CALL TO ACTION for Hell’s Kitchen: Speak Up in Support of Housing for Homeless Neighbors!
The City Council has a hearing about The Lirio, which would replace a parking lot at 54th and 9th + provide 112 units of permanent, affordable + supportive housing for homeless + low-income neighbors, including 59 units for folks living with HIV/AIDS. Support from neighbors can make the difference between this project being approved or rejected! The hearing will be held virtually on Tuesday, June 14 at 10am.
What can I do to help?
The most helpful action is testifying live at the hearing, where Council Members will be listening. Testimony is short and sweet–just 2 minutes max. If you're able to testify live, please sign-up here! The form will ask for your name and email, and you will receive log-in information via email on the day of the hearing.
If you’re unable to testify on Tuesday morning, you can submit written testimony to the Council! You can do this by emailing your testimony to landusetestimony@council.nyc.gov. We’d recommend ALSO emailing it to Council Member Bottcher, who represents the area and will be voting on the project, at district3@council.nyc.gov.
Finally, if you are unable to take either of the above actions (or in addition to the above!), calling Council Member Erik Bottcher’s office at 212-564-7757 to express your support, or sending him a short email saying the same, is also helpful–it shows him that he has constituents who want to welcome homeless and low-income neighbors, which encourages him to support the project!
What should I say?
Check out some suggested talking points here! Any questions? Reach out to us at info@openheartsinitiative.org.