Government

Amen to New Housing? Faith-Based Development Bill Looks to Secure Legislative Blessing

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While lawmakers continue to negotiate housing initiatives and tenant protections in Albany, supporters of the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act are positioning the bill as one of the state’s best shots at passing meaningful housing legislation this year. “It’s hard to put your guard up when it’s the neighborhood church saying we want to build,” sponsor Andrew Gounardes told City Limits.

Government

Renewed Scrutiny for City’s Deadline Policy as Number of Immigrants in Shelter Declines

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The number of newly arrived immigrants now in the city’s care is around 64,000, down from more than 69,000 in mid-January—what City Hall has attributed in part to shelter deadlines. A bill in the City Council would end the controversial policy, which critics say has forced people into precarious situations: sleeping on the streets, on the floors of churches and in unsafe settings.

Government
skycrapers

Local Law 97’s ‘Mediated Resolution’ Clause Gives Too Much Leeway for Exemptions, Lawyers Say

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The Dept. of Buildings has the power to offer a mediated resolution to landlords who don’t comply with the city’s building emissions law, bypassing fines if they promise to get back on track. But lawyers fear the provision leaves the door open for DOB to evoke it too freely, and question whether the agency has the staff capacity to monitor such deals.

Bronx
Collapsed bronx building

Opinion: Bronx Building Collapse is a Wake-Up Call

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“It will happen again. It’s not a matter of if, but when. The average building age in New York City is around 90 years, and we’re grappling with a shortage of building inspectors as well as an ongoing housing crisis—giving building owners little to no incentive to address violations.”