STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that Deborah VanAmerongen, Commissioner of the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), will resign her position.
Governor Paterson issued the following statement:
"During her many years of public service, Deborah VanAmerongen has served the people of New York State with distinction, and never more so than as Commissioner of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal. Under her leadership, DHCR became a national leader in recognizing and successfully addressing the crises created by the collapse of the housing and credit markets.
"Deborah has helped to author landmark legislation and implement new programs to protect tenants, revitalize communities and help thousands of families avoid the pain of foreclosure. Deborah has also worked closely with the owners and developers of affordable housing, providing assistance and incentives that led to the development and preservation of tens of thousands of units of affordable housing for low and middle income families, elderly and disabled New Yorkers.
"Perhaps her greatest achievement is helping to negotiate the recently-completed refinancing of Starrett City, which will keep nearly 6,000 households affordable for an additional 30 years.
"I sincerely thank Commissioner VanAmerongen for her many years of service to New York State and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors."
Commissioner VanAmerongen said: "It has been an honor to serve as Commissioner of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and to work with its staff of dedicated and committed professionals. I feel especially fortunate to have served under Governor Paterson, a strong proponent of affordable housing who truly understands that the programs DHCR administers can transform lives, families and whole communities in a very positive way."
Commissioner VanAmerongen's resignation becomes effective on Jan 15, 2010.