QUEENS, NY — State Senator James Sanders Jr. convened residents, experts, and local leaders on Wednesday, June 24, for a highly attended Affordability Forum at the Rockaway YMCA, bringing together homeowners, renters, seniors, young families, and longtime Rockaway neighbors to confront the rising cost of living in Southeast Queens’ coastal communities.

The forum, themed “Saving the Earth, Saving a Dollar,” addressed the growing financial pressures facing District 10 residents — from home and flood insurance to energy bills, heating costs, and housing stability. Senator Sanders emphasized that affordability and climate resilience are deeply connected, noting that intensified storms, frequent flooding, and aging infrastructure continue to drive costs upward for coastal communities like the Rockaways.

“Government must meet people where they are,” Senator Sanders said. “Families in District 10 are feeling real financial strain, and this forum made clear just how urgently relief is needed.”

Local Leaders Echo Community Concerns

Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers underscored the link between climate resilience and affordability, stating, “Affordability and resilience must go hand in hand for coastal communities like the Rockaways.”

Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson highlighted ongoing issues with insurance criteria, credit scoring, and geographic pricing disparities that continue to burden Southeast Queens residents.

Experts Provide Tools, Answers, and Resources

The forum featured representatives from the New York Insurance Association, Consumer Reports, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, Con Edison, PSEG Long Island, and clean‑energy and climate‑resilience organizations. Together, they addressed:

• Home, flood, and auto insurance costs
• Electric and heating bills
• Climate‑driven expenses unique to coastal neighborhoods
• Programs that help families stay in their homes
• Tools for seniors on fixed incomes

Residents asked direct, urgent questions about rising premiums, flood‑zone costs, energy efficiency, and protections for seniors and longtime homeowners. Experts provided clarity, actionable steps, and resource connections.

Community Voices: What Residents and Partners Said

Chuck Bell, Consumer Reports: “New Yorkers are struggling with the high costs of auto and homeowners insurance, and this forum helps people connect with resources and strategies to get an affordable policy.”

Shaquille Williams, Center for NYC Neighborhoods: “Even one homeowner getting the right information makes outreach worthwhile.”

Jaiden Fox, Long Island Clean Energy Hub: “We’re always happy to support community initiatives and share valuable information with residents.”

Kevin Alexander, RDRC: “Today was a great meeting focusing on climate change and how it affects downtown Far Rockaway — from businesses to homeowners to energy issues. Far Rockaway should be one of the first communities considered for federal and state funding.”

A Call for Continued Investment and Action

Senator Sanders reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for climate‑resilient infrastructure, stronger flood protections, and fair insurance practices, ensuring the Rockaways are not left behind as environmental and economic conditions evolve.

He also addressed transportation concerns raised by residents, pledging continued advocacy for better A‑train service, expanded ferry access, and stronger bus networks — noting that improved transit directly expands opportunity.

Housing stability remains a priority as well. Senator Sanders highlighted efforts to expand home‑repair assistance, strengthen tenant protections, and support seniors and longtime homeowners facing rising costs.

A Community United

“I left the Affordability Forum encouraged — not because the challenges have disappeared, but because our community showed once again that we are strongest when we face them together,” Senator Sanders said. “This work continues, and my office will keep bringing experts, agencies, and advocates to the district so every family has the tools they need to stay afloat.”

The Affordability Forum marks a continued effort by Senator Sanders to bring resources directly to residents and build a more affordable, resilient, and hopeful future for District 10.