This is a copy of a letter sent by Jo Anne Simon to Amanda Burden, chair of the New York City Planning Commission.
I write to support the Fifth Avenue Committee’s (FAC) development of supportive housing at 575 Fifth Ave. As president of the Boerum Hill Association for six years, I was involved with the siting of numerous social services with both positive and negative outcomes. My work since that time has only further exposed me to these issues.
As you may know, the Boerum Hill Association was opposed to the Fifth Avenue Committee’s development of the housing at 551 Warren St. because Community Board 2 was saturated with services. Indeed, it had (and probably still has) had the greatest number of social services within its boundaries than any other community board in Brooklyn. Community Board 2 had even passed a resolution declaring it beyond saturation point and calling for disapproval of any additional social service facilities within its jurisdiction.
Within Boerum Hill’s borders are both well-run and poorly-run programs serving all manner of clients and residents, including those with serious mental illness and/or former substance abuse problems. In my experience, the key has been programming and management, not the type population served.
My views are informed as well by my experience working with people with disabilities and having served as a guardian for those with significant needs. Many times people are capable of a great deal of independence, even working full-time, but their ability to handle daily life tasks and make financial and other decisions is compromised by their physical or mental disabilities. With supportive housing, they can be productive members of our communities.
While I initially opposed the housing at 551 Warren St. on the basis that it contributed to the over-saturation of services in the area, it has been well run and the residents integrated into the fabric of the community seamlessly. The area’s median income and property values have steadily risen, despite the Warren Street facility and two similar facilities less than two blocks away and two other large supportive housing facilities within six blocks of that site.
I understand that members of the community have expressed concerns. I understand these concerns and the community’s fears. I also suggest that concerned members of the community visit other similar supportive housing programs and participate in the Community Advisory Committee. While many such committees are not productive, when properly constructed and participants commit with a “can do” attitude, they can be extremely effective.
I am sure that incorporating certain of the suggestions proffered by elected officials and the surrounding community such as considering moving the residential entrance and advancing the Community Advisory Board will improve the proposal.
In addition, I note that the site itself comes with significant constraints on development and some of the suggestions such as including accessory sub-grade parking on such a small lot and proposing a spot re-zoning for a site that recently was a part of the contextual re-zoning of the area are simply not feasible by any developer — affordable or not. On balance, the proposal and proposer are strong.
Brooklyn needs truly affordable housing for its at-risk populations. Mayor Bloomberg has made a centerpiece of his administration, the creation of permanent affordable housing as a means to end homelessness. Consistent with that goal, this proposal would serve Brooklynites at-risk for homelessness without the perceived risk to others. I recommend its approval.
— Jo Anne Simon
Democratic District Leader, 52nd A.D.
© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2007
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