StopFECdemolition, Renee, Keitt, November 20, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tenants Association Election Highlights Growing Division Over Fulton House’s Future
New York, NY – November 20, 2024 – The election for the NYCHA Fulton Houses Tenants Association President took place yesterday, resulting in a narrow victory for the incumbent. Jackie Lara , a vocal advocate against the demolition of the Fulton Houses, came within 16 votes of unseating the sitting president, highlighting deep divisions within the tenant community.
The close election underscores a growing movement among residents opposing plans to demolish the Fulton Houses. Last month, the Fulton Elliott Chelsea Against Demolition Coalition (FEC) submitted a petition with over 950 tenant signatures to NYCHA, firmly rejecting any proposals for demolition. Advocates argue that such plans would displace vulnerable residents and disrupt the fabric of the community.
“This election proves that our voices cannot be ignored,” said Jackie Lara, who along with Elliot Chelsea tenants is spearheading the anti-demolition campaign. “The residents of Fulton Houses are speaking out. We are united in our demand for a future that protects our homes, respects our community, and preserves affordable housing.”
Renee Keitt, a representative of the FEC Against Demolition, echoed this sentiment: “This election shows that tenants are divided and that more of us are questioning what’s happening. We need leaders who stand up to developers and fight to preserve Fulton Houses as public housing, not privatized apartments.”
Yesterday’s vote was a wake-up call. The anti-demolition voices at Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Houses are not just growing louder; they are becoming a force that demands representation. NYCHA and policymakers must recognize this and bring tenant leaders to the table for real dialogue.
Civil rights attorney Norman Siegel said: “New York City’s long time commitment to public housing is now in question, magnified in the struggle to address the future of the Fulton and Elliot Chelsea houses. Together, we need to find the political will and financial resources to continue to keep public housing public. ”
The Fulton Houses, located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, have become a flashpoint in the citywide debate over the future of public housing. Residents and advocates argue that demolition is not the answer, calling instead for investment in repairs and sustainable improvements that would preserve affordability and community stability.
The close outcome of the election signals a shift in tenant sentiment and adds urgency to the conversation about the future of Fulton Houses. Advocates are calling for NYCHA to engage meaningfully with all tenant voices, particularly those opposing demolition, in crafting any plans for the development’s future.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Renee Keitt 718-536-7401
FEC Against Demolition Spokesperson