Community Flocks to Town Hall Meeting
By Allison Rowe
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More than 200 members of the Lower East Side community flooded into the gym at 301 Henry Street on Sunday, sacrificing the beautiful April day to make their voices heard at Henry Street’s first-ever Town Hall meeting. Several local elected officials also gave up the spring day to speak to participants including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Councilmember Margaret Chin and Councilmember Rosie Mendez, and representatives from the offices of State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, State Senator Daniel Squadron and State Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh.
Prior to breaking off into discussion groups centered on the topics of jobs, education, housing and gentrification, Executive Director David Garza, along with Margaret Chin and Carolyn Maloney, addressed the crowd.
“We are here to listen to what matters most to you,” said Garza, after welcoming everyone and thanking elected representatives.
Maloney commended Henry Street for being one of the oldest and most effective Settlement Houses in New York, with programs for every facet of life. She said she hopes to see events like the Town Hall take our work to new heights.
Maloney and Chin both noted the 120-year legacy of Henry Street, and the significance of founder Lillian Wald. “Lillian Wald should be known about around the world,” said Chin.
The discussion groups, led by facilitators, shed light on numerous issues including public transportation, lack of affordable housing, and the challenge of finding meaningful work. Chin led a group for seniors conducted in Chinese.
Following the discussion groups, participants reconvened in the gym, where representatives from each group shared the topics of conversation.
Gale Brewer and Rosie Mendez also addressed the group. Mendez passionately commended Henry Street for bringing together the community in such a positive way. Brewer agreed with her sentiment, “This is exactly what every neighborhood should be doing, and we are listening,” she said.
David Garza closed the Town Hall by inviting participants to stay and break bread. “We’re going share some dinner, because that’s what neighbors do,” he said.
