Creating Affordable Housing

New York is grappling with a dire affordable housing crisis. Half of all households in New York City can’t afford to comfortably hold down an apartment, access sufficient food or get basic health care. As many as 100,000 people are sleeping in shelters each night. Addressing this crisis requires both new housing and strong tenant protections to keep families in their homes.

As State Senator, Andrew has won critical investments in housing while adding new protections for homeowners and tenants. Andrew has….

• Voted to create historic ‘Good Cause’ protections to protect millions of tenants from price gouging and unreasonable evictions.

• Secured tens of millions in funding for NYCHA, Mitchell-Lama developments and other affordable rental options.

• Expanded eligibility for rent freeze and property tax freeze programs like SCRIE, DRIE, SCHE, and DHE so seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities can stay in their homes. 

• Championed programs to build more affordable housing across the city and state.

• Supported a crack down on deed theft, so law enforcement can more easily go after those who scam homeowners.

• Helped pass the pied-a-terre tax to ensure the wealthy who own multiple homes are paying their fair share.

Andrew believes much more must be done to create affordable housing options for all New Yorkers. That’s why he plans to:  

• Pass his Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act, which would allow houses of worship to build affordable housing on their land. Churches, synagogues, mosques and other faith-based organizations are trusted community pillars that already offer crucial services like child care and education. Many want to continue that noble tradition by creating affordable housing on their land, but can’t because of restrictive zoning.

• Create refundable tax credits for rent-burdened tenants who are struggling to make ends meet.

• Fund staff at SUNY and CUNY to support students experiencing homelessness, and establish a pilot program that provides grants to increase enrollment, attendance, and success for homeless students.