Putting People in the Room: Barry Grodenchik's Political Journey

Barry Grodenchik, from his childhood in Pomonok Houses public housing to his terms as State Assemblyman and NYC Council Member, maintained a deep connection to the communities he served, particularly the co-op and condo owners of Eastern Queens.

Our conversation weaves through the major housing challenges facing New York's shared residential communities over the past three decades. Grodenchik details how Queens officials worked to save approximately 20,000 housing units during a major co-op crisis in the late 1980s, when buildings converted from rental to co-op status found themselves financially underwater. This required bringing stakeholders together in person—a leadership approach Grodenchik sees diminishing in today's digital-first political environment.

Particularly revealing is Grodenchik's discussion of the Climate Mobilization Act and its impact on co-ops and condos. When meeting with city officials about the legislation's effect on garden apartments, he encountered staff members who had to Google what garden apartments were, despite crafting regulations that would dramatically affect them. This disconnect between policymakers and residents continues to create challenges for shared housing communities across the city.

Beyond policy discussions, Grodenchik shares memorable personal stories, including his friendship with Governor Mario Cuomo and his proudest achievements securing nearly $300 million for schools in his district. Perhaps most telling is his commitment to constituent services at every scale—from major housing initiatives to ensuring a child with special needs could attend the Thanksgiving Day Parade each year.

What resonates most from our conversation is Grodenchik's philosophy that effective governance comes from bringing people together face-to-face and focusing on tangible results over publicity. "There's too many press conferences now," he observes, "and not enough action."

Listen to this episode for an insider's view of how New York's cooperative and condominium landscape has evolved through decades of crisis and change, guided by leaders who understood the profound importance of home.