During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the pressing issue of housing affordability, particularly in relation to a proposed rezoning plan in Sunset Park. Participants expressed strong concerns about the adequacy of the plan to meet the needs of the local community.

One speaker highlighted an article questioning the common belief that increasing housing supply alone can reduce prices. They pointed out that, over the past 40 years, housing units in New York City have increased at a rate surpassing population growth, suggesting that supply may not be the sole factor influencing housing costs.

Damon Andrade, a 22-year-old member of Community Board 7 and a resident of Sunset Park, voiced his opposition to the Arrow Linen rezoning proposal. He emphasized the disconnect between the proposed affordable housing units and the actual income levels of many residents. Andrade noted that while the developers claim to offer affordable options, the majority of the units would be priced for households earning between 60% to 80% of the area median income, which translates to annual incomes of $83,000 to $111,000—far beyond what many local workers earn.

He pointed out that 18,000 families in the area earn less than $60,000 a year, making the proposed affordable units insufficient to address the community's needs. Andrade called for a more substantial commitment to affordability, advocating for a development that prioritizes deeper affordability levels, particularly for those earning less than $40,000 annually. He urged local representatives to reject the current proposal and instead support a plan that ensures 100% affordability for low-income families.

The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle for housing equity in New York City, with community members demanding solutions that genuinely reflect the economic realities faced by working-class families.