Spetember 2024
Weekly Report for September 27, 2024
TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor Hochul You Oppose Mandating Fire Sprinklers
The State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council released its proposed amendments to the state Uniform Code, which includes a new unfunded mandate requiring the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in all new 1-2 family homes and townhomes. Among the issues of concern include additional costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the system, particularly for those homes on well water. Importantly, state law already exists requiring home builders to provide purchasers of newly constructed homes with information on the benefits and estimated costs associated with the installation of fire sprinklers, which NYSAR supported.
Take Action now and tell Governor Hochul, your state lawmakers and the Code Council to oppose mandated residential fire sprinklers in New York. Please share the link with colleagues and clients.
Read NYSAR’s letter to the Code Council here.
NYC Planning Commission approves “City of Yes” housing plan
On September 25, the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) voted 10-3 to approve “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” a package of zoning reforms aimed at making it easier to construct more residential units throughout the city. The proposal is now referred to the City Council where it has faced criticism. Read more here.
Gov. Hochul extends NYC commercial tax abatement program to 2029
On September 20, Governor Kathy Hochul approved a four-year extension of the Industrial and Commercial Abatement Program until 2029, which reduces taxes for developers that build new commercial projects or renovate existing buildings in New York City. The total tax benefit in last fiscal year was $506 million. Read more here.
Gov. Hochul signs laws to enhance transparency and accountability in public utility rate changes
On September 25, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation into law to increase transparency and accountability in public utility rate changes. The new law will require the Public Service Commission to publish certain information prior to a major rate change by a public gas or electric utility, explaining why the rate change is requested and a summary of how the proposed revenue will be spent. Another law establishes civil penalties for making false material statements to the Public Service Commission in relation to a rate proceeding. The penalty for violations by any utility corporation or its officers will be up to $250,000. Read more here.
Weekly Report for September 20, 2024
TAKE ACTION: NYS considers new unfunded mandate requiring New Yorkers to install home fire sprinkler systems
The State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council released its proposed amendments to the state Uniform Code, which includes a new unfunded mandate requiring the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in all new 1-2 family homes and townhomes. NYSAR has opposed this requirement in the past and continues to express its opposition to this most recent draft code update, which is open for public comment through September 24. Among the issues of concern include additional costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the system, particularly for those homes on well water. Importantly, state law already exists requiring home builders to provide purchasers of newly constructed homes with information on the benefits and estimated costs associated with the installation of fire sprinklers, which NYSAR supported.
Take Action now and tell the Governor and Code Council to oppose mandated residential fire sprinklers in New York. Please share the link with colleagues and clients.
Read NYSAR’s letter to the Code Council here.
NYC Council to advance bill to promote affordable homeownership opportunities
The New York City Council is advancing a bill (Int. 958) sponsored by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams that would require the city to fund more affordable homeownership projects rather than only rental apartments. The bill would require that homes available for purchase make up at least 6 percent of all the affordable units financed each year by the city’s Housing Preservation and Development Department. The bill also specifies that at least half of the homes that count toward the new 6 percent threshold must be newly constructed. NYSAR supports this measure and its intent to increase homeownership throughout New York City and the outer boroughs and will be providing a memorandum in support of this bill. Read more here.
New York delivers $2.3 billion in STAR tax relief
overnor Kathy Hochul highlighted New York State’s ongoing efforts to deliver $2.3 billion in tax relief to nearly three million New Yorkers under the State’s School Tax Relief program. More than two million New Yorkers have already received their STAR tax relief and nearly one million will receive their benefits in the coming weeks. The Governor also highlighted that New Yorkers on Long Island can still sign up for direct deposit before their STAR credits are issued in the coming weeks. Read more here.
Weekly Report for September 13, 2024
NYSAR Legislative Virtual Meetings Schedule
NYSAR’s Fall Business Meetings virtual schedule of meetings dealing with state, local, and federal legislative matters is as follows:
Monday, September 16
- Commercial Issues Working Group – 10am – 11am
- NYC Issues Working Group – 1pm-2 pm
- Co-Op Issues Working Group – 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Tuesday, September 17
- Federal Political Coordinator Update – 9:30am – 10:30am
- State Political Coordinator Update – 11am – 12pm
For a full list of NYSAR’s Fall Business Meetings (both virtual and in-person) and to register, click here.
State Code Council considers new mandate requiring new homes to install fire sprinklers
The State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council released its proposed amendments to the state Uniform Code, which includes a new mandate requiring the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in all new 1-2 family homes and townhomes. NYSAR has opposed this requirement in the past and continues to express its opposition to this most recent draft code update, which is open for public comment through September 24. Among the issues of concern include additional costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the system, particularly for those homes on well water. Importantly, state law already exists requiring home builders to provide purchasers of newly constructed homes with information on the benefits and estimated costs associated with the installation of fire sprinklers, which NYSAR supported. NYSAR will be launching a public campaign and Call for Action on this issue in the near future. Read NYSAR’s letter to the Code Council here.
NYSAR urges DEC restraint in developing new wetland regulations
NYSAR and housing developers are warning that more restrictive wetlands protections set to take effect next year could negatively impact new housing development at a time when the state desperately needs more housing. The Department of Environmental Conservation is in the process of collecting public comment on draft regulations required by state law, which extend state protections to an additional 1 million acres of wetlands. The DEC will have new jurisdiction, imposing a 100-foot buffer around wetlands, as well as a proposed 800-foot buffer around designated “vernal pools.” NYSAR has submitted comment urging the DEC to provide clarity and further restraint on its proposed buffer zones. You can read NYSAR’s full testimony here.
Weekly Report for September 6, 2024
Guest Speakers announced for NYSAR’s Fall Business Meetings: Senior Editor and Elections Analyst David Wasserman; Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon
NYSAR is pleased to announce this year’s guest speaker at the Fall Business Meetings General Session at Turning Stone Resort on Monday, September 30, will be Senior Editor & Elections Analyst for The Cook Political Report, David Wasserman. Wasserman is recognized as one of the nation’s top election forecasters and is a contributor to NBC News and has appeared on C-SPAN, CNN, Fox News and NPR.
Additionally, NYSAR’s Legislative Policy Forum on Monday, September 30, will feature guest speaker Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. County Executive McMahon has held the office since being elected in 2018. Most recently, he was a featured speaker at Governor Hochul’s Future Energy Economy Summit held in Syracuse on September 5. For more information on NYSAR’s 2024 Fall Business Meetings schedule and to register, click here.
NYSAR Legislative Virtual Meetings Schedule
NYSAR’s Fall Business Meetings virtual schedule of meetings dealing with state, local, and federal legislative matters is as follows:
Monday, September 16
- Commercial Issues Working Group – 10am – 11am
- NYC Issues Working Group – 1pm-2 pm
- Co-Op Issues Working Group – 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Tuesday, September 17
- Federal Political Coordinator Update – 9:30am – 10:30am
- State Political Coordinator Update – 11am – 12pm
For a full list of NYSAR’s Fall Business Meetings (both virtual and in-person) and to register, click here.
Gov. Hochul convenes Energy Summit and Energy Planning Board
On September 5, Governor Kathy Hochul convened the “Future Energy Economy Summit” in Syracuse in order to outline next steps to address New York’s growing energy demand and advance clean energy technologies. Among the goals of the summit included the need to build out the state’s renewable energy grid and solicit industry feedback on a new draft Advanced Nuclear Technologies Blueprint, which is expected to be finalized by the end of the year. Additionally, on August 29, Governor Hochul announced a convening of the State Energy Planning Board to update New York’s comprehensive State Energy Plan, in which a draft scope plan is expected by its September 9 meeting. The public will have 60 days to provide written comment on the draft scope and learn more about the issue on the State Energy Plan website.