We all know that New York City is in a housing crisis, and needs more quality, affordable, stable housing to meet the needs of residents.
But we are also experiencing an accelerating crisis in the portion of our housing stock that is dedicated to the social goals of long-term affordability and tenant stability. This is because housing policies and programs have focused on keeping rents low without adequately providing for the ongoing operation and management of housing.
Lets call this “antisocial housing.”
Why? It is antisocial to systematically underfund the management and upkeep of affordable housing. Buildings deteriorate, and health and safety hazards spread, all to the detriment of residents.
Fixing our antisocial housing problem is a matter of math, not politics or ideology. Both tenants and building owners must be able to consistently pay their bills. This requires housing policies that combat rising operating expenses, alleviate administrative burdens, and confront the incremental costs of new regulations.
