Legislative Update January/February 2022
Governor Hochul announces $539 million homeowner assistance fund
On Monday, December 6th, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State will be the first state in the country to receive U.S. Department of Treasury’s approval to launch its Homeowner Assistance Fund, which will provide up to $539 million in federal funding to help eligible homeowners avert mortgage delinquency, default, foreclosure, and displacement. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. Read more here.
Congressman Tom Suozzi announces run for governor
Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of Long Island announced that he is running for New York Governor. Rep. Suozzi is the third Democrat to officially enter the race. Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams have already announced their candidacies. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio is also exploring a run. Read more here.
Bethlehem extends building moratorium, grants affordable housing waiver
The Bethlehem Town Board extended a 12-month moratorium on large residential land use applications for six additional months to provide more time to update the suburban town’s comprehensive plan. The board separately approved a waiver exempting the developer of a proposed affordable housing complex in Selkirk from the moratorium because of concerns further delays would jeopardize $15 million in state tax credits for the project.
The moratorium is now in place until June 8.
Albany landlords sue over ‘good cause’ eviction law
Three landlords and companies associated with them are suing the city over “good cause” eviction legislation passed earlier this year. The lawsuit filed last month alleges that the legislation, Local Law F, violates several state laws that limit local government involvement in regulating rent and evictions. It also alleges that the city violated a process set out in the state law regarding rent stabilization.
The lawsuit takes issue with several sections in the law, including limits on what allows a landlord to seek eviction and caps on rent increases. Led by Deborah Pusatere, president of the New York Capital Region Apartment Association, the lawsuit asks a judge to issue an injunction preventing the city from enforcing the law and declare it void.