NJ Recovery Must Be Fair and Effective, says Network Senate Legislative Oversight Committee probes Sandy criticisms
2/24/2014 Today, the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee met to hear testimony the problems plaguing Sandy housing relief programs. Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey President and CEO Staci Berger issued the following statement regarding the hearing:
"Sandy survivors voiced their frustrations at recent public hearings, making it clear the current process is not working and changes must be made. We remain concerned that the State's proposal for the second tranche is just more of the same. The State cannot continue to do the same thing and expect different results. Sandy survivors deserve better.
"Despite glitches in New York's recovery efforts, its core integrity and fairness has not been questioned. New York's Sandy recovery has not been seamless, but City officials have not blamed the federal government or passed the buck. Rather, they have taken responsibility and taken steps toward making improvements. Officials in New York's recovery have been open and engaged with the public whereas New Jersey's recovery has not.
"Recovery has been slow for both states but in NJ, the Christie administration has invested in short term solutions and projects that don't help Sandy survivors. Residents in impacted communities have raised alarm with the administration after countless issues with its housing programs to no avail. Sandy survivors here have been unfairly denied, treated badly and left to fend for themselves. The incompetence and unfairness of our recovery programs remains unaddressed. We hope the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee can get to the root of what has failed and inspire our leaders to make the improvements our recovery needs."
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 affordable housing and community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of housing and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income New Jerseyans. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.
For more information: Nina Arce Housing & Community Development Network of NJ (609) 393-3752 x12 [email protected] Twitter: @hcdnnj Facebook: facebook.com/hcdnnj
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