#9 Cody Hamblin
Rochdale Village isn't simply where I live - it's the community that has been my lifelong home. As a second-generation resident who has spent more than four decades here, with approximately 25 members of my extended family living throughout Rochdale, the decisions we make affect my neighbors, my family, and a community that has shaped who I am.
I was appointed to the Board of Directors and am proud to now serve as Third Vice President, working alongside a new Board majority committed to changing Rochdale's direction. We inherited significant financial and operational challenges, including circumstances that contributed to a carrying charge increase of more than 30 percent. Residents demanded greater accountability, and our work has focused on strengthening oversight and ensuring Rochdale never again falls into the financial circumstances that led to such a substantial increase.
That work has included bringing in new management and new General Counsel, strengthening HCR compliance and reporting, and advancing long-delayed projects such as the Building 11 facade work toward completion. Despite the challenges we continue to work through, there will be no carrying charge increase this fiscal year.
The Board has also spearheaded efforts to address Rochdale's longstanding water debt. With significant assistance from District 28 Council Member Ty Hankerson, we reached an agreement with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection that provides a path toward resolving this issue and can result in more than $4.4 million in accrued interest being forgiven. This demonstrates the importance of building strong relationships with local government and working together on behalf of Rochdale residents.
We are equally focused on generating new revenue. The Board approved agreements bringing Tesla and Bojangles to Rochdale Village, with both expected to open in the near future. These and other commercial opportunities will transform our commercial landscape while creating revenue for our cooperative for years to come.
Accountability also means confronting unresolved issues from the past. We are reviewing a legacy land transaction involving Rochdale property to determine our rights and ensure Rochdale receives everything it is entitled to under that agreement.
Transparency remains one of my personal priorities. I helped establish the first-ever General Counsel's Corner in the Rochdale Village Bulletin, giving shareholders an opportunity to submit questions and receive answers directly from General Counsel.
My career in New York City government, including service with the Department of Sanitation, NYPD, and Department of Environmental Protection, along with my education in Urban Studies, Public Administration and Policy, Business Administration, and Computer Science, has prepared me for the responsibility of public and community service.
We have made meaningful progress, but our work is not finished. I respectfully ask for your support for another term so I can continue working to protect affordability, strengthen accountability and transparency, generate new revenue, and help build the stable and prosperous future Rochdale Village deserves.