Statement made by Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen

ALBANY, NY (04/07/2007)(readMedia)-- "Starrett City is an irreplaceable component of the state's Mitchell Lama portfolio. It is home to hundreds of ethnically diverse low-and moderate-income families who, in today's real estate market, would find it impossible to secure comparable safe, decent, and affordable housing. DHCR has received an 'affordable housing plan' from the prospective purchaser, Clipper Equities, and has determined that the plan does not ensure the preservation of Starrett City as viable, affordable housing. In addition, the plan would have us disregard the regulatory framework of the Mitchell Lama program and set an unacceptable precedent. The future of its 16,000 working class residents and seniors and their ability to continue to lead stable lives are matters of paramount concern to Governor Spitzer. For all of these reasons, we have rejected the plan."

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