Candidate Name: Helen Qiu

Office Campaigning for: New York City Council, District 1

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

As the daughter of a green-space advocate mother, I am deeply committed to deliver green spaces in our public landscape in New York City. Three years ago, I created a genuine video that SAVED the green garden in Grand Houses in Harlem. At the time, the city has already SENT construction crew to measure the space, planning to make it a parking lot. I sent the video to the Community Board meeting, after viewing the video, I flipped the entire Community Board from leaning to vote for the parking lot to an unanimous support to save the green garden. Not only that, my advocacy touched many people's heart and I was able to raise over $500 within a week for the garden. Since then, it has been three years, no one EVER mentioned converting the garden to a parking lot any more. Please refer to my video here: https://youtu.be/T4OyX2yjHCk I am deeply concerned about Elizabeth Street Garden's needs. I will help SAVE Elizabeth Street Garden just like how I saved the green garden in Grand Houses. I love ESG.

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.

The City need to understand that providing housing affordable does not need to sacrifice healthy living. Green space is the Sabbath of a crowded city. With expertise in civil engineering, affordable housing and green spaces will become mutually complementary components for a beautiful city. I have Master's degree in engineering and worked as a senior level engineering program manager in Silicon Valley where I bring a team of different departments to work on a successful multi-million-dollar project. I am committed to help ESG to raise funds, get greater visibility and support in the City. Your endorsement is crucial for my successful race for the City Council.

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

Yes, many times. Both my son and I love it. We have always been most impressed by the sculptures, which is uniquely ESG among neighborhood gardens. They took us back to topics of mythology and history, providing us a feeling of "other-worldly". Both my son and I have volunteered in the "chicken garden" near Columbia University for over ten years. We have not volunteered in ESG yet, but would love to do so if you may give us an opportunity. My mom will surely give us two thumbs up.

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 puzzled why the City denied the proposal as a viable solution. The City has MANY methods and ways that can BOTH provide affordable housing and SAVE Elizabeth Street Garden and even build more neighborhood small gardens. But we need engineering knowledge and skills to achieve the task. I am the ONLY candidate who has an engineering background. I believe I can deliver what ESG needs, and what our city needs. I hope your endorsement will be a shining star that builds trust both during my campaign, and more importantly, when I take office.

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 THE APPELLATE DIVISION OF THE 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?

Margret Chin is foolish for not able to look at affordable housing and neighborhood garden space systematically because she does not own the expertise to do achieve BOTH. In reality, she did not deliver either. Her methods wasted so much public energy and funding while accomplish nothing. I am a Chinese, but I am not Margret Chin. I have MANY proposals that will provide senior housing. But I will also provide GOOD senior housing. Beautiful and accessible neighborhood green space is crucial for happy senior living.

IF ELECTED, WILL YOU PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR 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.

I answered yes, but I would like to take this space to say a few more words. I have helped protect Grand Houses Garden three years ago and since then there has never a mention to take away the garden any more by the City. I believe it is to the community's best interest to protect ESG and put this topic to rest.

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

Yes

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

Yes. I will work with many different parties and organizations in public and private sectors to save Elizabeth Street Garden. God bless you, my beloved ESG!