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PODCAST: We Speak to Emily Sharpe, Candidate for the 26th District Council Seat

Feb 18, 2021 By Christian Murray

Nearly 20 candidates have come forward to run in June’s Democratic primary to represent the 26th Council District– a seat currently held by the term-limited Jimmy Van Bramer.

In today’s podcast, we talk to Emily Sharpe who is one of those candidates vying for the seat that covers Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City and a portion of Astoria.

Sharpe is a long-time Sunnyside resident who lives in the neighborhood with her husband and son.

In 2018, Sharpe formed the coalition “Stop Sunnyside Yards,” where she successfully rallied to block Mayor de Blasio’s proposal to build a platform over the tracks and develop the area.

Sharpe is a public interest attorney who provides legal services to low-income clients. She is a graduate of CUNY Law School.

In the podcast, Sharpe discusses how she opposed Amazon coming to Long Island City, saying that it would have exacerbated the housing crisis since it would have led to an influx of wealthy workers.

She also expresses her opposition to Phipps Houses’ affordable housing development on Barnett Avenue in Sunnyside. Sharpe says that the units are not truly affordable, and argues that the developer’s track record as a landlord is poor.

For more information on Sharpe, click on her campaign website at emilyforcitycouncil.com