MSCC, Alex Yong, Sharon Jasprizza, Date: June 2, 2026

Summary

The committee met to discuss ongoing efforts to preserve public housing, updates on the Fulton Elliott-Chelsea (FEC) litigation, concerns regarding the potential closure of the Mainchance Drop-In Center, recent state housing legislation, and upcoming advocacy events. Members also reviewed organizing efforts around protecting NYCHA and expanding community coalitions. Guests include Attorney John Low-Beer and Councilman Chris Banks. Watch the full meeting: (Insert MSCC YouTube meeting link.)

Reports

Fulton & Elliott-Chelsea Legal Update

Attorney John Low-Beer reported that:

• Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) remain in effect.
• A preliminary injunction hearing was scheduled for June 11.
• RPAPL §402(b) was preserved in the FY2027 State Budget, removing a major legal concern.
• He is cautiously optimistic the case could reach a favorable turning point by mid-July.
• Related/Essence is expected to continue pursuing redevelopment despite recent court victories.

The committee also celebrated the May 14 court ruling, which denied NYCHA’s attempt to weaken protections against demolition, allowing the main appeal to continue.

Additional Resources

• Mayor Mamdani’s Housing Plan (“Block by Block”): Official Housing Plan
• Housing Production Overview: Mayor’s Housing Production Announcement
• WBAI Interview with John Mudd & John Low-Beer (May 27) (Insert WBAI archive or MSCC YouTube link.)

NYCHA & Housing Policy

Councilmember Chris Banks discussed the Mayor’s housing proposals and expressed concern about:

• Continued privatization of NYCHA.
• Poor performance of existing privatized developments.
• The need for a moratorium on additional privatization.
• Greater resident involvement in decisions affecting public housing.

Members also reviewed Mayor Mamdani’s Block by Block housing agenda and discussed its potential impact on NYCHA and permanently affordable housing. 

Additional background:

• Block by Block: The Housing Plan for a New Era
• Mayor’s Housing Production Agenda
• Layla Law-Gisiko’s presentation on the Fulton & Elliott-Chelsea PACT Redevelopment (Insert PDF if available.)
• Professor Ron Shiffman’s review of the SMRRT Loan (Insert PDF if available.)

MainChance Update

Sueranna Antoine reported that MainChance’s Drop-In Center is at risk of losing its Department of Homeless Services contract.

MainChance currently:

• Serves about 200 people daily.
• Provides overnight shelter for 74 residents.
• Offers meals, showers, case management, and other essential services.

Members discussed advocacy strategies to prevent the closure. Board member Roschel Holland Stearns thanked the committee, especially John Mudd, for its continued support.

Learn more about MainChance:

MainChance NYC

Legislative Update

Alex reported that Senate Bill S9650 / Assembly Bill A659 has passed the Legislature and awaits the Governor’s signature.

The bill would:

• Fine landlords for deceptive lease riders.
• Increase transparency regarding affordable housing protections.

Read the legislation:

• New York State Senate Bill S9650
• New York State Assembly Bill A659

Community Outreach

Members reviewed upcoming organizing efforts.

• Christina Chaise will serve as MSCC’s liaison to the TakeRoot Justice Public Housing Summit.
• Karen Ortiz is expanding education and coalition-building efforts to preserve Section 9 public housing.
• Johnny Rivera introduced his organizing work with the Met Council on Housing.

Event Information

TakeRoot Justice

The committee also reviewed John Mudd and John Low-Beer’s May 27 WBAI interview discussing the fight to preserve public housing. (Insert WBAI or YouTube link.)

Discussion

Members discussed:

• Protecting NYCHA through legal action, legislation, organizing, and public education.
• Lessons from past redevelopment programs and concerns about resident displacement.
• Supporting MainChance and preserving services for people experiencing homelessness.
• Building stronger partnerships among tenant organizations, legal advocates, elected officials, and community groups.
• Organizing community participation at the June 11 court hearing.

Decisions

The committee agreed to:

• Continue supporting the Fulton & Elliott-Chelsea legal challenge.
• Advocate against the closure of MainChance.
• Encourage attendance at the June 11 court hearing.
• Continue building coalitions to preserve public housing.

Action Items

• John Mudd will contact elected officials regarding MainChance.
• Sueranna Antoine will provide background materials and continue outreach to City Council members.
• Rob Robinson will raise the MainChance issue during meetings with elected officials.
• Damu will help prepare a community support letter.
• Karen Ortiz will continue coalition-building and public education efforts.
• Joel Feingold will prepare the June 11 court hearing flyer.
• Renee Keitt will coordinate logistics for the court hearing.

Upcoming Events

June 6 – TakeRoot Justice Public Housing Summit

More information:

TakeRoot Justice

June 11 – Fulton & Elliott-Chelsea Court Hearing

Appellate Division
27 Madison Avenue

Community gathering beforehand in Madison Square Park.

(Insert court flyer PDF or MSCC event page.)

Recent Highlights

May 14: The court denied NYCHA’s motion to weaken protections against demolition, allowing the preservation lawsuit to move forward.

May 27: John Mudd and John Low-Beer appeared on WBAI’s Living for the City to discuss the legal victory and continuing efforts to preserve New York City’s public housing. (Insert WBAI archive or MSCC YouTube link.)

Next Meeting

The next MSCC Homeless & Housing Committee meeting will be announced. Members were encouraged to continue outreach, attend the June 11 court hearing, and support efforts to preserve public housing and MainChance services.

Recommendations

I also recommend adding one section at the very bottom titled Related Resources, which is common on MSCC posts:

• Mayor Mamdani’s Block by Block Housing Plan (Official)
• Mayor’s Housing Production Announcement
• MainChance NYC
• TakeRoot Justice
• MSCC YouTube Meeting Recording (insert link)
• WBAI “Living for the City” interview (insert link)
• June 11 Court Hearing Flyer (insert PDF)