RyeCity REVIEW THE
May 19, 2023 | Vol. 10, Number 20 | www.ryecityreview.com
‘YOFF SEASON!
The Section 1 baseball playoffs kicked off this week. Check inside for the first-round results of our local teams. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
BOL passes landmark access to counsel bill The Westchester County Board of Legislators passed a landmark Access to Counsel bill, offering legal representation to households facing eviction and other covered proceedings whose annual income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty-line or 60% of the county’s Area Median Income (AMI), whichever is higher. The bill was approved by unanimous vote on Monday night. Across the country, a number of jurisdictions have enacted Access to Counsel laws, otherwise known as Right to Counsel, ensuring tenants facing eviction proceedings are provided with an attorney. This law provides for access to legal representation for tenants facing eviction and/or specified covered proceedings, including challenges to an unlawful rent increase, instances where a tenant has been illegally locked out by their landlord, and tenants seeking the restoration of essential services. The law is a critical step towards creating a more just and equitable society, particularly for those who have historically been forced to navigate the complexities of housing court without legal representation.
Vice Chair Nancy Barr highlighted the importance of ensuring fairness and justice for all tenants, regardless of their income or background. “For too long, low-income tenants have faced a legal system that is stacked against them, leaving them vulnerable to displacement and homelessness,” said Barr. “Homelessness leads to other problems, such as joblessness, disruptions in children’s education, and stigma. Programs that provide legal counsel to low income tenants have proven to be very successful in keeping people in their homes.” With the end of the eviction moratorium in early 2022, eviction filings in New York State have climbed sharply, leaving tens of thousands of tenants without legal representation. Despite warnings from housing advocates and legal professionals, the state has yet to adopt a statewide Right to Counsel law, leaving vulnerable communities at risk of displacement and homelessness. This is where Westchester’s bill bridges the divide. From 2020 to 2021, New York was able to hold off a sharp increase in
evictions with rental assistance programs and the eviction moratorium. However, with the end of the moratorium, the New York State Unified Court System sped up the processes leading to a significant rise in eviction filings. This has left many struggling tenants facing eviction without the legal support they need. The Access to Counsel bill establishes an Office of Housing Counsel. Once a director is hired, they will have six months to establish a plan to provide eligible tenants with legal assistance at no cost. With access to legal support, tenants will be better equipped to navigate the complex housing court process and defend their rights. Majority Leader Christopher Johnson saidd, “The passage of an Access to Counsel bill is not just a legal victory, but a moral imperative. It is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and just society, particularly for vulnerable communities who have historically been denied access to legal representation. By providing a level playing field, we can empower individuals when they need it most.”
Hochul opens $150M Mid-Hudson fund grant app Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday the opening of the $150 million Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund grant application for mixed-use housing and infrastructure projects throughout the Mid-Hudson Region. This initiative will help communities meet growing infrastructure needs in light of the recent, region-wide population increase brought on by the pandemic. The fund implemented by Empire State Development represents a major commitment to increase the housing supply to meet growing demand and invest in key infrastructure projects in the region. Hochul previously announced the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund in February 2023. “With its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural treasures, the Mid-Hudson region has long been a crown jewel for our state that has welcomed new residents and visitors for years,” Hochul said. “As the region continues to see an increase in population and visitors alike, the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund will help communities address critical needs such as affordable and equitable housing and growing local infrastructure to make sure this region can continue to serve as a destination for families, workers, businesses and tourists.” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “It is imperative that we strategically address the growing demand for housing and infrastructure improvements throughout the Mid-Hudson Region. With informed input from our Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, this program will help to address and accommodate the surge of interest in this amazing area and help to sustain the region’s growth well into the future.” Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester and Dr. Kristine Young, president of SUNY Orange said, “Since the pandemic, we have welcomed thousands of new residents to our region which has exacerbated the demand for housing and
upgrades to the existing local infrastructure. The Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund will help address these needs and we look forward to ensuring approved projects are consistent with the goals and priorities of the region.” The Mid-Hudson Region has become a top destination for both tourists and new permanent residents, with more than 33,000 new residents moving to the region over the past two years alone. With regional housing stock availability of less than one percent last year, there is a pressing need for new development to support the influx of residents. The Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund will support mixed-use housing and infrastructure projects that will have lasting impacts in the region and that are consistent with the strategic goals and priorities of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council’s strategic plan. This includes projects that have garnered community support, will result in increased affordable housing, leverage non-state investment, are financially sound, and can begin quickly. $150 million will be available for specific projects over a period of five years and will be split evenly between mixed-use housing projects and infrastructure projects. Awards will range from $2.5 million to $10 million per project and a minimum match of 50 percent will be required from non-state funding sources. Funds can be used for construction, expansion, and the rehabilitation of facilities, equipment and machinery, infrastructure and site development, and design and engineering related to construction. Eligible applicants include not-for-profits, municipalities, public benefit corporations including IDAs and LDCs and for-profit companies. Submissions are due by July 28, at 4 p.m. to be reviewed by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council shortly thereafter. Applications that are received after July 28, 2023 will be reviewed by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council on a quarterly basis.