January 2017
Protecting All New Yorkers
Governor Cuomo is committed to protecting the rights and supporting the success of all New Yorkers, regardless of citizenship or documented status. New York State’s Immigrant Resource Guide is a comprehensive list of service and resources available to New Yorkers with questions or concerns.

The New Americans hotline is a  toll-free, multi-lingual hotline that provides live assistance in more than 200 languages. Anyone can call the hotline for information and referrals, regardless of citizenship or documented status. Calls to the hotline are confidential and anonymous:  1-800-566-7636.

Housing Discrimination

Federal, New York State and local laws make it illegal to discriminate against individuals in a housing context based upon race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, creed, age, sexual orientation, marital status or military status, among others. These protections apply regardless of an individual’s immigration status. Individuals who believe they have been a victim of housing discrimination and would like to file a complaint, can contact the New York State Division of Human Rights by telephone at (888) 392-3644. For more information, visit the New York State Division of Human Rights and the New York State Division of Human Rights Fair Housing Guide.    

For further information on fair housing laws, visit HCR's Fair and Equitable Housing Office, or by email at feho@nyshcr.org.

Tenant Harassment

New York State law and some local laws prohibit the harassment of a tenant by a landlord and/or the landlord’s agent, no matter the tenant’s immigration status. Rent-regulated tenants who believe they have been a victim of tenant harassment, or are unsure if they live in a rent-regulated unit, can contact HCR's Tenant Protection Unit by telephone at (718) 739-6400 or by email at TPUinfo@nyshcr.org. For more information, visit the Tenant Protection Unit website. 

Tenants who do not live in a rent-regulated unit and believe they have been a victim of tenant harassment, can contact their local legal services provider. 

 Governor Cuomo Announces "Affordable New York"
Governor Cuomo recently announced new legislation to create the "Affordable New York" housing program after the Real Estate Board of New York and the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York reached a deal to replace the program previously known as 421-a. The legislation expands the production of affordable housing and provides fair wages for construction workers.

Under the new “Affordable New York” housing program, developers of new residential projects with 300 units or more in certain areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, who create a specific number of rental units to remain affordable for 40 years, and pay construction workers an enhanced average wage and benefits, would be eligible for a full property tax abatement for 35 years.

The program is expected to create about 2,500 new units of affordable housing each year.

FY 2018 Budget

Governor Cuomo’s proposed FY 2018 Executive Budget continues funding to support full implementation of the Governor’s five-year comprehensive initiative to combat homelessness and provide all New Yorkers with safe and secure housing. 

The unprecedented $20 billion investment in affordable and supportive housing, and homeless services will create or preserve 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing. 

Last month, we shared with you many of the important programs and developments that HCR financed in 2016. With full funding in the proposed budget, we will continue seeing the positive outcomes that stable homes and revitalized communities have on individuals and families across New York State.

$5 Million Graduate to Homeownership Pilot Program Will Provide Homebuyer Assistance to Recent College Graduates

As part of this year's State of the State, Governor Cuomo announced a new pilot program that will provide homebuyer assistance to recent college graduates purchasing homes in some Upstate communities. 

This $5 million program will be administered through SONYMA and provide recent college graduates with additional first-time homebuyer assistance in upstate communities with downtown areas and urban centers.

The program will be tailored to students and recent graduates, and include online or on-campus financial and homebuyer education courses, as well as a subsidized low-interest first-time homebuyer loans and down payment assistance. 

This program complements Governor Cuomo’s existing efforts to revitalize communities through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative - a $100 million program to transform communities ripe for development into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live and work. 

HCR In Action

Located in Binghamton's First Ward, the project rehabilitated 11 buildings on Front Street and constructed a new mixed-use building with two commercial storefronts and 10 residential apartments on the site of the former Lincoln Hotel.

The sustainable and storm resistant apartment complex includes six units that are designed to support people who have physical disabilities.

The seven-story apartment building, located at 88-45 163rd Street in Queens, will feature 33 supportive apartments for men and women with serious mental illness, and 11 affordable apartments for low-income individuals or families.

NY Main Street Program Helps with Attica Village Restoration Project

The owners of 45 Market Street, an auto parts store, used a $50,000 New York Main Street grant toward a $300,000 comprehensive renovation project. The project involved significant restoration of the building’s façade, and dramatic improvements including reopening the storefront and upper story windows. 

In the Spotlight: Lean

Launched in 2012 by Governor Cuomo’s SAGE Commission, the NYS Lean Office works with state agencies to review processes and eliminate steps that add unnecessary time and cost. Employees are trained in process improvement tools and empowered to make changes at all levels. 

HCR has embraced the need to improve and has an active and committed Lean team made up of employees from a variety of departments. In November 2016, HCR's Lean team was presented the Project Impact Award at the New York State Third Annual Lean Awards Reception for improvements made to the Audited Financial Statement review process. The project resulted in an additional $2.8 million in subsidy funds available to lend. 

NYHousingSearch.Gov

New Yorkers looking for an affordable apartment should begin their search with NYHousingSearch.Gov.

The fast, easy-to-use, free search lets people look for rental housing using a wide variety of criteria and special mapping features. Housing listings display detailed information about each unit. The service also provides links to housing resources and helpful tools for renters such as an affordability calculator, rental checklist, and information about renter rights and responsibilities.

Property owners and managers, including housing authorities and private landlords, can use this service to manage their property listings free of charge. Listings can include pictures, maps, and information about nearby amenities. 

New Yorkers searching for affordable rentals can also call the NYHousingSearch.Gov toll-free hotline at 877-428-8844 to speak to a live bilingual specialist from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST who will assist them in identifying housing according to their various needs including: ADA accessibility, senior services, etc. Other language translation services are also provided for callers. 

  Affordable Housing Lotteries   
533-539 Bay Street, Staten Island

Deadline to apply is February 28, 2017.

Our Lady of Lourdes Apartments, 1875 Broadway, Brooklyn 

Deadline to apply is March 8, 2017. 

NYS Homes and Community Renewal | www.nyshcr.org