In My District: Brooklyn

Alexa Avilés

District 38, Brooklyn

Red Hook, Sunset Park, Greenwood Heights, Windsor Terrace, Dyker Heights and Boro Park

My district is home to the first co-ops built in New York City. The first of their kind, the Alku and Alku Toinen co-ops in Sunset Park date back to 1916. Many New York City co-ops have a similarly storied past, and residents of historical and new buildings alike are wondering how to bring their buildings into compliance with the city’s Local Law 97 requirements to reduce their carbon footprint. Buildings that fail to comply will be subject to fines. The first set of deadlines will begin in 2024, and while most buildings won’t have to make drastic changes by then, the time to plan ahead for investments in energy efficiency is now.

The most important advice I have for boards is to take the long view. The bottom line is that investing in clean, fossil-free heating, cooling and cooking is a necessity in the long run. Switching fuels and even potentially replacing boilers may only be short-term solutions. Fuel prices are highly volatile, and today’s geopolitics underscore why moving off fossil fuels is a must. We are here to support our constituents and make this transition to energy efficiency and renewable energy a win-win for all.

Farah Louis

District 45, Brooklyn

Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands and Kensington

Homeownership is a crucial part of creating economic and housing stability in District 45, a vibrant and multicultural district. Our co-op and condo residents are vested representatives who participate in our civic process by serving on our community and civic boards. Over the next decade, we are moving toward reducing our carbon emission output by integrating more energy-efficient design principles into future development. But we also have to expand our affordability options for young and future families to purchase co-op and condo apartments. With the cost of real estate largely excluding the majority of New Yorkers who earn a living wage, homeownership remains a dream deferred for many individuals and families. We need to close the gap in order to achieve an equitable future. I will continue to support initiatives that uplift and empower families while promoting homeownership opportunities.

Mercedes Narcisse

District 46, Brooklyn

Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island and Sheepshead Bay

I love the 46th Council District, not only because I grew up here but because it is truly the epitome of the diverse, gorgeous mosaic that is our city. I believe it is why for decades families from around the globe have arrived here to pursue their own American Dream, including my family when I was 17. Working in my district always reminds me that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. We all want safe streets, good schools, access to quality health care, and affordable places to live. This of course includes the residents of the more than 7,000 co-op units in my district. I look forward to working closely with them to ensure that I am properly advocating on their behalf. As Brooklyn continues to grow, it’s important that these vital residents do not get priced out of their buildings and our community. One goal of mine is to attempt to organize co-op boards in the district to work collectively to gain more leverage to lobby and negotiate with city and state agencies. I also support the right of rental tenants to have priority to purchase their apartment buildings should they go up for sale and convert them to co-ops. This would allow for growth in the co-op market and allow these residents to enjoy the benefits of homeownership.