By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams recently signed two pieces of legislation: one to extend the New York City Rent Stabilization Law of 1969 and another honoring late public servant Paul A. Vallone by naming the Animal Care Centers of NYC facility in Queens the “Paul A. Vallone Queens Animal Care Center.”
In response to the New York City Department of Housing and Preservation Development’s Housing Vacancy Survey, highlighting a historically low 1.4 percent rental vacancy rate, Intro. 0653-A extends the city’s rent-stabilization law to April 1, 2027 and underscores the need for support from all levels of government to build more housing in New York City.
“New York’s intersecting crises of rising evictions, record homelessness and housing unaffordability are only worsening,” said Councilwoman Pierina Ana Sanchez (D-Bronx), the bill’s sponsor. “The most recent housing vacancy survey highlights the lowest vacancy rate on record since the 1960s, showing a 1.4 percent vacancy rate with nearly 90 percent of unassisted low-income households severely rent burdened. As the demand for housing continues to surge and supply remains severely constrained, low-income and working-class New Yorkers are leaving in record numbers. In charting the path forward, we must increase housing supply to accommodate the city’s needed growth, invest in building upgrades and tenant protections so tenants can remain safely in their homes, and increase New Yorkers’ ability to afford their homes so they can stay and contribute to our city’s vibrancy. Thus, Intro. 653 and Reso. 256, which acknowledge the finding of a historically low vacancy rate of 1.4 percent, allow for the continuation of rent regulation in New York City, a necessary step in providing even a modicum of stability for nearly a million rent regulated city households.”
Intro. 0001-B honors public servant Paul Vallone – who died on Jan. 28, and served as deputy commissioner for external affairs at the New York City Department of Veterans Services and previously represented District 19 in Queens in the New York City Council – by naming a recently completed ACC location at 19-06 Flushing Ave. in Ridgewood after him. As a councilmember, Vallone was a champion for animal welfare and advocated for improving the conditions for animals in the five boroughs.
“Paul Vallone was a beloved friend to all who infused New York City politics with his civility, passion, and humanity,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven). “A champion for the welfare of all living creatures, he passed Local Law 123 that required full-service animal shelters in every borough. Renaming the Queens Animal Care Center in his memory is a fitting tribute to the man who championed animal welfare. Our furry friends bring us love and comfort, even in a city as bustling as New York. We must reciprocate that love by always caring for their wellbeing. Just as Paul was a friend to all, may his shelter be a safe haven for all animals in need.”
The $30 million facility is scheduled to open in 2025.
“The untimely passing of Paul A. Vallone came as a shock to the community,” said Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone). “I am thrilled that we can honor him by renaming the ACC of NYC in Queens the Paul A. Vallone Queens Animal Care Center.”
