Ede Fox, Democratic candidate for Brooklyn's 35th District City Council seat, received the endorsement of the Tenants PAC, New York City's only tenants' activism group, earlier this week. For Fox, who has made housing affordability and the proposed redevelopment of the Bedford Union Armory a cornerstone of her bid for City Council, this is a significant development.
"We are thrilled to announce our endorsement of Ede Fox to be the next City councilmember for the 35th District," said Michael McKee, treasurer of Tenants PAC. "Ede has been a fierce advocate for affordable housing and tenants' rights and she has an impressive track record for local activism when it comes to housing."
Fox has been a strong opponent of the controversial Bedford Union Armory redevelopment project. Opposing the proposal to bring luxury residential and mixed-use units, she has pushed for 100% affordable housing for the site, as well as the creation of a community land trust to ensure the community's input and benefit.
Aside from the Armory project, Fox has gotten involved in a number of housing issues in the community. In light of a recent fatal shooting on July 22, Fox called on NYCHA CEO and Chair Shola Olatoye to address security and sanitary concerns at the Farragut Houses in Vinegar Hill.
"I am committed to protecting tenants' rights and advocating for our families as they face the very real threat of being priced out of the community," said Fox. "Housing is a driving force to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods."
Prior to the Tenants Pac endorsement, Fox has secured the support from former Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, former President of the American Jewish World Service Ruth Messinger, the New York State Laborers, the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, the Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn and the New Kings Democrats.
Fox is running against fellow Democrat and incumbent Councilmember Laurie Cumbo.
The primaries will take place on September 12, and the general election on November 7.
