November 2016
 Governor Cuomo Announces Actions to Protect Civil Rights and Combat Hate Crimes
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced several actions to protect civil rights and combat hate crimes in New York, including the creation of a State Police unit to investigate reports of hate crimes, an expansion of the state’s human rights law to protect all students, and the establishment of a new emergency legal defense fund for immigrants. 

"New York is, and will always be, a place of acceptance, inclusion and a bastion of hope for all people,"  Governor Cuomo said.  "We will never allow fear and intolerance to tear at the fabric of who we are – New Yorkers are stronger than that, and we are better than that. With these decisive actions, we say to people of all backgrounds and beliefs: New York is your home and refuge, and we will do whatever it takes to keep you safe." 

Additionally, Governor Cuomo announced a statewide toll-free hotline to report  incidents of bias and discrimination across the state.
Fair and Equitable Housing

At HCR, we are also working to protect the rights of all New Yorkers against discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing.

The Fair and Equitable Housing Office (FEHO) ensures New Yorkers have an equal opportunity to live in housing they desire and can afford regardless of race, color, familial status, religion, sex, disabilities, national origin, marital status, age, and sexual orientation. 

Governor Cuomo Announces Nearly $100 Million in New Green Bonds For Affordable Housing 

New York is the first state in the nation to secure international certification for the development of housing that reduces the impact of climate change. The bonds are expected to create over 640 green, affordable and supportive apartments across New York State. 

"Green Bonds are an innovative tool to build cleaner, greener, affordable housing and place New York at the forefront of sustainable development," Governor Cuomo said. "New York leads the nation in pioneering solutions to 21st century challenges, and these Green Bonds will provide hundreds of new housing units to New Yorkers in need, while reducing carbon emissions, mitigating the impact of climate change and creating a more sustainable future for all New Yorkers."
HCR Supports Our Veterans

At HCR, and throughout New York State government, we are privileged to work with veterans who have courageously served in the U.S. military.

New York State offers a variety of programs through HCR that create homeownership opportunities and enable Veterans to live safely and independently in their own homes, including low-interest and no down payment loans, and grants to fund accessibility modifications and home repairs. For more information on those programs, please visit HCR’s website at nyshcr.org or call 1-866-275-3427.
HCR In Action

The investigation was initiated by the Governor’s Tenant Protection Unit (TPU) concerning allegations of extreme harassment and intimidation in many of the approximately ten buildings owned and managed by Joel and Amrom (aka Aaron) Israel and that resulted in the TPU referring the case to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution.

To date, TPU enforcement activities have led to the registration of over 55,000 improperly deregulated apartments and the recovery of over $3 million in overcharged rent.

 

NYS HCR Announces $2 Million Pilot Program to Replace Dilapidated Manufactured or Mobile Homes with New Energy-Efficient Homes

Local municipalities and not-for-profit corporations with experience providing residential affordable housing services in their communities can apply for this pilot program. Award recipients will select eligible homeowners—who own both the land and the unit—for funding of up to $100,000 to remove and replace their substandard home. Applications are due January 17, 2017. 

 

Ebenezer Square offers 100 apartments for individuals with behavioral health needs and low-income families. This development brings much needed affordable homes to Western New Yorkers.

The first two buildings of the Compass Residences development brings 237 new affordable apartments to the Crotona Park East and West Farms neighborhoods of the Bronx.  Over 1,300 units of affordable housing and new retail space will be introduced to the area once the entire development is completed.

When completed in 2017, the 56-unit affordable housing development, Frances Apartments, will offer affordable housing for low-income individuals and residential based services for residents with developmental disabilities. 

Around the State with Commissioner Rubin 
Commissioner Rubin joined NYSERDA, the City of Syracuse and Housing Visions to celebrate the opening of Salina Crossing, 49 units of energy efficient affordable housing in ten buildings.
The Housing Partnership has played a crucial role in bringing together developers, lenders and public agencies to find collaborative, innovative solutions that enable more New York families to have a home of their own. 
In the Spotlight: Office of Rent Administration

HCR’s Office of Rent Administration (ORA) regulates rent stabilized and rent controlled apartments in New York City, Nassau, Rockland and Westchester that are home to over 2 million residents.  The employees at ORA are committed to helping New Yorkers and every month the team answers about 11,000 telephone calls, 800 email inquiries, and meets with over 3,000 walk-in visitors.  

ORA provides assistance and information to New Yorkers at:

  • ORA Rent Info line at 718-739-6400
  • ORA Borough Rent Offices in Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, and Brooklyn
  • ORA Westchester County District Rent Office in White Plains
  Affordable Housing Lotteries   
The Modern, 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mount Vernon 

Deadline to apply is January 31, 2017. 

NYS Homes and Community Renewal | www.nyshcr.org