NYCOM Conference, Ribbon Cuttings and Equity Fund Forum Highlight Trip to Finger Lakes Region

Commissioner VanAmerongen delivered opening remarks at the NYCOM conference, and Main Street Program Director Chris Leo, Deputy Commissioner Joe Rabito and Assistant Commissioner Lori Harris presented workshops.

Although her English is broken, Irene Bahiga spoke eloquently about the importance of affordable housing during a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of Olean Heights, 32 mixed income rental units in Rochester.

Irene talked about the difficulties she and her husband faced in finding safe, decent housing for themselves and their four children. Since emigrating from Africa, life had been difficult for the family but turned around when they were accepted into Olean Heights. With her voice cracking and eyes welling with tears, Irene talked about the smiles on her children's faces and the success they've enjoyed in school since moving to their new, safe and stable home. "This place has been the answer to our prayers," she said.

Commissioner VanAmerongen then took the podium and noted that Irene's moving story would be difficult to follow. She pointed out that while she herself often speaks about "the ability of affordable housing to transform communities, Irene's story shows us that it can transform lives as well."

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DHCR Announces Unprecedented Statewide Housing Needs Study

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For the first time in the agency's history, the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) has developed a Statewide Affordable Housing Needs Study. The report involved an unprecedented effort to reach out and gather first-hand information from local leaders and housing professionals who best understand the housing and community development needs of their own communities.

Governor David A. Paterson said "this Study represents a significant step forward in the way DHCR develops its policies and implements its programs around the State. By interviewing hundreds of local experts on their specific needs, DHCR will be able to better tailor its resources and better serve the people of New York State."

The statewide needs study was one of the first initiatives undertaken by DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen, who called it "a starting point for continued dialogue between DHCR, community leaders and housing professionals who share a commitment to affordable housing and community development."

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Commissioner Joins Congressman Rangel for Federal Stimulus Forum

(From left) Honorable Charles B. Rangel welcomes Timothy J. Gilchrist, Senior Advisor to the Governor for Infrastructure and Transportation,
Robert C. Lieber, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen.

Congressman Charles Rangel this week convened a gathering of high-ranking Federal, State and NY City officials to discuss the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and to give guidance to New York's non-profit agencies seeking to access stimulus resources.

Rangel, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and dean of the New York Congressional delegation, requested Commissioner VanAmerongen participate in the forum and speak on affordable housing funds included in the ARRA. She was joined by Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Timothy Gilchrist, Senior Advisor and Chair of the Governor's Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet and Robert Lieber, NYC deputy Mayor for Economic Development.

A number of other state commissioners also participated, including Gladys Carrion of the Office of Children and Family Services; David Hansell, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; Denise O'Donnell, of the Division of Criminal Justice Services and Michael Jones-Bey, director of Empire State Development's Division of Minority and Women Business Development.

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Notice of Public Hearing Regarding Amendment of Mitchell-Lama Regulations

The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal ("DHCR") will hold two (2) public hearings to receive comments regarding DHCR's proposed amendment of its regulations concerning "State-Assisted Housing Constructed by Private Enterprise" at 9 NYCCR Parts 1700 - 1760 ("the Proposed Regulations"). The Proposed Regulations govern housing companies organized under Article II and Article IV of the Private Housing Finance Law, commonly known as the Mitchell-Lama Program. Notice and a summary of the Proposed Regulations (D.O.S. Id. No.: HCR-15-09-00003-P) were published in the April 15^th edition of the State Register.

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