Thursday, November 09, 2006

TOWN BD MEETS TILL 2:04am-TENANTS, FAIRVIEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT COMPANY STILL NEGOTIATING TERMS

The Greenburgh Town Board broke all records last night -- our meeting ended at 2:04 AM. We started the meeting at 7:15 PM. A number of tenants who reside at 90 & 100 Manhattan Ave, 33 Oak Street attended the Town Board to express concern about a proposal to convey the apartments from the current owners to Fairview Housing development Fund Company.
Tenants are concerned that the proposal could result in substantial rent hikes for some of the tenants. They also expressed concern that the proposal relies on enhanced vouchers keeping apartments for some tenants affordable. However, there are no guarantees that the enhanced voucher program will be continued by the federal government.If the program is discontinued those who had vouchers could see significant rent hikes. We are trying to figure out ways to protect tenants who live in affordable housing from having to face significant rent hikes - which could force them out of their homes. We also want to make sure that the landlord can't evict tenants without cause.
The Town Board met with the applicant, tenants, and agreed to continue negotiating the terms of an agreement. A special meeting has been called for Tuesday at 8 PM. We will be asking tenants to meet and provide the Town Board with their recommendations prior to our vote.
I am pleased that the tenants are being consulted --and are partnering with the Town Board in the decision making process. One tenant indicated that he is so worried about the proposal "that he is losing sleep." It's important that tenants impacted by the proposal see government as their friend - and that they recognize that we're not going to give special treatment to a for profit making business unless it's advantageous to the tenants.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

1. I think we should reach out to N. Lowey -- or an aid -- and ask what her prognosis for the enhanced Section 8 program is. Is current funding on a year by year basis? What is year for federal government? How do position the Manhattan-Fairveiw tenants as best as possible? Once a tenant is in the program, what happens?

2. With Democrats in congress, this program should be in better shape.

3. I think we should try to have sale of buildings be subject to some type of option for tenants to purchase -- esp if congress comes out with new mortgage program for affordable housing.

I can appreciate that this is a terrible prospect for the tenants, but I do not see how the Town can give property tax relief without setting standards. There has to be a requirement for tenants to document income. Otherwise how do we insure that all federal programs are fully availed of. If the tenants income are so high that they are not eligible for the Federal Section 8 programs, then the rents as shown in the NY Journal News are not so high. Even if tenants have large increase -- those rents are still much lower than many others in Town are paying.

Anonymous said...

How is any of this landlord-tenant stuff a matter of town government?

Anonymous said...

Agree -- why is this Town matter?

Also -- Feiner comment re

We also want to make sure that the landlord can't evict tenants without cause.

Arent there laws to protect tenants???

Anonymous said...

I was so pleased that Supervisor Feiner pushed to delay the vote last night. I understand that the tax breaks to the owners of the building might not be necessary anymore. Good work!

Anonymous said...

I understand that the law requires the town to approve the sale of the building. This is a town matter. It is also important that the Town Board protect the tenants against significant rent hikes if the approvals are granted.

Anonymous said...

Why do these tenants deserve protection against rent hikes? They should apply for Section 8.

Otherwise, the town should set standards for everyone.

Anonymous said...

This was always affordable housing. The building has benefitted from tax breaks for decades.

Anonymous said...

Ok -- so it had breaks before

big deal

doesnt mean they should continue

Anonymous said...

It probably won't continue. At the Town Board meeting this week it was announced that the applicant says he doesn't need the tax breaks anymore.

Anonymous said...

So this was just one more example of the Town giving away money needlessly?

Anonymous said...

One reason why Supervisor Feiner's decision to delay the vote was good policy. No unnecessary tax give aways.

Anonymous said...

One reason why Supervisor Feiner's decision to delay the vote was good policy. No unnecessary tax give aways.

Anonymous said...

Glad that the Supervisor prevented the town from giving away taxe breaks to a private business owner. Good fiscal oversight - kudo's!