Keep Pressure on the City Council: It Ain’t Over Yet!

Speaker Peter Vallone is still blocking three pro-tenant proposals from being voted on by the City Council. Although Vallone has painted himself as a “friend of tenants,” he is holding this important legislation hostage to appease his real-estate industry allies. While the Council has already renewed the existing rent laws, the struggle to strengthen them is still alive.

• Resolution 801 (introduced by Councilmember Stanley Michels) calls for the overturn of the Urstadt Law, which prevents the city from passing stronger rent controls than the state.
• Resolution 1234 (introduced by Councilmember Stephen DiBrienza) calls for the abolishment of 20% vacancy increases, $2,000 vacancy decontrol and so-called “luxury decontrol.”
• Intro. 729 (also introduced by DiBrienza) would eliminate the “poor tax” (the $15 surcharge slapped on all regulated rents of $500 or less). It will also reduce the 7.5% annual increases on rent-controlled apartments to the lesser increases voted on annually for rent-stabilized apartments (this year 2% for a one year lease).

What You Can Do…

Call, Write, Fax, or Visit Peter Vallone

Tell him that you are a tenant and that you’re outraged at his undemocratic tactics. Demand that he allow a hearing and full vote for the three pro-tenant proposals. Don’t forget to tell him that you know he wants to be our next mayor.

Peter Vallone Speaker’s Office City Hall New York, NY 10007 phone: (212) 788-7210 fax: 788-7207

Come with Met Council to Meet With Your Councilmember

During the rent-laws renewal, Met Council and its members paid visits to Councilmembers across the city. At these meetings we asked them not only to renew the rent laws but also to support the pro-tenant legislation. We are continuing these meetings and need tenants to join us. If you missed visiting your Councilmember with us the first time, don’t worry, we’re doing follow-up visits and phone calls! If you can join us in these efforts, contact Met Council at (212) 693-0553, extension # 6.

Feel free to get in touch with your Councilmember and ask them where they stand. To find out who your Councilmember is (and how to get in touch with them) contact the League of Women Voters.