[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A COALITION TO BUY STARRETT CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Ms. CLARK. Madam Speaker, I am deeply honored to rise today to 
support the efforts of a coalition of labor, faith-based, and other 
community groups to buy Brooklyn's Starrett City. This coalition, 
consisting of the Christian Cultural Center, the Central Labor Council, 
and the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty intends to keep the 
community's interest in mind by making certain that the diverse 
apartment complex remains affordable for renters.
  Since 1974, Starrett City has provided affordable housing to more 
than 90 percent of the tenants through Government assistance including 
Federal subsidies. In fact, Starrett City is currently the largest 
federally subsidized rental complex in the United States.
  However, in November 2006, Starrett City residents began to fear the 
worst as talks began about the possible sale of the 153 acre property. 
Many believed that the new owners would increase their rent so much 
that they would no longer be able to live there, and as a result, 
forcing them to move and possibly making them become homeless. This has 
been a great concern to many of my New York colleagues such as 
Congressman Ed Towns and Congressman Anthony Weiner and last year, 
Representative Maxine Waters held a field hearing in Starrett City to 
examine how Congress can preserve this great treasure for many low and 
middle income families.
  That is why Madam Speaker, it brings me great pleasure to hear that a 
partnership, spearheaded by the Christian Cultural Center's founder, 
A.R. Bernard, plans to make a bid to ensure that Starrett City would 
remain affordable for tenants who cannot pay the skyrocketing rental 
rates throughout New York City. As he stated, ``the coalition's goal is 
protecting affordability and raising the quality of life for Starrett 
as a community.''
  In conclusion, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude and support to 
this coalition as well as commend them for their efforts to save one of 
``Brooklyn's last affordable housing frontiers.''

                          ____________________