Res 0101-2018

By Council Member Rodriguez Whereas, Living in poor housing conditions can negatively affect a wide range of health conditions related to infectious diseases, chronic illness, injuries, poor nutrition and mental health disorders; and Whereas, According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, epidemiological studies have linked damp, cold, moldy housing and pest infestations with asthma and other chronic respiratory disorders; and Whereas, Those with severe health conditions that are living in an environment which could severely deteriorate their health may not have the financial resources to find a new home in New York City; and Whereas, The New York City Housing Authority's (NYCHA) mission is to provide safe and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents throughout the five boroughs; and Whereas, NYCHA as a public housing agency (PHA) can set its own income eligibility and admission preferences under federal and state law; and Whereas, According to federal regulations, NYCHA has the ability to adopt a system of local preferences for the selection of families admitted to its public housing program; and Whereas, Such admission priorities must be based on local housing needs and determined by the PHA after a period of public comment and consultation with the PHA's resident advisory board and then submitted as a part of PHA's annual or five year plan, whichever is applicable, to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which then must approve or disapprove the plan; and Whereas, Tenants with severe health conditions who qualify for public housing due to need should receive an admission preference from NYCHA; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Housing Authority to establish an admission preference for applicants with severe health conditions. JLC LS 658/ Res No. 452 LS 845 1/3/2018 9:23 PM