City Councilmember Vincent Gentile (D-Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Bath Beach) alongside Borough President Eric L. Adams and other Brooklyn lawmakers celebrated the 49-0 passage of Intro 1218-A, their City Council legislation to increase the penalties for aggravated illegal conversions.
Illegal conversions are defined as three or more illegal dwelling units being created within one structure, which threaten the safety of occupants and neighbors.
Intro 1218-A will create a fine of $15,000 for each individual unit that is three or more units above the Certificate of Occupancy. To ensure rectification and payment of the violation, the fine constitutes a lien on the property; if unpaid for one year, the lien can be sold by the City.
“Substandard housing is not affordable housing. Seeking to maximize profit at the expense of tenant safety will no longer be permissible by the City of New York once this bill is signed into law. Few neighborhoods are immune from the dangers to life and property that illegally partitioning homes poses,” said Gentle
The bill was first developed after a November 2014 fire in an illegal unit above a Flatbush church killed an individual and injured 16 others, destroying the building.
“Today, we take a positive step toward advancing safer communities to raise healthy children and families. Today, we respond to the countless tragedies that have senselessly claimed lives due to critically substandard housing conditions,” said Adams.
The increase in illegal conversions is an effect of the housing crisis. As of May 2 of this year, there are almost 60,000 individuals living in shelters not including those living on the streets. Mayor Bill De Blasio recently introduced a plan to create 90 new homeless shelters to stem the tide of homelessness.
City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) said illegal home conversions are a high-risk symptom of the overall housing crisis in the city.
“It is our responsibility as legislators to find these bad-acting landlords and thwart their illegal and very dangerous practices. It is also our responsibility to offer a realistic, affordable housing alternative to the residents. Illegal conversions are unsafe, as evidenced by the two major fires that took place in my district last year; they deteriorate the quality of life for residents and community members, and put a strain on local resources. All New Yorkers, regardless of race, socioeconomic, or legal status, deserve a safe and quality place to call home,” said Williams.
Gentile introduced the bill back in June of 2016, just two months before FDNY and Department of Buildings inspectors raided a two-family home that was subdivided into a five-family residence that left 31 residents (18 adults, 13 children) virtually homeless. The house at 6705 7th Avenue was given an immediate vacate order because of a lack of egress (exits), fire safety, compromised plumbing, electrical and gas work; and overcrowding.
“By removing the profit motive from unscrupulous owners, this bill will help protect tenants from imminently life-threatening conditions, increase the safety of first responders in emergency situations, safeguard our overburdened infrastructure systems, and maintain the quality of life in our communities,” said Gentile.
