City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn has established herself as a fighter for policies and services that are critical to the lives of New Yorkers.  She began her career in public service as a housing organizer, helping low-income tenants stay in their homes and protecting affordable housing.  As the director of the Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, Chris worked closely with the NYPD against hate crimes.  Since 1999, Chris has served Manhattan’s lower west side in the City Council.  Elected Speaker in 2006, Chris has negotiated on-time, balanced City budgets, reducing government spending, avoiding tax hikes and preventing firehouse closings, teacher layoffs and cuts to key services. Read more.

To email Speaker Quinn , please click on the tab to the left "Contact Speaker Quinn".

For assistance in the District , please email or contact the District office, at left.

For assistance with legislative items, or in response to citywide issues, please email or contact her Legislative Office, at left.

Members of the press may contact the press office at 212-788-7116 or visit the Press Room to see the latest releases and statements.

Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013

Neighborhoods in District: West Village, SoHo, NoHo, Flatiron, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen/Clinton, Murray Hill (portions)

Committees: Rules, Privileges & Elections

Testimony, January 25, 2010
2011 Executive Budget

Speaker Quinn's Remarks at the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, July 14, 2010

Speaker Quinn's Remarks for the Crain's Small Business Symposium, June 30, 2010

Speaker Quinn's Remarks for the Office of Adult and Continuing, June 28, 2010

Charter Meeting Address, January 1, 2009

"FoodWorks", December 7, 2009
First Ever Comprehensive Food System Plan will Create Jobs, Improve Health, and Protect Environment

Testimony/Remarks, June 10, 2009
Themes: United American Families Act

State of the City February 12, 2009
Themes: Job Growth, Small Businesses, Innovative Revenue Sources, Tax Reform, Reducing Unnecessary City Spending, Public Safety, Tenants and Housing

2006 Budget Response April 6, 2006
Themes: Budget process reform, Education / Universal pre-kindergarten classes, Hunger and nutrition, Public safety / District Attorneys, Economic development and small business tax relief

Crain's New York Keynote Address April 18, 2006
Themes: Good government, Budget process reform, Lobby reform, CouncilStat / Constituent problem tracking 

Food Bank Keynote Address September 5, 2006
Themes: Hunger and nutrition, School lunch program, Food stamps, Greenmarkets, Food assistance programs and Senior nutrition

Empire State Pride Agenda Keynote Address October 5, 2006
Themes: Marraige equality, LGBT rights

Human Rights Campaign Keynote Address October 7, 2006
Themes: Marraige equality, LGBT rights

State of the City Address February 5, 2007
Themes: Housing and education reforms, health care, more livable city for the middle class

Empire State Pride Agenda, Rochester, NY May 19, 2007
Themes: Civil Rights, LGBT rights, marraige equality

For more information on the Speaker's speeches and major addresses, please contact the City Council Press Office at 212-788-7116.

Christine C. Quinn has spent her career in public service, fighting for policies and services that are critical to the lives of New Yorkers.  Chris started out as a housing organizer, helping low-income tenants stay in their homes and protecting affordable housing.  As the director of the Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, Chris worked closely with the NYPD against hate crimes. 

Since 1999, Chris has served Manhattan’s lower west side in the City Council.  Elected Speaker in 2006, Chris has negotiated on-time, balanced City budgets, reducing government spending, avoiding tax hikes and preventing firehouse closings, teacher layoffs and cuts to key services.

Quinn has worked to find innovative and fiscally responsible ways to spark job creation.  She has been a leader in the fight to eliminate unfair taxes, particularly the double taxation of freelancers and sole proprietors. She has fought to eliminate unnecessary regulation on small businesses, and created a program that has drastically reduced the average wait for government inspections for new businesses.  She has worked to diversify our economy, investing in growing job sectors like health care and food manufacturing.  And Chris has helped our City develop an economy of innovation through tax credits and initiatives to support new ventures in the five boroughs.

A longtime advocate for affordable housing, Quinn renewed incentives for developers who build affordable units. Protecting tenants is a top priority – Speaker Quinn passed legislation to allow landlords to be taken to court for threatening tenants or interrupting essential services, as well as forcing landlords to repair dangerous apartments. Her innovative Housing Asset Renewal Program has turned unsold condominiums into affordable middle-income housing.

Speaker Quinn has long advocated investment in early childhood education and has worked to expand the City’s universal Pre-Kindergarten program.  She has also worked extensively to better our middle schools, and at her urging the Department of Education has funded innovative new programs at the highest-need middle schools in the city.

Quinn and the Council led the environmental movement with legislation, the first of its kind in the nation, requiring manufacturers to collect and recycle electronic waste, and passed a bill establishing a plastic bag recycling program. And Quinn has passed bills to improve energy efficiency in large commercial buildings – a move that will reduce the city's carbon footprint.

As the first openly gay Speaker of the City Council, Quinn has worked extensively on issues of justice and equality. She emerged as a leading voice in the fight for marriage equality in New York State, and has made fighting hate crimes a particular emphasis.

Speaker Quinn legislated against harassment at reproductive health clinics and exposed anti-abortion front groups that pretend to be family planning clinics. She coordinated a public/private partnership to expand free HIV testing for tens of thousands of public hospital patients.

Working with immigrants’ rights organizations, Quinn recently ended the injustice at Riker's Island that was turning innocent immigrants over to the INS and splitting up families.

Quinn has worked extensively to expand access to healthy food and reduce hunger.  She’s expanded access to food stamps for those that need them, and make sure they could be used to buy fresh produce at Greenmarkets around the city.

Quinn and her partner, Kim Catullo, live in Chelsea, with their dogs.

The laws governing landlord-tenant relationships have evolved over many decades and are extremely complex. As a result, there is a continuous need for understandable and up-to-date information on tenant’s rights. I hope that the information below will be useful to you.

Free Legal Aid Programs
LawHelp.org provides low and moderate income individuals and families with free legal aid programs in their local communities, and provides answers to questions about legal rights. For more information, follow the link. 

Interactive Map
I hope you find the map below to be a useful resource. It provides you with the locations and contact information for free legal clinics in and around Council District 3. The primary goal of these clinics is to provide residents with information about their basic legal rights.
View Housing Clinics in a larger map

Fact Sheets for Rent Control and Rent Stabilized Tenants
Housing and Community Renewal—the state agency responsible for administering rent regulation laws—produced 43 fact sheets regarding tenants’ rights. The fact sheets cover a wide range of issues from fuel cost adjustments to major capital improvements. For more information, follow the link. 

Fact Sheets on Bed Bugs
City Council Funding created an online portal, where NYC residents, landlords, homeowners, businesses can learn about improved protocols for effective bed bug elimination. To find out what steps you can take to prevent bed bugs from entering your home, follow the link.

Other Important Phone Numbers:
Council of NYC Co-ops and Condos
(212) 496-7400

Metropolitan Council on Housing
(212) 979-6238

Goddard Riverside Community Center SRO Law Project
(212) 799-9638

Housing Conservation Coordinators
(212) 541-5996

Housing Court Answers
(212) 962-4795

MFY Legal Services
(212) 417-3700

Keeping and creating new affordable housing is critical to ensure that our city stays a vibrant and diverse community. Please review the following information below. I hope that you will find these resources valuable in your search. 

Affordable Rental Housing Units
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and New York State Housing Finance Agency (HFA) oversee several housing lotteries (subsidized apartments rented through an open lottery system) with different income requirements. To apply, follow the links below, click on the advertisement for the available property and follow the instructions on the advertisement. There is no central application office for these listings.

• HPD’s Housing Lotteries
• HDC's Housing Lotteries 
• HFA’s Housing Lotteries 

NYHousingSearch.gov
Allows people to locate available housing in New York that meets their individual and family needs at a rent they can afford. Each housing listing includes detailed information about the units available. NYHousingSearch.gov not only provides FREE services for those seeking housing, it also allows housing authorities and private landlords to manage their property listings online at no cost. In addition to the applications on the site, NYHousingSearch.gov links to various external resources also designed to assist in the housing search process.

Subsidized Housing Information Project
Originally proposed in my 2011 State of the City Address, the SHIP database is a comprehensive listing with information on nearly 235,000 units of privately-owned subsidized rental housing throughout New York City.  This database provides tenants, advocates and community-based organizations with the tools needed to protect their affordable housing stock. For more information, follow the link. 

Mitchell-Lama
The Mitchell-Lama program provides affordable rental and cooperative housing to moderate and middle income families. To apply, follow the link, check the list of Mitchell-Lama developments with open waiting lists, and send a letter to the managing agent of the development. Each development requires that you apply separately. There is no master list for applications. 

Public Housing
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) provides affordable housing in a safe and secure living environment for low and moderate income residents. For more information on how to apply, follow the link.

Senior Housing
The New York City Department for the Aging provides a list of senior-specific housing. To inquire about available units, follow the link, select your area and contact the number listed for the property.  There is no central application office for these listings.

Supportive Housing
Supportive housing is permanent, affordable housing linked with services for low-income, disabled and formerly homeless people. To find a list of supportive housing providers, follow the link. 

Affordable Homeownership Developments
HPD and HDC oversee several homeownership programs with different income requirements that enable New York's families to purchase below-market rate housing. The City itself does not sell the homes, but works with real estate professionals and community sponsors to market the homes. For more information on the available affordable units, follow the links:

• HPD Homeownership Programs
• HDC Homeownership Programs 

Helpful information for seniors regarding a variety of topics ranging from Medicare to Reduced Fare MetroCards can provide solutions for different needs. To find out more about resources for seniors, please select a topic:

• SENIOR CENTERS
• FOOD, HOUSING and UTILITIES
• HEALTH
• TAX CREDITS and EXEMPTIONS
• PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
• RETIREMENT INCOME 

Senior Center Map
For senior centers in and around Council District 3, please see the map below
View Senior Centers in Council District 3 in a larger map


Food, Housing, and Utilities
Food Stamp Program
Allocates monthly coupons to low-income households to purchase food. For more information, follow the link, call 311, or call the Human Resources Administration at 1-877-472-8411.

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)
Provides a rent increase exemption to seniors (age 62 and older) residing in rent-regulated (rent-controlled or rent-stabilized) apartments, Mitchell-Lama and hotel tenants. For more information, follow the link or call 1-212-442-9366.

Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP) 
Provides low-income seniors with free home energy services designed to lower energy bills and increase the comfort of their homes. For more information, follow the link or call 1-212-442-3055.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Provides an annual grant to help low-income homeowners and renters pay fuel and utility costs. For more information, follow the link or call 311.

Health
New York Prescription Saver Card
A free pharmacy discount card for New York State residents. Use this card at participating pharmacies to save as much as 60% on generics and 30% on brand name drugs. For more information, follow the link or call New York Prescription Saver at 1-800-788-6917.

Medicare
Helps pay certain hospital costs, including medical care after deductibles, co-insurance and/or premiums. For more information, follow the link or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Medicare Savings Program
Three support programs assist low-income seniors with medical costs:

Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB)
Program to assist low-income seniors; Medicaid pays for the Medicare Part B premium and Medicare Part A and B deductibles and co-insurance.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLIMB)
Medicaid pays for the Medicare Part B premium to assist low-income seniors.

Qualified Individual 1 (QI-1)
Program to assist low-income seniors; Medicaid pays for the full Medicare Part B premium.

For more information on the Medicare Savings Program, follow the link, call 311, or write to Medicare Savings Program Applications, PO Box 3011, Jamaica, NY 11431.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
An insurance program for prescription drug coverage provided by Medicare-approved private companies (for everyone who qualifies for Medicare). Apply online, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, at your nearest Social Security Offices, or call 311 for additional information.

Medicaid
Pays medical bills for low-income persons including services not covered by Medicare (e.g. dental care, home care, institutional care, prescription drugs, eye glasses, and hearing aids). For more information, follow the link or call 311.

Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) 
Saves seniors over half the cost of most prescription drugs. For more information, follow the link or call 1-800-332-3742 Monday to Friday from 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Family Health Plus
Provides free health coverage through a managed care plan to adults who do not have insurance through their employers, but whose income exceeds the Medicaid limit. For more information, follow the link or call 311.

NYC Caregiver
Information about various care and service programs available for NYC seniors. To find an NYC Caregiver Resource Center near you, follow the link. For questions about the program email: caregivers@aging.nyc.gov.

Tax Credits and Exemptions
New York State School Tax Relief (STAR)
Provides an exemption from the school portion of property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences. For more information, follow the link or call 311.

Real Property Tax Credit (IT-214)
Provides cash payment or tax credit of up to $375 to homeowners or renters for part of the previous year’s rent or real property taxes. If you would like a screening for IT-214, please visit Benefit QuickCheck, or you can fill out and print a copy of the IT-214 application. For more information, follow the link or call 1-800-225-5829.

Senior Citizen Homeowners Exemption (SCHE)
Provides real property tax exemptions of up to 50% for homeowners who meet income guidelines. For information, follow the link or call1-212-504-4080.

Public Transportation
Reduced Fare MetroCard
Provides individuals with reduced fare costs on NYC public transportation. To apply, follow the link, call 1-212-METROCARD or go to the MTA Customer Service Center, located at 3 Stone Street, New York, NY 10004.

Access A Ride
Provides transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to use public bus or subway service for some or all of their trips. It offers shared ride, door-to-door transportation service. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  For more information, follow the link. To apply, call 877-337-2017.

Retirement Income
Social Security (Old Age and Survivors Insurance)
Provides monthly payments to insured workers and their dependents or survivors. For more information, follow the link or call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 weekdays from 7:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Provides monthly payments for disability-eligible persons of any age with physical or mental disabilities. For more information, follow the link or call 1-800-772-1213.

Veterans Benefits 
Pensions for low-income and disabled veterans; also health care, vocational training, rehabilitation services, education, home loan, disability compensation, life insurance, burial and other benefits. Medical benefits include care in VA hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient services. Dependents and survivors may also be eligible for certain benefits. For more information, follow the link or call 1-800-827-1000 or 1-212-807-7229. Apply online or to: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, NY Regional Office at 346 Broadway, #819 New York, NY 10013-3990.

District 3 Schools

With over 30 schools throughout the district, there are plenty of programs local students can choose from as they go through their academic career. To find out more about the schools in District 3, you can download a list of schools (excel spreadsheet) or visit the Department of Education online.

With nearly 40 different food related services, the 3rd Council District provides a variety of food options from green markets to food kitchens to ensure residents’ food needs are met.  For a complete list of all available options in and around the 3rd Council District, you can download a list of resources.

I hope you find the map below a useful resource. Green markets are denoted by green pinpoints, soup kitchens by red, food pantries by blue, community gardens by yellow, and CSA’s by light blue. The food stamp office is denoted on the map as a purple pinpoint.

From research to branch libraries, the 3rd Council District has something for everybody.  To find out more about the libraries around District 3, you can download a list of resources or visit the NYPL online.

For more information about the New York City Public library system, please visit:
http://www.nypl.org/collections
http://www.queenslibrary.org/
http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/

For information regarding my District office staff, community boards, or police precincts in the 3rd Council District, please select a topic from below. 

• Staff Information
• Community Board Information
• Precinct Community Council Information 

District Office Chief Of Staff
Melanie La Rocca

Legislative Aide, CB2
Allie Nudelman

Legislative Aide, CB4
Michaela Miller

Legislative Aide, CB5
Yareni Sanchez

Senior Legislative Aide, Housing Assistance Coordinator
Jose Conde

Community Board 2
3 Washington Sq Vlg Ste 1A
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212.979.2272
Fax: 212.254.5102
info@cb2manhattan.org

Community Board 4
330 West 42nd Street
26th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-736-4536
Fax: 212.947.9512
rbenfatto@cb.nyc.gov 

Community Board 5
450 Seventh Avenue
Suite 2109
New York, NY 10123
Phone: 212.465.0907
Fax: 212.465.1628
office@cb5.org

1st Precinct 
16 Ericsson Place
New York, NY 10013
(212) 334-0611

Meeting: Last Thursday of each month at the 1st Precinct (16 Ericsson Place) at 6:30 p.m.  There are no meetings held July or August.

6th Precinct 
233 West 10th Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 741-4811

Meeting: Last Wednesday of each month at Our Lady of Pompeii (25 Carmine Street) at 7:30 p.m.

10th Precinct 
230 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 741-8211

Meeting: Last Wednesday of the month at 343 8th Avenue, and throughout the precinct at 7:30 p.m.
Please contact the Community Affairs officer at (212) 741-8226 for additional information.

13th Precinct 
230 East 21st Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 477-7411

Meeting: Third Tuesday of the month at the 13th Precinct (230 East 21st Street) at 6:30 p.m. 
14th Precinct (Midtown South)
357 West 35th Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 239-9811

Meeting: Third Thursday of the month at the New Yorker Hotel (481 8th Avenue) at 7:00 p.m.

18th Precinct (Midtown North) 
306 West 54th Street
New York, NY  10019
(212) 760-8300

Meeting: Third Tuesday of the month at 427 West 47th Street at 7:30 p.m.  
There are no meetings held in July or August.