Clinton Lauds Housing Pact For Starrett City

Senator Clinton, accompanied by a small army of elected officials, rallied at Starrett City in Brooklyn yesterday to celebrate an agreement that will preserve its "affordable" housing.

The press conference was a victory parade of sorts for the officials, who arranged a deal whereby Starrett City — the country's largest federally subsidized housing complex — will remain affordable to poor and middle-class families after it is sold to a real estate developer. Congress added the finishing touch last week when it approved a housing bill necessary to complete the agreement.

"You're looking at people who took on the challenge of making sure that Starrett City was here, not just for you, but for future generations, and that we would continue to provide affordable housing in Brooklyn and in New York," Mrs. Clinton said.

The event was also attended by Reps. Edolphus Towns and Anthony Weiner, Assemblyman Vito Lopez, and the president of Brooklyn, Marty Markowitz. The officials praised Mr. Towns, whom they credited with championing the deal. He is running for re-election in the fall.

The press conference represented a return to business as usual for Mrs. Clinton, but she still exhibited some star power when a crowd of Starrett City residents rushed her for autographs.