Dean Moses

“I’ve been a tenant for most of my life and I’m tired of having to compete with tourists for housing in this city, housing should be for New Yorkers, hotels, should be for tourists. It’s as simple as that,” Kallos said Monday, standing alongside advocates in the shadow of City Hall. 

“Every renter had to pay an extra $384 more in increased rent due to the expansion of Airbnb from 2015 to 2017, he added. “Now this spike in rent actually forced me and my wife to move during a high risk pregnancy and I didn’t know until today where the spike came from. There were 37,000 units on Airbnb in February, and half of them listed entire homes, which is not allowed in buildings with three or more units under state law, short-term rentals are restricted to less than 30 days where the resident is home at the time.”

“This legislation, by requiring hosts to apply for and obtain a registration number in order to operate a short-term rental business in New York, is essential to preserve our affordable housing,” Vivian Abuelo of the Coalition Against Illegal Hotels said.

During the hearing, Kyle Ishmael represented Airbnb and gave a testimony on the Int. 2309, underscoring that the company supports the concept behind the bill; however, they are calling for amendments to be implemented so that it does not place undue burden onto New Yorkers trying to responsibly seek out ways to earn extra money throughout the year, such as imposing expensive or redundant requirements.

Ishmael stated that the company believes New Yorkers have the right to share their space with tourists, which has faced an economic impact during the pandemic.

Councilmember Ben Kallos at the hearing on Monday September 13.Photo by Dean Moses

“With the introduction of 2309, we are hopeful that New York City could be on the verge of clarifying the law and protecting the rights and abilities of residents to earn additional income that will allow them to remain in their homes, afford taxes, make infrastructure repairs, and meet other financial burdens. However, the bill would require some fundamental amendments to achieve this,” Ishmael testified. “As currently constructed, this bill places undue burdens on New Yorkers that would not only impede current hosts from utilizing their space for short-term rentals, but would also have a chilling effect on new, responsible residents who are seeking ways to earn extra money throughout the year. While we fully support a registration system for short term rentals in New York City, the bill would also require that hosts hire an engineer, architect or inspector to certify the premises.”

Joy Williams owns a townhouse in Harlem and shares her home through Airbnb in order to maintain it. She cautioned the council against passing legislation that would “handcuff” property owners looking to maintain affordability of their own homes.

“I own my townhouse in Harlem and share my home in order to afford to maintain it. Airbnb hosts are afraid of the City’s inconsistent, confusing and intimidating policies around home-sharing and this bill would only make it worse. Home sharing brings needed income to families and businesses in New York—that’s something that should be celebrated, not handcuffed, particularly as we try to recover from the pandemic,” Williams said in her testimony.

The hearing begins.

Nurses and advocates chanted, “Never again!” during Tuesday’s rally, where were joined by elected officials such as Comptroller Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, City Council Member Carlina Rivera, and City Council Member Ben Kallos, among others. 

According to the NYSNA, at Mount Sinai’s main campus and Sinai West, workers are continuing to report chronic short staffing and a lack of supplies, with managers rationing PPE. They also stated that NewYork-Presbyterian has increased bed capacity within the Critical Care Units, Step Down and Med Surg units to handle any increase in COVID-19 patients as well as continuing lucrative elective procedures.

Councilmember Ben Kallos is grateful for the Mayor’s allocation of $284 million to the East River Esplanade, but he wants repairs to start now.Photo by Dean Moses

“At this point we are three quarters of a billion, and some of the money is moving. We were able to get a repair done on 76th Street in less than six months during a pandemic, but now the challenge is to say to the Mayor, ‘Thank you for the money, start the work now,'” Kallos said.

Now the funds have be allocated, residents are keeping their eyes peeled, waiting for the announcement of when they can expect construction to begin.

City Council Member Ben Kallos joined members of the East Side Task Force for Homeless Outreach in celebrating the Dec. 10 grand opening. This new location will help distribute locally grown produce and other healthy groceries, offering a community diner that serves restaurant quality meals, clothing rooms and even a transitional mailing address, in addition to the wide array of social service resources. 

“Our neighborhood is proud to welcome anyone in need, whether you are from midtown or downtown, Manhattan is sticking together to get through these tough times,” said  Kallos, a founder of the East Side Taskforce for Homeless Services. “I am proud to have partnered with our faith-based organizations and fellow elected officials to be able to open a much-needed community center like this one.”