First of two parts
“The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on housing and homelessness,” is an article by Pramod Sukumaran in Salud America!
“City and state leaders know (it). Many are implementing policies and creating unique affordable housing conversion projects that aim to make progress in solving this problem.
“One such piece of legislation, the ‘Housing Our Neighbors With Dignity Act,’ from New York, will enable the State to buy office buildings and hotels that have been struggling during the pandemic and turn them into affordable housing.
‘“The housing problem in our cities has gotten worse. But, the crisis of growing vacancies in our commercial property provides an opportunity,’ New York governor Andrew Cuomo said in a recent speech. ‘We should convert vacant commercial space to supportive and affordable housing and we should do it now.’
“How Would Legislation in N. Y. Turn Offices, Hotels into Affordable Housing?
“COVID-19 is costing people their jobs and stirring financial crisis, especially among Latinos.
“Housing will play a major role in the overall impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
“In fact, many health-care officials and social justice advocates are urging leaders to consider affordable housing as a vital basic requirement. Housing is a social determinant of health, after all.
“One avenue toward more affordable housing is re-purposing other buildings for affordable housing.
“The New York legislation has this goal.
“New York could turn hotels and offices into affordable housing under the new bill. The New York bill, which is sponsored by Queens Democratic Party State senator, Michael Gianaris, was introduced in the New York Senate recently. Currently, State lawmakers are considering the bill.
“Under this proposed legislation, the New York State government may buy office buildings and hotels. Turning these old, or abandoned spaces into affordable housing could provide a community benefit after a year of business struggle amid the pandemic.
‘“They’re up for sale. Let’s buy them, convert them into affordable housing, and put them to use. It’s actually a win-win situation,’ Gianaris told the Wall Street Journal.
“At least 50% of the converted properties will be set aside for those experiencing homelessness. Moreover, affordable housing at these properties will be limited to households with income at, or below 50% of the area median income for the county in which the property is located.
‘“Tenants would have full tenancy rights. It would set rents at no more than 30% of their income.
“What we’re doing now is finding this huge stock of buildings that are in distressed conditions right now, so it’s a smart way to tackle multiple problems,’ Gianaris told the Wall Street Journal.
“Why Is Affordable Housing Important for Latinos?
“A lack of affordable housing dramatically impacts Latinos’ quality of life.
“Latinos and low-income families, especially during the pandemic, are facing difficulties in paying their rent or mortgage. They are struggling to pay their utility bills and are less likely to have a usual source of medical care.
“Latinos have a higher risk of eviction, and more than half of Latinos (54%) rent their home.
“That’s nearly twice as much as whites (28%).
‘“In New York, the proposed office/hotel-to-affordable housing conversion legislation could really change the game for Latinos and other disadvantaged Americans,’ according to Paimaan Lodhi of the Real Estate Board of New York.”
Continued at thevoice.us/across-the-country-old-buildings-become-affordable-housing