Statement From Patrick Purcell, Executive Director Greater New York LECET

NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was released today, by Patrick Purcell, executive director of Greater New York LECET, in response to NYSAFAH's support for the de Blasio Administration's rezoning proposal:

Over the last several months, the de Blasio Administration has traveled throughout the City unveiling its rezoning proposals. The message from Community Boards, Activist organizations, an overwhelming majority labor organizations and good government advocates: Go Back to the Drawing Board.  The Mayor attributes these problems to a failure in "good communications". The problem is not communications; it's the substance of the proposal.

Despite the overwhelming opposition of his constituents, the residents of New York City, the Mayor has solicited and received the support of an organization that includes some of the worst developers and contractors in the City.   NYSAFAH, the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, which is supporting the Mayor's housing plan, represents organizations that have violated state and federal wage laws, opposed legislation that would improve safety standards on job sites and has refused to agree to various community benefit agreements. As expected, NYSAFAH, and the usual suspects, have come out in favor of a plan that favors those who live off greed, and against those who simply have a need. 

NYSAFAH is only interested in policies that benefit their small group of greedy, corrupt developers. The Mayor should listen to the people who vote in elections, and ignore the voices of those who prefer to buy them.  If the Mayor is truly committed to building affordable housing, he will return to the drawing board and develop a plan that includes true affordability, quality development by honest contractors, good jobs and local community benefits.  Until then the only support he can expect to receive is from groups like NYSAFAH whose only interest is ensuring that their members profit at the expense of all others.

Greater New York LECET is a jointly trusteed labor-management fund representing the 17,000 members of the affiliated unions of the Mason Tenders District Council, LiUNA and its more than 1400 signatory contractors.  GNYLECET's mission is to promote and increase market-share for the organized sector of the construction industry, resulting in the creation of business opportunities for its signatory contractors and good jobs for its union members.  

SOURCE Greater New York LECET