The board voted to freeze existing rents for six months before increasing rates for the remaining half of the year, what some members described as a compromise between what tenants and landlords had each been pushing for. The new rules will take effect Oct. 1.
Residents of low- to middle-income communities of color have resisted various neighborhood-level land use applications which they say will fuel gentrification and increase rents.
The event, hosted by NBC New York, Telemundo and Politico, featured slightly different questions than many of those asked in previous debates. Of course, ardent debate watchers will note that many of the candidates’ answers were not exactly new, but the format did elicit some interesting moments.
Borough presidents have few real powers, but they do have a role in rezonings and development because they make advisory recommendations as part of the land use review.
Homeless New Yorkers have been bracing for a return to the barracks-style shelters for months. Nonprofit providers and DHS began sending letters as early as March urging homeless hotel residents to discard excess belongings to comply with a “two-bag policy” at shelters.
‘This legislation demonstrates to workers across the state, especially immigrant and non-union workers, that they are valued. These workers put everything on the line in support of our state’s ability to make it through the pandemic and we cannot continue to fail them.’
The 40 or so families living at the Hotel Ellington in Manhattan, where the city has been paying for rooms to house homeless New Yorkers for nearly two decades, were told late last month they would have to move. “I’m tired of moving,” one tenant said.
‘Ensuring every New York City neighborhood has the same access and quality of life—whether you’re in Brownsville or the Upper West Side—will require a fair and comprehensive planning process.’
‘Many vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness or in need of other services are shuttled into the criminal justice system in a cruel and costly revolving door, often leaving them rightfully distrustful of social services providers.’
A 2005 media event promised more affordability than what’s been produced. The next mayor may face tough decisions, as 876 more income-linked units must be built in four years.