First “We the People” hearing to open the stage for unheard voices of families and tenants
Information from the hearing will inform Comptroller Stringer’s ongoing investigation into the City’s handling of lead exposure
Comptroller Stringer today launched a series of public hearings which will give families and community leaders the opportunity to voice their concerns and bring to light experiences suffered by them or their children relating to lead contamination and exposure. The first hearing took place at the Frederick Samuel Community Center at 669 Lennox Avenue (between 143rd and 144th St) in Harlem, where over one dozen community leaders, tenant activists, medical professionals, and attorneys joined local residents to deliver testimony. These hearings will inform the Comptroller’s ongoing investigation into how the City works to prevent and address the problem of lead-poisoning in children.
“Today is about hearing the people’s voice – and giving families an opportunity to speak openly about their concerns,” said Comptroller Stringer. “Lead exposure for young children is preventable, but too many of our most vulnerable children remain at risk. As a father, I know that putting any child in harm’s way would be a nightmare. As Comptroller, I’ll leave no stone unturned as we investigate what our City government is doing to protect all of our children. Nothing is more important than protecting the children in our city.”
At the beginning of September, Comptroller Stringer also launched a family support hotline to get firsthand feedback from families affected by this challenge. HOTLINE: 212-669-4088
Information on the next “We the People” public hearing will be released soon.
