Another Misleading and Inaccurate Statement from the City Government's Department of Education, Counter to its own Interests!


NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Joel I. Klein, Chancellor


Chancellor's Strategic Response Group
52 Chambers Street, Room 215, New York, NY 10007


July 18, 2006

The Reverend Norman C. Eddy
216 East 105th Street
New York, NY 10029

Dear Reverend Eddy,

Thank you for your letter to Chancellor Klein regarding the Department of Education's future plans for PS 109 in Manhattan. Please allow me to respond on the Chancellor's behalf.

After speaking with Smaie Smarr in the Chancellor's office and Kathleen Grimm, De[puty Chancellor for Finance and Administration, it is my understanding that Department of Education (DOE) projections indicate that Community Education Council District #4, of which PS 109 is a part, does not have a need for additional elementary or high school seats. As a result, we have wanted the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) permission to place a "hold" on the building, so that it may be rehabilitated and converted to residential use in the future.

DOE and HPD feel that by converting the building to affordable housing, the needs of the community will be met to a greater degree than they would be if the building were to be reverted to a school.

Thank you again for your letter to Chancellor Klein and for your advocacy on behalf of New York City public school students.

Sincerely,

 

Claire Anderson
Associate