https://sleepyhollow.localarchives.org/files/original/2e188dfeb123eef75b26d0051aca762a.pdf 1e8986517df1032ef44655ac66e620e9 PDF Text Text NORTH TARRYTOWN, N.Y. May 24, 1982 3^7 / A special meeting was held before the Board of Trustees of the Village of North Tarrytown on the above date. Present Philip E. Zegarelli, Mayor • Stephen Maceyak Janet Gandolfo Peter Soriano Joseph D. Lofaro Mario Di Felice Emmanuel Lobato, Trustees Charles S. Brownstein, Attorney N.Y. State Div. of Housing & Community Renewal Mayor Zegarelli called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. He read the Public Notice regarding the adoption of a proposed local law entitled, "Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 1974". The Mayor also read a letter received from Richard and Laurel Sweet, 309 North Washington Street, expressing their disapproval of the adoption of the ETPA. They feel it is "unfair to owners who maintain reasonable rents based on actual costs and reasonable return". Mayor Zegarelli then addressed those attending the Public Hearing and advised them that he would listen to both pro and con statements alternately; everyone would be able to express their opinion on ETPA. Mr. Joseph Schwer, 95 Beekman Avenue spoke first. He spoke on behalf of the Van Tassel Tenants Association of which he is Vice President and Acting President. Mr. Schwer stated that although the Van Tassel has been under Rent Control they are becoming decontrolled as tenants move out and new tenants come in. The tenants feel that when new leases are drawn up the rents are two to three times more than they were under Rent Control. Mr. Brownstein explained that tenants may complain to the Westchester County Rent Guidelines Board if they feel their rent increase exceeds the amount of increase that is allowed by the Guidelines. Mr. Soriano asked Mr. Brownstein if it is possible that tenants might receive a rent increase whether or not the Village goes to ETPA. He was advised that, hypothetically, tenants could receive an increase. The Mayor recognized Trustee Maceyak; his question was regarding whether or not the tenant has the option of a one, two, or three year lease under ETPA. He was informed that they do have that option. New tenants are offered a lease, at the discretion of the landlord and after the expiration of the lease, the tenant may be offered a one, "two, or three year lease. Mr. Maceyak also questioned if the landlord was in violation and did not complete repairs, under ETPA, would rents be rolled back? *» �k v> - "2" Mr. Brownstein said that under rent control services'must be* continued; landlords have the right to charge separately for services in the future under ETPA and previous charges would be include'd. In reply to a question from Trustee Soriano, Mr. Brownstein said ETPA would expire in 1984. Mr. Jay Madry, 95 Beekman Avenue, wanted to know how many villages are now under ETPA; he was informed that there are 12 or more villages involved. Mr. Madry spoke several times in favor of ETPA. Several tenants questioned whether ETPA would affect apartment houB regardless of the number of apartments in the building. Mayor ZegarellH advised that he would check on this. • Mrs. James Haggerty, 95 Beekman Avenue, wanted to know if landlords of apartments, when decontrolled, can raise rents to whatever the market will bear and is there a percentage control under ETPA? Mrs. Haggerty was advised that under ETPA landlords must give their tenants leases and j the leases offered must be according to the ETPA laws. Under decontrol, landlords can give a lease for whatever length of time he prefers and at whatever rent he wishes. Mr. Avellino again spoke and asked how much of a fee must be paid to the State if ETPA is adopted? The answer is $7 per apartment and it must be paid to the State each year. (?) In response to a question from Mrs. Kay Lingardo, the Mayor said that the collection of this fee would be handled by either the CDA Director, or the Village Clerk, or Village Treasurer. The fee is to be paid by the tenants. Upon a question from Mr. Joseph Piedmonte, 95 Beekman Avenue, it was stated that* tenants in decontrolled apartments will benefit more under ETPA than those in rent controlled apartments. Trustee Maceyak questioned whether or not tenants under rent control would be affected by ETPA and could the landlord deny tenants a lease, m According to Mr. Brownstein, the landlord must offer the tenant a leasem those tenants under rent control will not be affected by ETPA. I Mr. Schwer spoke again and advised the Board that tenants have frequently moved from large apartments within the Van Tassel to smaller ones (so their rent would be less); Mr. Schwer wanted to know if they would be given a 67o increase in their rent. Mr. Brownstein informed him that the rent increase would be 15%. Yolanda Mallory ,95 Beekman Avenue, spoke regarding the responsibili of the landlord, in particular, the Van Tassel, and questioned just what the landlord must provide in return for rent. Mr. Raymond Avellino of Ridge Street, said that he is not in favor of the ETPA and feels that the controls will hurt the landlord. A tenant in 14 Lawrence Avenue, Mr. Robert LaRue, told the Board tha �-3- sc>j • his landlord does not give tenants a lease and raises the rent indiscriminately regardless of the percentage increase allowed by law. The Mayor advised Mr. LaRue that landlords do not have to offer leases, however under ETPA they must. (The building being discussed is privately owned and houses six families not under rent control). Mr. Louis Caposella, 95 Beekman Avenue, questioned how many times the landlord is allowed to increase rent under rent control and he was advised that although each case is different, yearly increases are allowed. The next question directed to Mr. Brownstein was from Trustee Gandolfo; can the landlord add a particular amount to a tenant's rent to cover a new appliance or storm windows under ETPA? The answer was that the landlord must provide certain services and those that have been provided in the past must continue to be provided. If the landlord rehabilitates the building, makes major improvements, or provides the tenant with new appliances, at the tenant's request, he is allowed to make an upward adjustment in the rent. Barbara Doherty, 95 Beekman Avenue, wanted to know what percentage increase in rent ETPA Guidelines allowed for one, two, or three year leases. She was informed that the current rate is 127. for a one year lease, 157o for a two year lease, and 18% for a three year lease. Landlords can also offer a two year lease with a 157. increase to a tenant in a rent controlled apartment. Mrs. Dorothy Celtruda raised the question: "If a tenant is under rent control when ETPA is adopted, will the tenant be offered a lease and can the rent be raised every year". The answer is, "yes", percentage guidelines apply and the rent can be increased yearly. Mr. Schwer mentioned that the rent on apartments that are rent controlled reflect changes in the landlord's costs and the rent is adjusted 157o the first year, 157o the second year, etc. Mayor Zegarelli stated that if ETPA is adopted, whatever rent is being paid by a tenant at the time of adoption, that would be the rent upon which the rent under ETPA would be based with the guidelines taken into consideration. If ETPA is adopted, Mr. Brownstein advised that the landlord must notify tenants of their rent and the tenants have 90 days to register a complaint if they wish. Mayor Zegarelli recognized Marge Steward, 95 Beekman Avenue, who favors the adoption of ETPA. Mr. Frank Rey, Holland Avenue, said he feels excessive increases are unfair although the landlords are entitled to a fair profit. He favors the adoption of ETPA. Mr. Schwer was recognized again and he stated that he favors ETPA and feels that it will not affect home owners in the Village. Any complaints received regarding ETPA will be handled by the County. �h(\° . -4- Mayor Zegarelli advised that the Board of Trustees will probably vote on this issue at their next regularly scheduled meeting of June 14th Trustee Gandolfo made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Maceyak. The Hearing closed at 10:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Marie Timmings Acting Clerk i i i � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes & Resolutions-1982 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource MINS_TRUST_1982-05-24 Subject The topic of the resource Board of Trustees Minutes-1982 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1982 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Village of Sleepy Hollow All Rights Reserved. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text