Starrett City residents celebrated a major victory in the fight to maintain affordable housing Monday night.

The federal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development blocked the sale of Starrett City to Clipper Equity. Clipper planned to purchase the 46-building complex for more than $1 billion. Residents expressed their excitement and relief at the secretary's decision to veto the transaction.

However, many believe the fight to keep Starrett City affordable isn't over. Some advocates would like New York to pass legislation preventing any prospective buyers from opting out of the Mitchell Lama Program.

Related Information: HUD strikes down Starrett City sale to developer Hope on the horizon for Starrett City advocates