“Our state representatives in Albany deserve a lot of credit for dramatically improving a Public Authorities reform bill that, as initially drafted, would have done more harm than good.  We have always supported reform of the public authorities, but we had major concerns about the consequences the original bill would have produced. We said so, and I’m grateful that the legislature and Governor listened and addressed the problems. Under the bill being passed today, rather than requiring authorities to sell land at fair market value no matter the use – eliminating countless opportunities to create affordable housing, community centers and jobs – the new bill takes into account an authority’s mission.  And rather than requiring authority board members to act in the agency’s narrowly defined goals without taking into account broader issues that may be important to City residents, the new bill allows them to exercise independent judgment while considering local interests. Thanks to these and other sensible revisions, the legislation passed today will improve oversight of authorities while still providing them with the flexibility needed to responsibly serve the people of New York City and State.”