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Congressmember Carolyn Maloney pays a visit to Lower East Side

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With Carmen Gonzalez looking on, the Representative hears about this small businesses’ challenges.
Photo by Tequila Minsky

Congressmember Carolyn Maloney’s district represents a good portion of the Lower East Side and the Congressmember used some of her time away from Washington D.C. to tour a portion of her district and listen to constituents.  

Guided by Carmen Gonzalez of the Village Reform Democratic Club (VRDC), Rep. Maloney focused on small businesses in the area including stores in a set of buildings on East 4th Street, part of Cooper Square Mutual Housing Association (MHA), low-income co-ops on E. 3rd & E. 4th St. These stores are in peril due to COVID.  

It was mentioned during the tour that the Board of Directors of MHA 1 have created a plan to save the stores. 

Rep. Maloney listened and gave suggestions, and offered the services of her office to help, including contacting appropriate resources to resolve the many problems and issues the business owners in the area are experiencing.

Happy that Carmen Gonzalez brought  Rep. Maloney to the neighborhood, MHA 1 Board Member Donna Brodie, who helped provide context and background to the Representative,  said, “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to show her our unique community.” 

During this walkabout, Rep. Maloney visited parts of her congressional district that she is not that familiar with and where she was able to offer her expertise or suggestions. 

She also visited Village View, a large affordable housing complex nearby and ended her visit at a local restaurant, impressed by its patronage. 

Congressmember Carolyn Maloney, U.S. Representative for New York’s 12th congressional district, is currently Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee and the Joint Economic Committee. 

Alex Harsley and his E. 4th St. Photo Gallery established 1973, with Rep. Maloney and VRDC Member Carmen Gonzales.(Photo by Tequila Minsky)
Among the display of photos at E. 4th St. Photo Gallery, an excited LES resident Carmen Gonzalez points to herself in a photo taken decades ago.(Photo by Tequila Minsky)
Rep. Maloney at Village View, affordable housing in the Lower East Side, created as a Mitchell-Lama Co-op.(Photo by Tequila Minsky)
Meeting and safely greeting constituents on the Lower East Side.(Photo by Tequila Minsky)
MHA 1 Board Member Donna Brodie provides background on the affordable co-ops.(Photo by Tequila Minsky)
Rep. Maloney stopped in at the East 4th St Copy Center to talk with the owner about the multiplying challenges facing small businesses, particularly his business in the area.(Photo by Tequila Minsky)
Community members of the LES during the walking tour.(Photo by Tequila Minsky)
Rep. Maloney speaks with business owner of La Sirena Mexican Folk Art on E. 3rd.(Photo by Tequila Minsky)
La Sirena Mexican Folk Art on E. 3rd., another store visited during the Representative’s walkabout.(Photo by Tequila Minsky)