Nassau Standard

Lawmakers and the governor in New York State are acknowledging the lack of affordable housing in the region. In response to this pressing issue, Senate Republicans have put forward a plan that includes implementing eligibility requirements for rent-stabilized apartments. Senator Jack Martins elaborated on this aspect, stating, "When those units come up for renewal, if they are earning more than the area median income, they’re asked to vacate and make room for somebody else."

Another critical component of the proposed legislation aims to address squatting. Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick outlined the importance of legal remedies to remove squatters from properties, emphasizing, "The bill that I’ve proposed is going to allow legal remedies to get these squatters out of the property and not treat them as tenants simply because they have wrongly approached this property, moved in, and now the landlord can’t get them out."

Additionally, Senate Republicans are advocating for the reinstatement of 421a, a tax incentive for new housing projects in New York City. However, Assemblymember Anna Kelles expressed a differing viewpoint, emphasizing the need for tenant protections alongside such incentives. Kelles highlighted, "I would just simply say I don’t think that should be considered without also including tenant protections."

Kelles also proposed the inclusion of a housing access voucher program in the final state budget to address the lengthy waiting lists for housing assistance programs. She explained, "That one is similar to Section 8 housing, but we have across the state two, three, four, I’ve heard in some areas five-year waiting lists for Section 8 housing. This would create a sister program and augment and help people get into housing."

The discussions surrounding affordable housing initiatives in New York State are crucial, with the final budget set to be decided next week.