Senator Klein, Assemblyman Dinowitz & Council Member Cohen successful in push for better lighting at Riverdale site where 9/11 memorial plaque was stolen

After Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Council Member Andrew Cohen wrote a joint letter to the city Department of Transportation requesting the agency conduct a lighting study in a Riverdale community garden where numerous 9/11 memorials have been stolen since June, the agency is taking action.

DOT’s Street Lighting Division concluded in a survey that the area did indeed lack sufficient lighting. DOT informed the elected officials that they would be installing additional street lighting at West 253rd Street and Fieldston Road in order to correct this issue. In all, six new street light brackets will be installed at that intersection in the vicinity of the community garden. Four existing street light brackets at the intersection will also be replaced with new LED lights.

“I want to applaud the New York City Department of Transportation for quickly determining that additional street lighting is warranted around Endor Community Gardens. The thefts over the summer of several 9/11 memorials were utterly disrespectful to the victims, their families and our community. I’m confident that these new measures will increase safety and help prevent future crimes from occurring in the area,” said Senator Jeff Klein.  

“The Endor Community Garden is a beautiful nook in our neighborhood that local residents have worked very hard to maintain and preserve to honor police officers and firefighters killed in the 9/11 attacks. This beautiful memorial has been vandalized on more than one occasion and we must take action to make sure this does not happen again. Providing better lighting discourages vandalism and so I am thankful that the DOT is taking the necessary steps to correct this problem,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz

“A memorial honoring the lives lost in 9/11 is especially sacred and should  never be tampered with,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “These new measures will help deter any future act of vandalism in the area.  I applaud the Department of Transportation for taking the issue seriously and taking the proper next steps.”

The thefts at Endor Community Gardens occurred over a span of several weeks this summer. A plaque honoring local police officers and firefighters killed in the Sept. 11 terror attacks was the first memorial taken. A local resident temporary replaced the plaque with American flags, but those too were taken on five separate occasions.

The elected officials sent their joint letter in September, and the DOT concluded their lighting survey about a month later.

Senator Klein, Council Member Andrew Cohen, Rabbi Avi Weiss, and the Fieldston Property Homeowners Association host an Anti-Hate Forum

  Local school, religious and community leaders also join to discuss religious tolerance and acceptance in the wake of a recent hate-crime in Fieldston

Senator Jeff Klein, Council Member Andrew Cohen, and the Fieldston Property Homeowners Association hosted an Anti-Hate Forum Monday night at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School.

An eight-member panel comprised of the elected officials, educational, religious and community leaders led a discussion on religious tolerance and acceptance to our youth in light of a recent anti-Semitic hate crime in Fieldston where a teen was arrested for the incident.

“Any act of anti-Semitism is appalling and inexcusable, but when perpetrated by minors it is our duty to educate our youth on religious acceptance and tolerance. What happened in Fieldston last month is heartbreaking on many fronts. On Monday night we sent a message that hate will not be tolerated, and it’s my hope this educational forum will help deter any future hate crimes against this community,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“We cannot tolerate any act of hatred in our community,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “It is important that we come together to take a strong stand against hatred, especially in light of the act of anti-Semitism that occurred last month in Fieldston. I thank all the community leaders who participated to educate our youth on kindness and tolerance.”

Rabbi Avi Weiss spoke of his past experiences with the subject, and he said that an Anti-Semite is also a Racist, while a Racist is also an also an Anti-Semite. Dr. Mehnaz Afridi who is a Muslim spoke of directing a Holocaust Museum at a Christian College Christian College. Father Tom Franks, also of Manhattan College said that while he was new to the area he was watching the events as they happen. Other members of the panel included the principals of RKA, and PS 24. Deputy Inspector Terrance O'Toole of the 50th Precinct also gave some information about the incident which happened in the Fieldston area, and what was happening now since the youngster who was arrested was getting counseling

Above - Rabbi Avi Weiss tells of his experience with incidents such as the one that happened in Fieldston.

Below - Deputy Inspector O'Toole of the 50th Precinct explains what happened, and how the youngster who was taken in is now getting counseling.

In addition to stressing the importance of religious acceptance, Senator Klein on Monday night highlighted legislation aimed at combatting hate crimes. Following the chilling rash of bomb threats to Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) last winter, Senator Klein and the Independent Democratic Conference introduced the Religious Freedom Package. One of the pieces of IDC legislation in the package addresses the Fieldston hate crime. The bill would create a specified offense for graffiti making as a hate crime. Currently graffiti vandalism is a misdemeanor, but the bill would elevate it to a felony if it’s made to target a person’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Senator Klein, Assemblyman Dinowitz & Council Member Cohen pen letter to DOT requesting lighting study at Riverdale site where 9/11 memorial plaque was stolen

Five American flags have also been taken from Endor Community Garden

Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Council Member Andrew Cohen wrote a joint letter to the city Department of Transportation requesting the agency conduct a lighting study in a Riverdale community garden where numerous 9/11 memorials have been stolen since June.

“To steal a memorial honoring local police officers and firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 is unthinkable. The Endor Community Garden is a proven crime target, and one simple way to help combat this is by providing light to the area. I urge the DOT to do the right thing and get this process started by initiating a lighting survey immediately,” said Senator  Klein.

“The Endor Community Garden is a beautiful nook in our neighborhood that local residents have worked very hard to maintain and preserve to honor police officers and firefighters killed in the 9/11 attacks. This beautiful memorial has been vandalized on more than one occasion and we must take action to make sure this does not happen again. Providing better lighting discourages vandalism and so I urge the DOT to take the necessary steps to make this happen immediately,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz

"The thefts were disrespectful to the victims of 9/11, all those who grieve them, and to our community," said Council Member Andrew Cohen. "Conducting a lighting study in the area will help us understand what measures need to be taken to put an end to theft and vandalism in Endor Community Garden."

The thefts occurred at Endor Community Garden near West 253rd Street and Fieldston Avenue over a span of several weeks this summer. A plaque honoring local local police officers and firefighters killed in the Sept. 11 terror attacks was the first memorial taken. A local resident temporary replaced the plaque with American flags, but those too were taken on five separate occasions.

Nobody has yet been found responsible for the thefts and some community members have expressed concern over the lack of lighting in the the area surrounding the garden. To help deter another senseless theft, the Bronx lawmakers urge the city DOT to perform a lighting survey of the location. New lighting would increase safety and help prevent thefts to any future memorials at the site.

Senator Klein, Assemblymen Benedetto & Gjonaj call on the city to remove sex offenders from family shelters

  New analysis found nine sex offenders residing in Bronx family shelters, endangering the welfare of vulnerable children

New analysis found nine sex offenders residing in Bronx family shelters, endangering the welfare of vulnerable children

Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblymen Michael Benedetto and Mark Gjonaj joined community leaders outside Crystal’s Place family shelter on Saturday, calling on the city to immediately remove sex offenders from all family shelters.

“To ensure the safety of our children, I’ve passed legislation that restricts high-level sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet from a school. It’s unthinkable that the same sexual predators are able to coexist with the vulnerable children living inside the city’s family shelters. The city should immediately remove all sex offenders from these shelters, and when I get back to Albany I will continue to fight to prevent this from happening in the first place,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“It is hard to believe that the city still hasn't got their act together on this matter. Children are being placed at risk. January can't come fast enough so we can begin to address this problem legislatively,” said Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.

“It’s unfathomable that sex offenders continue to find their way inside family shelters across our city. This practice needs to end now to ensure our city’s most vulnerable children have a safe living environment,” said Assemblyman Gjonaj.

A recent analysis completed by Senator Klein’s office revealed a total of nine high-level sex offenders living at separate Bronx family shelters, up from three sex offenders found in a 2015 study. One of the nine was removed from Crystal’s Place shelter late Thursday.

The Level 2 and 3 offenders committed offenses including sexual abuse, sodomoy and rape. Their victims ranged in age from 6 to 15-years-old. Senator Klein’s office is actively working on a citywide study to determine the amount of sex offenders residing in family shelters across all five boroughs. Those finding will be released shortly.

Senator Klein carries legislation that would ban Level 2 or 3 sex offenders from living  in any temporary emergency housing or homeless shelters used to house families with children. This legislation would require municipalities to place homeless Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders in adult-only shelters or emergency housing where they will not be in close contact with children.

Above - Senator Klein's office has charted the course of nine Level 2 and 3 Sex Offenders that are said to be living along side children in city eun homeless shelters.

Below - State Senator Jeff Klein talks about how his office found one of the nine level 2 or 3 sex offenders living in the family homeless shelter in the background along side vulnerable children.

Above - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj seeking the Democratic nod for the term-limited 13th City Council seat tells that with him in the city council together with State Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto the community will have three active partners looking out for them.

Below - Candidate Mark Gjonaj's Republican opponent can only look on as this attempt to be in the picture with Democratic candidate Mark Gjonaj does not work. This only shows what Democrat Mark Gjonaj's Republican opponent will do to try to steal Democrat Mark Gjonaj's glory.

Senator Klein, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo celebrate signage of bill aimed at reducing childhood obesity and diabetes

New law authorizes schools to screen students for obesity, instruct them and their parents on the importance of healthy eating habits

Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo celebrated Governor Cuomo signing their legislation into law to help stop childhood obesity and better educate students on healthy lifestyle choices.

The legislation, signed on August 21, allows for schools to include a diabetes risk analysis during health exams and allows for the creation of school district nutrition advisory committees.

“The long term risks associated with childhood obesity are undeniable. Our schools should be the first line of defense in ensuring that children understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. With the signage of this bill, we are taking preemptive action and giving schools the resources they need to educate students and their families so that we can curb this epidemic. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important bill,” said Senator Klein.

“Obesity and diabetes are at epidemic levels and our public health systems must pay full and immediate attention to the harm being caused.  We have over 10,000 children under 18 years of age with Type 2 Diabetes in the New York State Medicaid program.  Health experts now tell us that 50% of all Hispanics born after 2010 will develop this disease.  In New York State, we have 35% of our population classified as pre-diabetic due to obesity.  Every step we take to combat this problem is significant in saving lives and reducing health care costs that otherwise can bankrupt our health care system,” said Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Chair of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.

The new law will help educate students on the risks of childhood obesity by integrating health education in other classes, such as the importance of a healthy diet within the context of biology and chemistry.

School district nutrition advisory committees will be able to make recommendations on nutritional practices and on educational information for parents and guardians. In addition to obesity, information on other diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and respiratory diseases are included.

Senator Klein, BP Diaz Jr., Councilman Torres joins Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa to announce a joint funding project to reconstruct Waring Playground and Basketball Court

Elected officials and the city allocated $3.6 million for the renovations   

  Senator Jeff Klein, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Council Member Ritchie Torres joined NYC Parks Bronx Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa at Waring Playground on Tuesday afternoon to announce a joint allocation of $3.6 million to reconstruct portions of the park.

“I’m proud to partner with my colleagues in city government to fund the reconstruction of Waring Playground and Basketball Court,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Our city parks are valuable assets to the community, and the residents we serve deserve a clean, safe and modernized recreational space to gather with friends and families.”

“We are thrilled to receive this much-needed funding,” said NYC Parks Bronx Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa “We can’t wait to start transforming this playground into a space the Allerton community deserves. We’ll be designing the playground with input from the community to make sure the neighborhood’s vision comes to life.”  

“I am proud to have provided so much of my capital funding to worthy park projects all over The Bronx during my tenure as borough president, including more than $1.1 million to help rehabilitate this wonderful playground. As we work to build a healthier Bronx through our “#Not62” campaign, we must make sure that our shared recreation spaces are in good condition and inviting to the public, so that more and more Bronxites of all ages will take advantage of them. I thank Senator Klein, Councilman Torres, the mayor’s office and the parks department for their partnership on this wonderful project,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“The residents have waited far too long for renovations to Waring Playground to get underway. We are proud to announce that through our joint collaboration financial resources have been allocated so that the Playground and basketball courts can get necessary upgrades. Finally, residents will be able to enjoy an improved and modern playground,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

While the project hasn’t been officially scoped, some of the possible improvements include: new playground equipment for children of all ages, new safety surfacing throughout the playground, new benches, improvements to the spray shower area and improved landscaping. A community scope meeting will be held to engage the community on what improvements they would prefer.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein speaks about being able to help restore this as well as other parks in his district.

Below - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr, holds up the reason for the park renovation, children like Richard.

Above - Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa explains what has happened to this park, and thanks the elected officials for their help to restore it.

Below - Bronx BP Diaz Jr., Senator Klein, Councilman Torres, and Community Board 11 Chair Anthony Vitalino hold up the two checks for the park renovations. In three years this park will look brand new again.

Senator Klein, in partnership with Assemblyman Gjonaj, hosted the 3rd Annual Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration at Bronx House

  The room was full of people to help celebrate the 3rd Annual Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration at Bronx House with State Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. One person however was missing, and that was Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj who was still up in Albany as the State Assembly members are still finalizing a few items in the state budget. Since President Trump has made changes to what was called Obamacare, now known as Trumpcare the legislators have to redo what they think the changes will do to the state budget.

  With State Senator and IDC Chair Jeff Klein in the Bronx House the Annual Jewish Heritage Celebration went on. The three Honorees this year were, Kay Cardona of the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association, Marcy Gross of Bronx Community Board #11, and Paul Klein, President of Temple Beth El of City Island. Photos of the event are below.

Above - Senator Klein opens the event by telling those present that Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj is still up in Albany as the State Assembly is still going over some items in the state budget.

Below - You can see the crowded room.

Above - Senator Klein announces that students from PS 105 will be reading Jewish Heritage poems.

Below - One by one each child from PS 105 read a different Jewish Heritage poem.

Above - Senator Klein with the three honorees, Ms. Kay Cardona, Mr. Paul Klein, and Ms. Marcy Gross.

Below - Senator Klein is with Mr. David Edelstein of the BJCc, and Rabbi Shmuel Zuckerman.

Senator Klein, City Island Civic Association applaud MTA’s planned Bx29 Service Extension

The bus service is slated to operate one hour later beginning July 2017

Following years of pushing the MTA to modify the Bx29 bus route, the city agency announced Monday it’s plan to extend by one hour the popular City Island/Bay Plaza Shopping Center line. The announcement is a major triumph for Bx29 ridership, Senator Jeff Klein and the City Island Civic Association, who have been requesting this service expansion for years. The tragic death of cyclist Gabriela Aguilar-Vallinos in September 2015 shed a light on the need for such a service extension to increase commuter safety to and from the City Island.

“This is an incredibly important step in the ongoing effort to boost commuter safety in City Island. This extra hour of service will enable a sound alternative mode of transportation for the late-night crowds of City Island, including workers, residents and tourists. I’ve written several letters to the MTA over the years requesting such a service extension to the Bx29 line, and I’m thrilled the agency ultimately heeded the concerns of myself and the community,” said Senator Klein.

“Let this serve as an example of the synergy between the people of City Island and Senator Klein working with agencies to create a safe and secure atmosphere for City Island and the public in general,” said Bill Stanton, President of the City Island Civic Association.

The modification to the Bx29 route was one of 27 bus service adjustments presented on Monday to the board of the MTA’s NYC Transit and Bus Committee. The Bx29 revisions would expand service by one hour. Currently the weekday routes off City Island conclude at 12:12 a.m., and 1:11 a.m. on the weekends. The planned changes would go into effect in July 2017, nearly two years after the tragic death of 27-year-old cyclist Gabriela Aguilar-Vallinos.

Aguilar-Vallinos was heading home from work at a restaurant on City Island when she was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on the City Island Bridge on Sept. 11 2015. Since the horrific crash, Senator Klein and the City Island Civic Association have continuously advocated for later Bx29 bus service to properly accommodate the City Island community.

Senator Klein, Assemblyman Gjonaj, and Bronx DA Clark Hosts Heroin Town Hall

Above - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj,  Sarah Church, Ph.D. (Montefiore Medical Center), Senator Jeff Klein, OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, and Luke Nasta (Camelot of Staten Island, Inc.) address the audience at the heroin town hall.

In response to recent heroin-related deaths in the community, Senator Jeff Klein along with Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Bronx Community Board #11, and The Morris Park Community Association hosted a town hall on heroin addiction on Monday at Maestro’s Caterers.

Community members learned about treatment and prevention, heard about the recently enacted legislative measures addressing this epidemic, and received Naloxone training   All participants received a Naloxone kit.  

“It is devastating that lives were taken from us because of heroin addiction, and tonight’s town hall will help to ensure our community receives the tools and resources they need to help end this epidemic. I am deeply committed to working to combat this scourge.  I am proud to say that this year, we created a life-saving package of legislation to get people the help that they need through prevention strategies, better treatment services and overdose reversal medication access,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“It is so important to continue to stay informed on the dangers of drugs and prescription drugs. The battle with addiction is growing and evolving every day. I am thankful for the professionals who joined us tonight to share insight on the epidemic and how to fight it, but as residents to the neighborhood we need to bring this awareness home to our families. We need to educate our young ones to avoid triggers and temptations to avoid getting to the level of despair we are in now,” said Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.

This year the Legislature passed sweeping laws to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic. The life-saving legislative package emphasizes increasing access to treatment, breaking down barriers put up by insurance companies, reducing the number of days initial opioid prescriptions can be written and permitting doctors to administer Naloxone.

Naloxone is a prescription opioid antagonist used in emergency situations to counteract life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system. Once administered, an overdose victim can breathe normally.

“It’s good that the community is engaged. Often people don’t want to admit that there is drug abuse going on in their families or their neighborhoods. I implore people to come forward with any information about heroin dealing. My office is strict on the dealer but we have compassion for the addict,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.

“I want to thank Senator Klein for hosting a Naloxone training and discussion on heroin and prescription opioid addiction in The Bronx. With the Governor and Legislature’s commitment to offer this potentially life-saving training in more areas of the state, we have trained 140,000 New Yorkers resulting in nearly 5,000 administrations. Every Naloxone reversal is an opportunity for an individual to connect with addiction treatment and begin a journey toward recovery. I encourage all New Yorkers to take this training,” said NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez.

“I applaud Senator Klein for exemplifying great leadership along with co-sponsors Assemblyman Gjonaj and Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez by calling a Town Hall Heroin Epidemic Information and Naloxone Training for his district. All prior methods operating independently have proven ineffective. Law enforcement, medicine, intensive counseling, school and community-based prevention need to collaborate to bring treatment and prevention services to home communities. If we can break through territorial walls and operate for the single purposed goal of epidemic control I believe we can defeat the menace that threatens to decay our lives from the inside. Government must make a full resources commitment if we are to overcome the No. 1 Health Crisis 20 years in the making,” said Luke Nasta, M.P.A., CASAC, Executive Director of  Camelot of Staten Island, Inc.

“At the Montefiore Medical Center’s Division of Substance Abuse, we strongly advocate for the broad distribution of opioid overdose prevention kits to arm community residents with tools to prevent fatal overdoses.  We also urge people to refer their friends and family members who have overdosed for treatment to assist them in entering into recovery,” said Sarah Church, Ph.D., Executive Director at the Division of Substance Abuse at Montefiore Medical Center.

Senator Klein, NYCHA Chair Olatoye Delivered Hundreds of Refrigerators to Sack Wern Houses Tenants

Klein secured $200,000 for over 370 brand new appliances

State Senator Jeff Klein and NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, and Councilwoman Annabel Palma joined tenants of the Sack Wern Houses to announce the delivery of hundreds of new refrigerators today.

“New York City public housing residents deserve to live in clean, safe homes, and I have been proud to work towards a reinvestment in the New York City Housing Authority. As part of my work, I secured $200,000 of state funds to deliver over 370 long-needed, brand new refrigerators to these tenants. As we struggle to hold on to affordable housing throughout the city, we must ensure that our public housing receives the support it needs to thrive,” said Senator Klein.

After hearing residents’ concerns and learning about the need to replace the badly-worn appliances, Senator Klein worked to ensure that the agency received the resources necessary to deliver new ones. Partnering with NYCHA Chair and CEO Olatoye, the refrigerators will be delivered and installed starting on August 25, through September 2. A total of 377 appliances were purchased, ensuring that every apartment in need will receive one.

“NYCHA is focused on improving quality of life for residents across our city – and this collaborative effort in The Bronx is delivering for Sack Wern residents,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Olatoye. “Thanks to a strong partnership with Senator Klein, Sack Wern residents are receiving high-quality, brand-new refrigerators – an upgrade that should show this community we are investing in them and the next generation of public housing.”

Sack Wern Houses is seeing improvements as part of NextGeneration NYCHA (NextGen), the Authority’s ten-year strategic plan to stabilize the financial crisis facing New York City’s public housing while creating safer, cleaner, and more connected communities. NextGen’s 15 targeted strategies support four principal goals: change the way NYCHA is funded; operate like a more modern, efficient landlord; (re)build existing public housing and new affordable housing; and engage residents in meaningful ways.

In 2015 the roofs were replaced on all 7 buildings at Sack Wern Houses. The work funded through bond proceeds, costs $11.3 million to complete and included repairs to the building facades. There is currently a comprehensive effort underway to resurface the parking lot at the development. The basketball court was resurfaced last year and brand new play equipment was installed at the development’s playground.

“It’s always pleasure to work alongside Senator Klein as he fights for the people of our community. This funding will deliver new appliances to residents of NYCHA and demonstrates the Senator’s commitment to improve the quality of life of our constituents,” said Assemblyman Crespo.

“Thanks to Senator Klein and NYCHA Chair Olatoye for helping facilitate the acquisition of nearly 400 refrigerators for the residents of Sack Wern Houses. I see this act as a step forward, in that maintenance of our public housing infrastructure is no longer being sidelined, in an earnest effort to improve the quality of life of tenants in comprehensive and actionable ways. Securing funding is vital to ensuring NYCHA apartments remain viable places to live; this is a big step towards achieving that goal,” said Councilwoman Palma.

“Many thanks to Senator Klein from the Residents of Sack Wern Houses.  The Senator worked tirelessly for  over a year to get the refrigerators that were requested during a door-to-door conducted by a member of his staff . A good working refrigerator is essential in keeping a household in good working order,” said Tenant Leader Loretta Masterson.

State Senator Klein, Assemblyman Crespo, Councilwoman Palma, and NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye show off the new refrigerator.

The Press conference was however not without questions such as the new stoves which one tenant said were also promised along with the new refrigerators. Senator Klein said that he wanted to get the new refrigerators first, then he will work on the stove issue.

NYCHA CEO Shola Olatoye responds to my question about water leaks in the Noble Avenue Houses by saying that NYCHA has many building problems, and is embarking on a ten year plan to fix up the aging houses. She added that however that will take a lot of money which has to be found somewhere.