• Paul Graziano, Save 1 Family NY: advocates for responsible urban planning and real estate regulations. Concerned over the influence of the real estate and construction industries on city policies, particularly regarding the “Green Fast Track” initiative and the recently introduced Intro 11-07. These developments undermine environmental reviews and allow for the proliferation of short-term rentals, and which could lead to the commodification of residential properties by hedge funds and speculators. Local politicians, including Adrian Adams, change their stances on these issues, leading to potential negative impacts on low and moderate-income communities and people of color. There is a need for more thorough research and protective measures from politicians to safeguard community interests.
• John Mudd, MSCC: Developers and other powerful interests are pushing for deregulation, which harms the community. There is a need for collective action among residents to resist these changes and protect their neighborhoods
• Luana Green, MSCC: Gentrification disproportionately affects low and moderate-income individuals, particularly people of color, in New York City. A need to advocate for incorporating these social justice considerations into discussions about housing and urban development. There are questions about legal strategies in challenging unjust policies, and thus a thoughtful approach to advocacy that considers the complexities of the legal system is required
• Paul Graziano, Save 1 Family NY:  critizes the influence of the real estate and construction industries on local legislation, particularly the “Green Fast Track” initiative approved by the city planning department without city council input. This initiative eliminates environmental reviews for small projects of 175 units or less. The introduction of Intro 1107, which aims to allow short-term rentals in one- and two-family homes without owner occupancy, contradicts previous laws intended to regulate such rentals. This change could enable hedge funds to convert residential properties into short-term hotels, exacerbating issues of gentrification and displacement in low- and moderate-income communities, particularly affecting people of color. There is a shift in political support for these measures, particularly from Councilmember Adrian Adams, who previously opposed similar bills but is now co-sponsoring them. There is a need for community organization and legal action to counteract the detrimental effects of these policies
• Luana Green, MSCC:  adds that the ongoing discrimination against marginalized communities must be included in discussions about housing and real estate policies, underscoring the critical nature of these issues in the context of urban development and social equity
• Paul Graziano, Save 1 Family NY:   its important to carefully prepare information for a legal case and to know that the judge will only consider what is submitted within a specified timeframe. There is a need for a comprehensive and specific presentation of facts, as the case is founded on significant issues, which could be described as “a house of lies.” If anyone interested in contributing to the case, contact Paul, as petitions and plaintiffs are necessary to strengthen our position. Strong plaintiffs are individuals and organizations, including public housing groups and nonprofits. We already have a broad coalition of over 200 organizations, including civic groups and elected officials, and expresses openness to additional groups joining their efforts
• Siide (Sadie), resident at Reese and actively volunteers with the PPH, serves on the board of the May Council on Housing: Concerned about the numerous challenges facing the community, comparing the situation to dealing with multiple fires that need to be handled. Seeking clarity on upcoming actions and plans, recognizing the urgent need to address various pressing issues, including health insurance and housing stability
• Renee Keitt, President for NYCHA Residents’ Council: her recent victory as President is now contested due to a protest filed by Darlene Mortars, which has raised questions regarding the election’s legitimacy. Renee is currently awaiting a decision from NYCHA’s legal department regarding the protest and has not received specific details about the allegations. Frustrated at the situation and the lack of clarity, while also acknowledging the support she received during her campaign and consequently is uncertain about the next steps if the election is deemed invalid
• Luana Green, MSCC: concerned about the potential outcomes of the protest filed against Renee’s election and the overall stability of the resident council
• Alex Yong, Westside Neighborhood Alliance: concerned about the practices of local landlords in the context of housing legislation. The local housing coalition (HCC) resembles other housing justice groups but often overlooks critical issues, particularly regarding the management of empty apartments. Landlords are strategically placing employees from their management companies into vacant units. This seems to be a tactic to ensure these individuals will vote in favor of the landlords’ interests, especially in light of recent changes to laws governing the conversion of rental buildings into condominiums. The coalition is focusing primarily on physical issues related to warehousing, like maintenance problems, while neglecting the more insidious non-physical dangers posed by these practices. This situation resembles “ballot stuffing” and raises concerns about the integrity of tenant representation in housing decisions.

CHAT BOX

• Molly Zeif, Housing Navigator, Sanctuary for Families focusing on Rapid Re-Housing program  
• Lili Lopez, Outreach Specialist, NY Connects Areas Served: Manhattan and Brooklyn  

Contact: 646-457-5364 / 646-809-1071, llopez@cidny.org  

Services: Connects individuals with disabilities to various resources and services, including housing, SNAP, SSI, benefits, and Medicaid applications. NY Connects is a free service

• John Mudd, MSCC: link to Midtown South Community Council’s homeless and housing meeting: https://midtownsouthcc.org/events/mscc-homeless-and-housing-meeting/
• Andrew Bonfrancesco  

Commented on issues reflecting a disregard for human life, referencing the Trump era.

• Charisma White, MSCC: Expressed concerns about transportation costs and taxes, particularly affecting low-income individuals.  Questioned the validity of studies mentioned in the discussion.  Criticized city plans as being profit-driven at the expense of community needs. Announced departure from the meeting
• Paul Graziano: Shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign to support opposition against NYC’s rezoning efforts: [GoFundMe Link](https://gofundme.com/f/support-our-fight-against-nyc-city-of-yes-rezoning)
• Alex Yong, Mentioned Local Law 18 in relation to the discussion.  Referenced legal standing requirements for Article 78 cases.
• Siide (Sadie): Criticized city policies as a “mass land grab.”
• Renee Keitt: Shared a link to an article about a tenant leader opposing a city plan for Chelsea NYCHA houses: Chelsea News Article (https://www.chelseanewsny.com/home/protest-looms-after-tenant-leader-who-opposes-city-s-19b-plan-for-chelsea-nycha-houses-appears-to-oust-incumbent-JL4058182)

PUBLIC CONCERNS

• Siide (Sadie), resident at Reese and actively volunteers with the PPH, serves on the board of the May Council on Housing: Concerned about the numerous challenges facing the community, comparing the situation to dealing with multiple fires that need to be handled. Seeking clarity on upcoming actions and plans, recognizing the urgent need to address various pressing issues, including health insurance and housing stability
• Renee Keitt, President for NYCHA Residents’ Council: her recent victory as President is now contested due to a protest filed by Darlene Mortars, which has raised questions regarding the election’s legitimacy. Renee is currently awaiting a decision from NYCHA’s legal department regarding the protest and has not received specific details about the allegations. Frustrated at the situation and the lack of clarity, while also acknowledging the support she received during her campaign and consequently is uncertain about the next steps if the election is deemed invalid
• Luana Green, MSCC: concerned about the potential outcomes of the protest filed against Renee’s election and the overall stability of the resident council
• Alex Yong, Westside Neighborhood Alliance: concerned about the practices of local landlords in the context of housing legislation. The local housing coalition (HCC) resembles other housing justice groups but often overlooks critical issues, particularly regarding the management of empty apartments. Landlords are strategically placing employees from their management companies into vacant units. This seems to be a tactic to ensure these individuals will vote in favor of the landlords’ interests, especially in light of recent changes to laws governing the conversion of rental buildings into condominiums. The coalition is focusing primarily on physical issues related to warehousing, like maintenance problems, while neglecting the more insidious non-physical dangers posed by these practices. This situation resembles “ballot stuffing” and raises concerns about the integrity of tenant representation

NEXT Meeting Homeless and Housing Meeting: 9:30 AM Tuesday, February 4, 2025 Always the 1^st Tuesday of every month. Contact hello@midtownsouthcc.org or john.mudd@usa.net for more information and Zoom invitations.