Cuomo names new head of housing agency

Brooklyn Assembly member Darryl Towns was appointed to serve as Commissioner and CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today. Under the consolidation of New York state housing programs, the commissioner also serves as chief executive of the state’s major housing and community renewal agencies, including the Housing Finance Agency and State of New York Mortgage Agency. Since 1992, Towns has represented the 54th Assembly District in Brooklyn. During his tenure, he spearheaded the Anchor Program, which helped boost commercial revitalization in residential communities throughout the city and supported the increase of newly constructed housing developments. “Towns is a dedicated public servant who certainly fits the bill,” Cuomo said. Steven Spinola, president of Real Estate Board of New York, agreed. “Not only has Assemblyman Towns been a dedicated representative for his district, but he knows the challenges that New York state faces in providing affordable housing to its residents,” Spinola said. “I am confident that he will apply the same work ethic and commitment to HCR that he did in the Assembly.” TRD