Washington, DC - Brooklyn, NY - Congressman Edolphus Towns asked the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Alphonso Jackson to come to Starrett City/Spring Towers to tour the facility and meet with the residents.  The Secretary was most gracious and obliged Congressman Towns, however, in the midst of the activities; Congressman Towns was hurriedly called back to Washington, DC to vote on the Iraq Resolution, H.R. 63, a measure that is against President George W. Bush's troop surge.  Therefore, his remarks were read by Chief of Staff Val Henry.  Below are those remarks to the Starrett Ctiy residents:

"This is an effort to save homes in Starrett City so that the residents who have all worked all their lives, paid fair-market rent their entire lives so they could live here until they retired.

They made this community their home.

They established a community where their children receive a good education.
They established community churches and synagogues where they go to worship and pray.
They have paid their dues and have a right to live decently with their families and children like anyone else in America.

Well, I am here to say to you, we are not going to stand by without a fight -- a fight for fairness and justice.

Let's face it.  We all know that Clipper Equity will have to evict thousands of tenants and convert the units into high-priced rentals or posh condominiums.  There are many troubling questions about this sale.  The new owners' track record includes almost 9,000 code violations in 71 buildings, a cause for great alarm.  Based on Clipper's dismal record, its intention to withdraw from the state Mitchell Lama Program and its lack of a plan to ensure Starrett City's affordability, I am asking HUD to reject the deal.  You have all heard of the show "Deal or No Deal,' well I am here to say, NO DEAL.

I have asked Secretary Jackson to come here today so he can meet the residents of Starrett City first hand and hear from them why this deal is a terrible idea, not only for the people of Brooklyn, but for all Americans who rely on affordable housing.

Let me pledge to all of you that I will do all that.  I can make sure that Starrett remains affordable for the children of this generation and the next generation.

Thank you!"

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