Mitchell-Lama Way (Brooklyn)
Present name:Leonard Street
Location:Between Boerum Street and Moore Street
Honoree: MacNeil Mitchell (1904-1906), was a New York state senator representing Manhattan's Upper East Side. During his 27 years in the Legislature, he was considered one of the most influential Republicans in New York, known for legislation on education, transportation, alcoholism and juvenile delinquency. Alfred A. Lama, (1899 -1984), a Democrat, was a New York State Assemblyman who represented the Brownsville section of Brooklyn for 30 years. He was also an architect for more than 50 years and maintained his architectural practice throughout his political career. Together, Mitchell and Lama sponsored the Mitchell-Lama housing law, which was passed in 1955. It allowed private developers and nonprofit organizations to receive tax abatements and low-interest mortgages, In return, the building owners agreed to limit their profits and keep rents low. The law led to the creation of more than 150,000 units of middle-income housing throughout the state. (Reynoso)
LL:2015/76