Empowers fire district commissioners to acquire real property and buildings for housing use by firefighters and residents of fire district; related provisions

1 Co-sponsor

• Ruben Diaz

Title of bill

An act to amend the town law, in relation to the powers of fire district commissioners to obtain housing

Purpose

Due to the increasing cost of rental and home ownership, particularly in the more densely populated areas of the State, volunteer firefighters are finding it necessary to relocate to less costly areas or out of State. The thousands of dollars in training and experience lost when the volunteer leaves, and the strong possibility of replacement with a paid firefighter costing $75-100,000 per firefighter per year, is far more costly than providing affordable housing. This law would only enable the local fire district to obtain affordable housing. Costs would still be decided locally based on existing fire district expenditure requirements and limits. In addition, all proposals to build affordable housing for volunteer firefighters in a local fire district would be subject to a local referendum before commencement.

Summary of provisions

This bill amends subdivision 14 of section 176 of the Town Law, as amended by Chapter 645 of the Laws of 1935, by adding "housing" to the allowed uses of fire district property and funds.

Justification

This bill will utilize the rent registration system to create a computerized means to identify and locate vacant apartments. It will assist in developing means to discourage the warehousing of needed rental units and in enforcing laws against tenant harassment.

Legislative history

03/07/07 REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT 01/09/08 REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Fiscal implications

EFFECTIVE DATE : This act shall take effect immediately.