Quick before the Democrats are gone in Albany

http://www.observer.com/2010/real-estate/stabilization-now-tomorrow-and-forever In the world of tenant activists, 2009 was a year of tremendous optimism. And then it wasn’t. Democratic control of the State Senate failed to provide any of the radical changes to rent laws that activists had long fought for—and that were expected once Republicans were booted from the majority. Deadlock dominated; the... [more]

http://www.observer.com/2010/real-estate/stabilization-now-tomorrow-and-forever In the world of tenant activists, 2009 was a year of tremendous optimism. And then it wasn’t. Democratic control of the State Senate failed to provide any of the radical changes to rent laws that activists had long fought for—and that were expected once Republicans were booted from the majority. Deadlock dominated; the housing committee chair led a short-lived coup; then status quo regained power, allowing the real estate industry to exhale. Now, a new front is opening in an age-old fight. With a budget past due and the Senate Democrats looking increasingly vulnerable to losing their 32-30 majority in November’s elections, the tenants are scrambling to get something—anything—passed, approaching the rent law changes with a new urgency. Next week an array of tenant activist groups are planning to formally launch a campaign to push the Democratic conference—which has long said that tenant issues are at the top of its agenda—to pass major changes before the end of the legislative session in June, including abolishing the right of landlords to take empty apartments market rate. [less]