Amidst the backdrop of New York's burgeoning housing crisis and the unsettling prevalence of squatters, Senators Anthony Palumbo (R, C-New Suffolk) and Mario Mattera (R, C-Smithtown), alongside their Senate Republican colleagues, unveiled an ambitious legislative blueprint. Their mission: to combat the state's housing crunch while shielding homeowners from the perils of squatting.
The unveiling of this legislative endeavor follows a grim incident that thrust the dangers of squatting into the spotlight. Recent police reports confirm the arrest of two suspected squatters in connection with the death of a woman whose lifeless body was discovered inside a duffel bag in a New York City apartment. The suspects, apprehended in York, Pennsylvania, are believed to have unlawfully occupied the apartment where the grisly discovery was made.
Representing New Suffolk, Senator Palumbo voiced grave concerns over the housing predicament gripping Long Island and the broader state. "The housing crisis is a real issue here on Long Island and across the state due to a lack of housing stock," Palumbo emphasized. "The New York State legislature must take action to address these problems and help make the dream of homeownership more affordable for New Yorkers."
Echoing Palumbo's sentiments, Senator Mario Mattera of Smithtown underscored the severity of the situation, particularly in light of the alarming surge in squatter-related incidents. "For many, owning a home is the American Dream, but the unfortunate reality is that it is becoming a nightmare for too many due to the epidemic of squatting," remarked Mattera. "With this package making great efforts to ensure families can own and build their homes, it is vital that we also give them the ability to protect them."
The legislative package, a multifaceted endeavor, comprises a spectrum of proposals targeting various facets of the housing crisis and squatter menace. Among the notable provisions are measures to create a first-time homebuyer tax credit (S.8826), providing relief on local property taxes to enhance homeownership accessibility. Additionally, a home renovation tax exemption (S.8838) aims to breathe new life into existing housing stock by offering property tax relief to homeowners investing in their properties.
Further initiatives include the establishment of a housing infrastructure tax credit (S.8578), incentivizing the installation of manufactured homes (S.8458), and implementing means-testing for rent-regulated housing (S.8887) to ensure allocation to those most in need.
In a parallel development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 621 into law, eliminating squatters' rights in the state. "We are putting an end to the squatters scam in Florida," declared DeSantis. "While other states are siding with the squatters, we are protecting property owners and punishing criminals looking to game the system." This legislation provides homeowners with remedies against squatting and increases penalties for squatters.
Moreover, the legislative package introduces law enforcement measures to address squatter encroachment swiftly and effectively. One proposed legislation (S.8867) enables law enforcement to evict individuals from residential properties promptly, based on a homeowner's sworn complaint and without court involvement. This approach mirrors a successful Florida bill that garnered broad bipartisan support.
The unveiling of this legislative initiative in New York signifies a crucial milestone in the state's battle against its housing crisis and the threat of squatters. As lawmakers forge ahead with these proposals, the focus remains unwavering: cultivating a safer, more affordable housing landscape for all New Yorkers while safeguarding property rights against unlawful encroachment.