FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 6, 2024

Mayor Noble Proposes Housing Legislation Package to Common Council

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce he has presented the Common Council with a trio of housing laws: Good Cause Eviction Law, 421-P Tax Exemption for New Affordable Housing Units, and 421-P Tax Exemption for New Accessory Dwelling Units, which were spurred by recent changes in the New York State budget.

In a communication on Friday, Mayor Noble proposed that the Common Council consider passing Good Cause Eviction Law, which was recently passed statewide, giving municipalities the ability to opt-in. Passing Good Cause Eviction would give Kingston tenants the right to a lease renewal, and would protect against predatory rent increases and unfair evictions. A judge would decide if an eviction were for a good cause based on the defined criteria of the Law. “Good causes” include failing to pay rent, violating terms of the lease, causing a nuisance, or violating the law. As per State Law, new housing built after 2009 and for 30 years thereafter, owner-owner occupied buildings with 10 or less units, and buildings with existing regulatory agreements would be exempt from the legislation.

Mayor Noble said, “I urge the Kingston Common Council to pass Good Cause Eviction legislation. We are in the midst of a housing crisis, and I believe passing Good Cause Eviction will not only help protect tenants, it will also be beneficial for our City, homeowners and neighborhoods, and good landlords. Everyone deserves a safe, secure place to live, and Good Cause Eviction gives tenants the power to demand safe living conditions without fear of retaliation. Housing instability has profound effects on a person’s well-being, including physical and mental health, academic success, and gainful employment. This legislation would be one step in helping everyone in our community have adequate housing.”

Mayor Noble also proposed passing a tax exemption for new affordable housing units built in Kingston. The new State budget allows the City of Kingston to partially exempt new housing from property taxation, including 100% tax exemption during construction. After construction, the 100% exemption is slowly reduced by 4% annually for 25 years. The exemption would apply to any new residential or mixed-used project built on underutilized or vacant properties with at least 10 housing units in which at least 25% of the housing units are affordable to households between 60-80% Area Median Income.

In addition, Mayor Noble is recommending a tax exemption for new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Under the new State budget, municipalities can partially exempt new ADUs from taxation for 10 years (100% exempt during the first five years, with the exemption percentage declining over the subsequent five years). This exemption would complement other City initiatives to encourage ADUs, including the ADU Plus One Grant program, the ADU design competition, and the City’s new zoning code.

Mayor Noble said, “I am recommending that the Council adopt two new local laws: one that would exempt newly constructed or converted rental units that guarantee at least 25% of the units are affordable, and one that would tax exempt new ADUs. I believe these laws will help to spur the creation of more housing units in Kingston, helping us to reach our goal of approving 1,000 units of housing by 2029, while also creating much needed affordable housing in our city.”

Director of Housing Initiatives Bartek Starodaj said, “In the past few years this administration has worked closely with the Common Council to implement policies that provide stability and protection to tenants that need it most and policies that will increase our housing supply. I am thankful the new state budget gives upstate municipalities new tools to pursue both goals.”

City of Kingston Assessor Daniel Baker said, “We have all seen a greater demand for housing units over the past six years. Low inventory, decreasing household size and a historically low number of new units being added to the marketplace has created great stress in the housing market. We believe these two property tax abatements can and will induce much needed units into the marketplace.”

Mayor Noble established the Department of Housing Initiatives in 2020 to support housing planning in the City of Kingston. The Department manages housing-related grants, supports the construction of new market-rate and affordable housing, develops policies to protect existing residents, and addresses the connection between housing and sustainability, health, and mobility. The Department also reviews the disposition of city-owned property suitable for housing development and collaborates with local and regional housing organizations. Visit https://kingston-ny.gov/housing.