Asm. Marcela Mitaynes

Debate centered on the appropriateness of increasing HDC bonding authority by $1 billion from $19 billion to $20 billion. Assemblymember Ra questioned the need for the increase given that $1.67 billion in bonding authority remained available, and expressed concern about the large amount of debt being issued. He noted that similar increases had been made in 2023 ($1 billion), 2022 ($1 billion), and 2021 ($1.5 billion). Mitaynes explained the increase supports affordable housing projects in the pipeline and works in partnership with HPD and NYCHA. Ra stated that while housing development requires debt issuance, some colleagues were concerned about the cumulative debt level.

Explained that the increase supports affordable housing projects in the pipeline and works in partnership with HPD and NYCHA. Stated that HDC is in good standing and that the increase does not result in additional state-supported debt.

The bill was not debated on substantive merits. Instead, the session focused on procedural disputes regarding whether a Home Rule request was required. Mr. Goodell argued the bill includes specific provisions alienating parkland in Long Beach, Nassau County, which constitutionally requires a Home Rule request from the local legislative body. He noted earlier versions of the bill required a Home Rule request, which was submitted but rejected on a technicality. The Speaker ruled no Home Rule request was required because the bill addresses larger statewide concerns beyond just parkland alienation. Mrs. Peoples-Stokes supported the Speaker's ruling, distinguishing this bill from prior legislation by noting it impacts a broader geographic area of the State.

Sponsor emphasized the bill's importance to New York's climate mandate and renewable energy goals, highlighting benefits to environmental justice communities, particularly Sunset Park, and the creation of thousands of union jobs through offshore wind development and the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

Stated landlords have options within the first month of missed rent and that small landlords replicate predatory practices of large corporations. Argued that if property owners cannot afford properties, they have options while tenants do not.