New York City Council
Committee on Housing and Buildings
Mar 06, 2024
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 26 min
Summary
A hearing on the 2023 Housing and Vacancy Survey's recent findings, illuminating New York City's exacerbating housing crisis with a vacancy rate at a historic low of 1.4%. Deliberations revolved around the essential function of rent regulation in protecting tenants, the impacts of housing shortages on affordability, homelessness, and the need for a multi-pronged strategy addressing supply, tenant protection, and affordability through income supports and vouchers. Features testimony from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), legal service and tenant advocacy groups, and the public.
Meeting chapters
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Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez Opens Public Hearing on the 2023 Housing and Vacancy Survey
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez, chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings, initiates the public hearing on the 2023 Housing and Vacancy Survey, emphasizing the urgency of addressing New …
0:00:43
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4 min
Ahmed Tigan on the 2023 New York City Housing And Vacancy Survey Findings and Their Impact on Housing Policy
Ahmed Tigan, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, testifies on the 2023 New York City Housing And Vacancy Survey findings and their implications for …
0:05:37
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3 min
Elyzabeth Gaumer, Chief Research Officer at the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development on the 2023 New York City Housing And Vacancy Survey Findings
Elyzabeth Gaumer provides an in-depth analysis of the 2023 New York City Housing And Vacancy Survey findings, including the critical housing shortage and the changing income dynamics of New York …
0:08:43
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14 min
What does the 1.4 percent vacancy rate signify for New York City's housing crisis, and how does its composition affect the situation?
Ahmed Tigan and Elyzabeth Gaumer address the implications of a 1.4 percent vacancy rate in NYC, pointing to a worsened housing crisis with severe impacts on low-income households, and stress …
0:23:52
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5 min
How is the vacancy rate survey conducted by NYC's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)?
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) utilizes a detailed survey methodology to gauge housing vacancy rates, ensuring a representative sample across various housing types. - A statistical …
0:28:59
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3 min
How is the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development addressing affordability for earners below $25,000? What is the status of Section 8 voucher expansion?
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is addressing housing affordability through a variety of means, emphasizing a focus on rent-regulated stock, new housing construction targeted …
0:32:32
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8 min
How is the administration addressing housing needs for low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers?
Ahmed Tigan explains that the administration uses programs like the Sara and Ella term sheets to address housing needs for low-income and vulnerable populations, including seniors, and is considering increasing …
0:41:22
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4 min
What steps is the administration taking to protect tenants and ensure balanced representation on the Rent Guidelines Board?
The administration is enforcing laws, investing in inspector corps, and introducing initiatives like the Tenant Protection Cabinet to safeguard tenants. - HPD enforces tenant protection laws and has rebuilt its …
0:46:18
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4 min
How have the numbers of vacant and available versus vacant and not available apartments changed in New York City?
Elyzabeth Gaumer confirms a net increase in occupied units in New York City, explaining that households have moved into newly available units or those previously off-market, resulting in high occupancy …
0:50:30
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66 sec
Where are high-earning newcomers moving to in New York City?
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is analyzing data for geographic detail on where newcomers earning over $200,000 annually are moving but has yet to share specific …
0:51:37
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43 sec
What is the total number of unavailable housing units in NYC?
In 2023, 230,000 housing units in NYC are unavailable for rent, marking a significant decrease from 353,000 units in 2021. - The decrease reflects a one-third reduction in unavailable units …
0:52:47
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176 sec
How can the 230,000 offline housing units in NYC be activated?
Efforts to activate the 230,000 offline housing units in New York City are addressed, highlighting the complexity of the issue due to various reasons units remain off the market. - …
0:55:44
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82 sec
How is information on offline housing units versus those being activated categorized?
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) breaks down reasons for housing units being offline or in the process of activation, detailing 16 different reasons in their report. …
0:57:05
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38 sec
How do recent rent regulation laws and the Supreme Court's decision support housing stability in NYC?
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) outlines strategies reinforcing housing stability and tenant protections, affirming the positive impact of recent rent regulation laws. - HPD utilizes various …
0:57:43
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3 min
How does rent regulation impact occupancy, home improvements, and the availability of rent-stabilized units?
Data shows that rent regulation has not negatively affected occupancy rates or the availability of rent-stabilized units, and improvements are being made. - Occupancy in rent-stabilized units has increased, with …
1:01:22
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3 min
How does the occupancy rate of units previously unavailable compare between 2021 and 2023?
The Chief Research Officer of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development does not have immediate access to historical data comparing the occupancy rates of previously unavailable units but …
1:05:06
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82 sec
What are the trends between rent stabilized units built before and after 1974?
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is beginning analysis on trends between rent stabilized units built before and after 1974, but a comprehensive comparison is not yet available. …
1:06:28
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3 min
How is HPD assisting owners with renovations to bring units back to the market?
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is actively assisting owners in renovating units to bring them back to the market. - In 2023, 30% of all units …
1:09:36
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5 min
Why did the number of units held vacant for 12 months or more decrease by almost half from 2021 to 2023?
NYC reports a significant decrease in units held vacant for 12 months or longer, prompting a request for analysis. - Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez points out a reduction from …
1:15:34
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58 sec
How does the NYC Housing and Vacancy Survey differ from the American Community Survey (ACS) regarding demographic information?
Chief Research Officer Elyzabeth Gaumer clarifies that the New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey (NYCHVS) does not utilize American Community Survey (ACS) data and outlines the differences between the …
1:16:33
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3 min
How do the HBS findings relate to the 2022 ACS findings regarding NYC's population and housing?
Elyzabeth Gaumer discusses the relationship between Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS) findings and 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) data, explaining the distinction between households and population counts, and the trend of …
1:19:58
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151 sec
What is the current status of the Unlocking Doors program and its impact on vacant unit rehabilitation?
The Unlocking Doors program is still in its pilot phase with only one application received, indicating limited immediate impact on vacant unit rehabilitation. - The program aims to encourage owners …
1:22:30
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103 sec
Is $25,000 in repair support from the Unlocking Doors pilot sufficient for landlords?
Ahmed Tigan, First Deputy Commissioner, explains that the sufficiency of the $25,000 support from the Unlocking Doors pilot varies based on unit repair needs. - Units have varying repair needs, …
1:24:13
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81 sec
What are HPD's strategies for addressing severe housing violations and improving enforcement?
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) explains its comprehensive approach to address pervasive housing maintenance code violations, including both reactive and proactive measures. - HPD responds to …
1:25:57
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5 min
How does the Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS) integrate 311 and code enforcement data to measure housing quality?
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) integrates 311 calls and code enforcement data into the Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS) to complement direct interviews and unit observations for …
1:31:05
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4 min
How do 311 complaint rates compare to detailed surveys and tenant support initiatives?
Only about 40% of tenants who experienced heating issues reported them via 311, highlighting potential underreporting and the importance of proactive measures. - Elyzabeth Gaumer discusses integrating proactive approaches to …
1:35:17
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3 min
How is the vacancy rate impacted by rental prices above $2400 in NYC?
Elyzabeth Gaumer states that detailed breakdowns on vacancy rates for units renting above $2400 will be provided, acknowledging that a significant number of units might exceed this price range. - …
1:38:54
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52 sec
What is the availability and impact of rent stabilized units at below fair market rents?
86% of rent stabilized units are below fair market rent, with significant implications for affordability and housing policy. - Fair market rents (FMRs) are set by the Department of Housing …
1:39:53
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4 min
What are the vacancy rates for homeowners versus renters, and what details are available on rent-stabilized housing in New York City?
Council member inquiries focus on homeowner vacancy rates, the affordability crisis, and specific details about rent-stabilized units in New York City. - The council member questions differences in vacancy rates …
1:44:19
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77 sec
What information can HPD provide on the distress in vacant, rent-stabilized housing, and how many rent-stabilized units are in the sample?
HPD increased its housing survey sample to 15,000 units in 2023, with rent-stabilized units comprising 40% of the sample, tailored to accurately represent the entirety of rent-stabilized housing. - The …
1:45:38
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94 sec
Council Staff initiates public testimony for New York City Council Housing and Vacancy Survey hearing
The transition to public testimony on the Housing and Vacancy Survey at the New York City Council meeting is facilitated by council staff. - Council staff explains the procedure for …
1:48:20
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33 sec
Oksana Mironova on New York City's Housing Crisis and the Need for Regulatory Frameworks
Oksana Mironova urges the need for regulatory frameworks amidst New York City's housing crisis, focusing on the plummeting net rental vacancy rate and the role of rent stabilization and control. …
1:50:01
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3 min
Adam Edwards Rivera, Law Graduate in Housing Rights Unit at Legal Services NYC, on the Importance of Rent Stabilization in Tackling NYC's Housing Crisis
Adam Edwards Rivera testifies on the significance of rent stabilization laws amid New York City's housing emergency, emphasizing their role in protecting vulnerable tenants. - Rivera shares data from the …
1:54:10
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161 sec
Sarah Hainbach, Attorney at Legal Services NYC, on Rent Stabilization and the Housing Emergency in New York City
Sarah Hainbach discusses the dire consequences of unregulated housing and the significant benefits of rent stabilization in New York City. - Hainbach highlights the lack of protections for tenants in …
1:56:55
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177 sec
Lucy Block on the Need for More Affordable Housing and Policy Recommendations
Lucy Block emphasizes the critical need for more affordable housing units and presents data-driven policy recommendations. - Block presents findings on the severe mismatch between available housing units and the …
1:59:59
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4 min
Brendan Cheney on the New York City Housing Affordability Crisis
Brendan Cheney testifies on the severe housing affordability crisis in New York City, emphasizing the need for continued rent stabilization laws. - Cheney highlights a vacancy rate of 1.4%, the …
2:04:23
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154 sec
What is the corresponding decrease in lower income households compared to the increase in households earning over $100,000?
Lucy Block notes a decrease in households earning below $50,000, an increase for the highest earners, but does not provide specific figures. - Households earning below $25,000 and those earning …
2:07:11
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49 sec
How do the 2023 Housing and Vacancy Survey (HVS) findings relate to the number of migrants in New York City?
Oksana Mironova explains that comparing the number of migrants in NYC with the 2023 Housing and Vacancy Survey (HVS) findings is challenging due to differences in counting units versus individuals. …
2:08:00
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74 sec
Robert Desir, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Society on the Impact of Housing Crisis and the Need for Extending Rent Laws
Robert Desir testifies on the critical state of the housing crisis in New York City and calls for the extension of rent laws. - Desir outlines the low vacancy rates …
2:09:36
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3 min
Genesis Aquino, Executive Director, Tenants & Neighbors on Housing Affordability and the Need for Stronger Rent Stabilization Policies
Genesis Aquino highlights the exacerbating affordable housing crisis in New York City and calls for stronger rent stabilization measures. - Aquino outlines the steep challenges low and moderate income tenants …
2:13:36
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4 min
Adam Roberts, Policy Director, Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) on the Financial Crisis in New York's Rent Stabilized Housing
Adam Roberts discusses the financial crisis threatening New York City's rent-stabilized housing and its impact on housing providers. - Highlights the crisis faced by New York's rent-stabilized housing, including a …
2:18:37
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3 min
Does the Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) disagree with the Housing Vacancy Survey's categorization of offline units?
Adam Roberts confirms CHIP disagrees with the Housing Vacancy Survey's (HVS) categorization of offline units, favoring data from property owner filings to agencies. - CHIP questions the reliability of HVS …
2:21:52
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91 sec
Pierina Ana Sanchez's Closing Remarks on the New York City Housing Vacancy Survey Findings and Policy Responses
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez discusses findings of the New York City Housing Vacancy Survey, indicating worsening housing crises and outlines a three-pronged response strategy. - The recent housing vacancy …
2:23:52
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124 sec