Tonight At 6:30PM: Informational Forum On Downsizing In NYCHA Houses

The controversial and emotional issue of downsizing — the practice of forcing existing residents, usually seniors, of New York City public housing to move into smaller apartments once their families grow up and move away, in order to make room for new residents and families who are currently on waiting lists — will be discussed TONIGHT at an “informational forum.”

The 6:30pm forum will take place at the Ingersoll Houses Community Center, entrance at 177 Myrtle Avenue. Speakers will include representatives from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), as well as elected officials such as Congressmember Hakeem Jeffries, Assemblymember Walter Mosley, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, and Councilmember Laurie Cumbo.

Tenants groups such as the Walt Whitman and Ingersoll Resident Associations, and the Senior Advisory Council formed by the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP) will also be in attendance as both forum co-organizers and concerned neighbors and residents.

“They’re asking people with three-bedrooms to downsize to one-bedrooms if they’re single,” explained Edith Tucker, secretary of the Ingersoll Community Garden. “I don’t mind downsizing, but I want my living room and kitchen separate. Over the years you accumulate things that mean a lot to me. And let it be in an area that is safe for seniors, with friends.”

“They say you can’t refuse if you don’t want it, but I should have the right to refuse,” added fellow Ingersoll resident of over 45 years, Ray Bilal. “They want to move me across the bridge, but I want to stay here. And meanwhile, people there are being moved here. It makes no sense. I want to be with people I know, seniors. We’re not asking for very much.”