In letter to Mayor, de Blasio Calls for Greater Transparency in Affordable Housing Contracts

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio sent the following letter to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, urging greater transparency in the Department of Housing Preservation and Development bidding process related to affordable housing construction.


December 30, 2011

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
City Hall
New York, NY 10007

Re: Transparency in HPD Bidding Process

Dear Mayor Michael Bloomberg:

I write in support of greater transparency with respect to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (“HPD’s”) bidding process for the use of taxpayer dollars in the construction of affordable housing.

Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their government is doing. The City should take measures to make the HPD bidding process as open and transparent as possible in order to inform the public of how their taxpayer dollars are spent and to ensure high quality construction. More transparency serves the interests of New York City residents, building owners, bidding contractors, and HPD. As part of this transparency initiative, I voice my support for the goals of Int. 0730-2011, introduced by Council Member Dominic Recchia, which would increase public disclosure of information regarding certain construction projects.

Democracy depends on a knowledgeable citizenry whose access to a range of information enables them to participate fully in public life, help determine priorities for public spending, receive equal access to justice, and hold public officials accountable. I urge the City to undertake measures to increase transparency in the HPD bidding process.

Very truly yours,

Bill de Blasio
Public Advocate for the City of New York


cc: Commissioner Matthew M. Wambua, HPD
Councilmember Dominic M. Recchia, Chair NYC Council Finance Committee

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