THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

OFFICE OF COUNCILMAN VINCENT GENTILE

CITY HALL
NEW YORK, NY 10007
(212) 788-7363
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
May 9, 2011

Contact: Dena Libner

(646) 335-3692

STATEMENT OF COUNCILMAN GENTILE ON

THE 2010 CENSUS UNDERCOUNTING SOUTH BROOKLYN

CITY HALL−The 2010 Census found that, since 2000, New York City’s population has
grown by a mere 2.1 percent, a figure that numerous elected officials have disputed.

The statistics pertaining to south Brooklyn and Astoria, Queens are even more
unbelievable. While a recount is not possible, the New York City Department of City
Planning plans to file a formal challenge in the coming months so that the U.S. Census
Bureau will formally investigate the possibility of a processing error.

“Any south Brooklynite will tell you that the 2010 Census statistics are plain wrong,”
Councilman Gentile said. “We know it from being a part of this community for years,
even decades, watching it develop and thrive, and living on the very streets that the
Census claims is filled with vacant properties.

“City Planning is standing up for our city, our neighborhood, and the federal funding we
receive by requesting a formal review of the numbers the U.S. Census Bureau reported in
south Brooklyn. I look forward to hearing the truth about the population growth our
community and borough saw over the past 10 years.”

The 2010 Census recorded 53 vacant housing units on 81st Street and 82nd Street between
3rd and 4th avenues – in 2000, only one vacancy was recorded on those blocks.

Additionally, vacancies were reported to have skyrocketed in Bensonhurst (up 248%),

Dyker Heights (319%) and Brighton Beach (143%).

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