Collegial, Community, Questions

I don’t have a ton to say besides the listings below my email signature but to shout out, in light of the spike of COVID-19 cases in Sunset Park, that we must remain vigilant about safety protocols- keep our distance, cover our noses and…

I don’t have a ton to say besides the listings below my email signature but to shout out, in light of the spike of COVID-19 cases in Sunset Park, that we must remain vigilant about safety protocols- keep our distance, cover our noses and mouths and sanitize, sanitize, sanitize.

I recommend checking out this piece from my counterpart at the Bronx Community Board 6, District Manager John Sanchez, which highlights some fundamental questions. Questions like, what obligation, when it comes to affordable housing, does the entire city have to a district like his that suffers from a 31% poverty rate and a 30% unemployment rate?

These questions, and how we answer them are always important, but especially when tough choices must be made and priorities among policies must be set. We are being tested. In 2014 our board was the only Community Board in Brooklyn to agree with our legislature to approve Mandatory Inclusionary Housing. Do we stand by principle when it comes to practice or were we just paying lip service?

Of course, we must always look at details and context of various approaches and plans to craft approvals, caveats, or disapprovals . As my colleague suggests we live not only in a community but a city, state, and country.

No matter your answers, I hope you stay safe and enjoy the rest of your Thursday.

This is the web archive of a newsletter originally sent by email to Brooklyn Community Board 6 subscribers on Thursday, August 13, 2020. The email edition may contain additional event listings and links.