In May 2021, DID membership voted in support of the New York City Council bill incorporating the requirement for a racial impact study as part of the environmental review process in land use applications.
The following letter was included with the resolution:
May 26, 2021
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Hon. Bill de Blasio Mayor of New York City |
Hon. Margaret Chin NYC Council Member |
Dear Mayor de Blasio, Council Members Chin and Rivera, Speaker Johnson, and BP Brewer,
Enclosed please find a Resolution approved by Downtown Independent Democrats General Membership on May 26, 2021:
In Support of the Racial Impact Study (Council Bill 1572A-2019)
Since the founding of our country, legal discrimnation by race and class has caused enormous housing inequality in our society. Despite the Fair Housing Act of 1968 passing 50 years ago, we have not seen much government enforced change in housing equity. Today NYC remains one of the most segregated cities in the country. The Racial Impact Study, Bill 1572A-2019 in the City Council would add a racial impact study review in land use applications during the environmental review process. A step towards housing justice and addressing racialized displacement that often accompanies rezonings.
In conclusion, DID asks our elected officials to co-sponsor and pass the Racial Impact Study (Council Bill 1572A-2019), with improvements suggested by the Racial Impact Study Coalition.
Sincerely,
Richard Corman
President, Downtown Independent Democrats
Enclosure
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cc: Hon. Jumaane Williams, NYC Public Advocate |
Hon. Carl Heastie, NYS Assembly Speaker |