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In Bronx State Senate Race, Democrats Unite in Opposition to New Affordable Housing
Three candidates running for an open State Senate seat in the East Bronx agree that New York City is in desperate need of affordable housing. But that doesn’t mean they support plans for new income-restricted apartments in their district.
The Democratic primary to replace outgoing State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi in the 34th Senate District pits Assemblymember Nathalia Fernandez, who represents an overlapping district and has the backing of the Bronx Democratic Party, against Christian Amato, a progressive political consultant who has worked for Biaggi and on campaigns for various local candidates; and John Perez, a conservative military veteran and former district leader.
The three have carved out different paths as they vie to represent Bronx neighborhoods like Throggs Neck, Pelham and Morris Park as well as the southern Westchester County towns of New Rochelle and Pelham Manor.
Yet the candidates find common ground when it comes to a proposed supportive housing site for critically ill former Rikers detainees on the campus of Jacobi Hospital, and a 349-unit apartment complex planned for vacant lots along the Bruckner Expressway.
