Statements of Governor David A. Paterson and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg

ALBANY, NY (07/23/2010)(readMedia)-- Statement from Governor David A. Paterson

"This new law fixes problems caused by illegal hotels and improves quality of life in traditional residential apartment buildings, while also meeting the needs of visitors. By removing a legal gray area and replacing it with a clear definition of permanent occupancy, the law will allow enforcement efforts that help New Yorkers who live in SRO units and other types of affordable housing preserve their homes. My office, the bill sponsors and the City have agreed to support a chapter amendment that makes the effective date of this law May 1 of next year. By making the effective date of this law May 1, 2011, property holders, business owners and not-for-profit corporations will be able to adjust the uses of their properties to the provisions of this law, or to dispose of the properties at issue so that they may find alternate sites for their current uses.

"I would like to thank the bill sponsors Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Richard Gottfried."

Statement of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg:

"By signing this bill into law, the Governor has helped us clear up ambiguities in the law that have hindered our ability to take enforcement actions against illegal hotels. When housing designated for permanent occupancy is illegally converted into a hotel, unsafe conditions are created, the residential character of City neighborhoods is harmed and the supply of much-needed units of housing is depleted. The bill provides a clear definition of what constitutes transient and permanent occupancy, which will allow City agencies to issue summonses and initiate other enforcement actions against illegal hotels.

"I would like to thank Governor Paterson, bill sponsors Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Housing Committee Chair Vito Lopez, Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement Director Shari C. Hyman, the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council and the Hotel Association for their efforts."

###

Additional news available at www.ny.gov/governor | High resolution images available at www.ny.gov/governor/mediaimages | password: paterson | New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@chamber.state.ny.us | 212.681.4640 | 518.474.8418 | Follow us on Facebook and Twitter