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A05785 Summary:

A05785 Actions:

A05785 Memo:

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION
 submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)



 
BILL NUMBER: A5785
 
SPONSOR: Cymbrowitz

 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the public housing law, in relation to
regulating the conveyance of certain public housing
 
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
 
The purpose of this bill is to protect the availability and affordabili-
ty of the New York City public housing stock.
 
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
 
Section one of the bill adds a new section 402-a, and renumbers current
sections 402-a and 402-b as sections 402-b and 402-c of the Public Hous-
ing Law. This bill would provide that any contract for the sale or
transfer of any real property owned or controlled by the New York City
Housing Authority (NYCHA) to a private entity must be approved by the
legislature.
 
 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
 
 
JUSTIFICATION:
 
Created in the 1930's, public housing projects were meant to be afforda-
ble homes for lower and middle class New Yorkers, now the buildings are
crumbling, there is a S168 million yearly operating deficit, and a
decade long waiting list. In light of such constant and deleterious
conditions, the notion of selling public housing seems to some to be a
plausible solution but it is at best an ill-advised alternative. The
need for additional affordable housing in New York City is undeniable;
however, the theory that supports the sale of current property for the
creation of new housing in poorer neighborhoods is elitist and separa-
tist. Such a plan would further the economic divide which the current
housing market can potentially spurn if allowed to grow without balances
and mechanisms such as the review and oversight this legislation
envisions.
 
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
 
2016: A.3753 - Referred to Housing.
2015: A.3573  Referred to Housing.
2014:  A.4059- Referred to Housing.
2013: A.4059 -Referred to Housing.
2012: A.621- Referred to Housing.
2011: A.621 - Referred to Housing.
2010: A.1468- Referred to Housing.
2009: A.1468- Referred to Housing.
2008: A.9531- Referred to Housing.
2007: A.9531 -Referred to Housing.
 
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
 
None.
 
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to any contract
for the sale or transfer or real property to a private entity by the New
York City housing authority on or after such date.