Candidate Name: Yan Xiong

Office Campaigning for: NY 10 Congress

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR POSITION ON THE ROLE OF PUBLIC GREEN SPACES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES.

After 2 harrowing years that bounded us within the walls of our own homes, we've finally returned to our new version of normalcy. Green spaces in our communities, whether the gardens of our own homes or the beautiful mini-farms constructed in our public spaces, have and will continue to prove integral to our transition. The breath of freshness they bring and their ability to enhance the atmosphere of a neighborhood prove more than worthy of our time and efforts to ensure their preservation and continuation for years to come.

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR POSITION ON HOW THE CITY PRIORITIZES PUBLIC OPEN GREEN SPACE AND HOW COMMUNITY GARDENS ARE OFTEN PITTED AGAINST THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Open green spaces continue to be at the bottom of the list when discussing the priorities of our city and local governments. We are failing our children by not increasing the number of green spaces readily available in our communities. Though the concerns of affordable housing entities are pressing for the low-income families seeking refuge, we must also work together to prioritize the concerns of the local community who are courageously advocating for green spaces, not only to beautify their area but to teach their children the value in "greening" their neighborhoods.

HAVE YOU EVER VISITED ELIZABETH STREET GARDEN? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE.

When given the time, I'd take my children to the gardens, and the pure joy on their faces is all the reasoning one would need to show their support for a beaming point of pride for this neighborhood institution.

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE ALTERNATIVE SITE SOLUTION THAT WOULD USE 388 HUDSON — A GRAVEL- FILLED, CITY-OWNED LOT — TO PROVIDE UP TO 5X THE AMOUNT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND ADDITIONAL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE WHILE SAVING ELIZABETH STREET GARDEN?

I am in support of this proposal, and it seems to be the more sensible solution that diverts housing units for the family that are in need of them while preserving the gardens for years to come.

ESG IS CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN TWO LAWSUITS TO SAVE THE GARDEN. ONE TO STOP HPD'S ATTEMPT TO EVICT THE GARDEN AND THE OTHER WITHIN STATE SUPREME COURT LED BY ATTORNEY NORMAN SIEGEL. IF THE ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED BEFORE THE CHANGE OF OFFICE, ONCE IN OFFICE, HOW WOULD YOU WORK WITH ESG TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE ELIZABETH STREET GARDEN?

As your representative in Congress, I'd work within the budgeting and preservation processes to divert necessary funding for the gardens. The Elizabeth Street Gardens have been neglected for too long, and as a candidate who strives to do the work of my constituents, I will exhaust my legislative powers to ensure its preservation.

IF ELECTED, WOULD YOU SUPPORT ESG'S PLAN TO SAVE THE GARDEN AS A CONSERVATION LAND TRUST? PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW ESG'S FUTURE PLANS FOR SAVING THE GARDEN AS A CONSERVATION LAND TRUST HERE: HTTPS://WWW.ELIZABETHSTREETGARDEN.COM/CLT

Yes

IF YOU ANSWERED "NO" TO THE ABOVE QUESTION, PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY.

N/A

IF ELECTED, WOULD YOU COMMIT TO SAVING ELIZABETH STREET GARDEN IN PERPETUITY?

Yes

IF YOU ANSWERED "NO" TO THE ABOVE QUESTION, PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY.

N/A