Categories: New York State, New York City
03.18.2016
Announcement by Mayor Bill de Blasio and Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman.
On March 10th, at Institute for Community Living’s (ICL) Stepping Stone residence in Brooklyn, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced that $10 million in settlement fees from abuses of 421A will be invested in affordable housing including 600 units of supportive and senior housing citywide. In 2014, the Attorney General led an investigation into the abuse of tax incentive programs, leading to restitutions from 23 landlords who have failed to provide rent-regulated leases, violated tenant rights laws and denied service workers the required wages. Restitution will be spent on supportive housing for veterans, seniors, low-income families and the formerly homeless.
One half of the $9.8 million will fund three supportive housing projects and one senior housing program. These four providers include Institute for Community Living, The Bridge, Housing and Services, Inc. and HANAC, Inc. The remainder of retribution will be allocated in the upcoming months.
Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Vicki Been commended the Mayor and Attorney General, affirming, “The City is committed to ensuring that owners and landlords who accept tax benefits are complying with their obligations. It is fitting that the money restored from those who would try to evade their responsibilities will now be used to create and preserve affordable housing for some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers.”
David Woodlock, President and CEO of ICL, celebrated the announcement as groundbreaking, stating, “ICL was proud to host this event and is looking forward to continued collaboration with regard to supportive housing in New York City.”