The Legal Aid Society is condemning Governor Kathy Hochul for issuing an executive order to allow certain developers to enjoy tax benefits, similar to those afforded by 421a, while excluding any protections for tenants.

“The Governor had ample opportunity this past session to act on New York’s proliferating eviction and homelessness crisis, and the Legislature offered a package of proposals that included measures addressing both the construction of new housing and immediate tenant protections,” reads a statement from Legal Aid. “The Governor rejected this package, and she is now trying to save face with this executive order, one that is legally dubious at best, which will fail to ensure housing affordability in the short-term and accomplishes nothing to stabilize communities and keep tenants housed.”

Legal Aid is calling on Senate Majority Andrew Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie, and members of the Legislature to return to Albany and advance ‘Good Cause’ eviction protections and the Housing Access Voucher Program. Both proposals have enough support for passage through both houses and will deliver the desperate relief New Yorkers need.