Elected Officials Celebrate Starhill Construction Start in Morris Heights

The mixed-use Bronx development will support adults experiencing homelessness through substance abuse treatment programs. On July 27, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction for Starhill Phase I. This $189 million affordable housing development is located in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx and features ample supportive housing.


Governor Signs Hotel Conversion Bill to Create More Opportunities for Permanent Housing

The new legislation allows hotels to house residents on a more permanent basis, specifically addressing the lack of available housing in New York City. On June 7, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law New York State Senate Bill S4937C. This affordable housing law allows hotels that are already authorized as Class B hotels to rent rooms for permanent residence purposes. State Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assemblymember Steven Cymbrowitz sponsored this bill.


COMPLETE VIDEO: 179th CityLaw Breakfast with Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President

Today, May 13, 2022, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine spoke at the 179th CityLaw Breakfast. Borough President Levine spoke on “Manhattan’s Recovery.” Professor Ross Sandler, Director of the Center for New York City Law provided opening remarks. Matt Gewolb, Associate Dean and Vice President for Institutional Strategy and General Counsel at New York Law School, led a closing discussion with Borough President Levine. This Breakfast was sponsored by ConEdison, Greenberg Traurig, and Verizon. This was … <Read More>


Public Advocate Introduces Homeless Bill of Rights Legislation to City Council

On April 14, 2022, Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, along with Council Members Rafael Salamanca, Tiffany Cabán, Althea Stevens, Shahana Hanif, Diana Ayala, Julie Won, Lincoln Restler, Shekar Krishnan and Crystal Hudson, introduced a first-of-its-kind Homeless Bill of Rights at the City Council stated hearing. The legislation, called Int. 190, would codify rights of homeless individuals living within and outside of the City’s shelter system in a Homeless Bill of Rights.


COMPLETE VIDEO: 178th CityLaw Breakfast with Gary P. Jenkins, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services

Today, April 8, 2022, Department of Social Services Commissioner Gary P. Jenkins spoke at the 178th CityLaw Breakfast on “Combating Homelessness.” Professor Ross Sandler, Director of the Center for New York City Law, provided opening remarks. Dean and President of New York Law School Anthony W. Crowell joined for a closing colloquy. This Breakfast was sponsored by ConEdison, Greenberg Traurig, and Verizon. This was the twelfth virtual CityLaw Breakfast as in-person events are not feasible <Read More>


City Council Votes to Extend Rent Stabilization Law

State law requires rent stabilization laws to be renewed periodically based on housing vacancy rates. On March 10, 2022, the City Council voted to extend the City’s Rent Stabilization Law by providing more time to gather data to ensure the rent stabilization law is still necessary. The bill, Int. 70, was sponsored by Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez.