From rent regulations renewal in Albany to decisions about the future of NYCHA to the roll-out of the mayor’s plan for 200,000 units of subsidized housing, 2015 will see a crucial test of efforts to keep New York affordable. All City Limits reporting on New York’s housing crisis is supported by the Charles H. Revson Foundation.
The state came through with $100 million for capital work. The feds are sending $3 billion for Sandy repairs and resiliency work. Now, if the authority can find another $18 billion, they’re in business.
Mayor de Blasio promises to follow up on campaign promises and bring planning closer to the community. But he’ll face obstacles delivering on those vows.
For months now discussion of the details of rent-regulation renewal has been set aside until “after the budget.” Word that the framework of a budget deal is in place in Albany might finally clear the way for brass-talks talk. Or not.
The housing authority ranks buildings’ repair needs on a scale of 1 to 5. Five is the worst—and it applies to fully a quarter of NYCHA’s buildings.
Mitchell-Lama co-op owners bought their units when the buildings were subsidized for affordability. Now some debate whether it’s right sell those apartments for lucrative market prices.
Deep repair needs and an alluring private market are pushing the mostly middle-class complexes toward the open market, eroding a bulwark of affordability.
The New York State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit is underfunded, oversubscribed and full of potential to help address the housing crisis.
Advocates want $492 million from firms including Bank of America (being “exorcised” of toxic loans by Rev. Billy Talen, above) spent on housing programs. The governor has other uses in mind. A similar dispute in California ended up in court.
A local activist writes that the local housing crisis is part of a global trend fomented by multinational companies. Until they’re resisted, the de Blasio administration’s housing plan is unlikely to succeed.
When NYCHA’s chair met with residents there were questions about failing radiators, missing kitchen sinks … and whether, a year into his administration, Mayor de Blasio is accountable for NYCHA’s maintenance woes?
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