Dina Levy says she is aware of town has work to do repairing its relationship with landlords and builders.
“I do know there are of us who suppose possibly the company or the administration is hostile to the for-profit actual property trade — I might say that’s not true,” the HPD commissioner mentioned at The Actual Deal’s NYC Discussion board. “I need to possibly persuade of us to really feel that HPD is searching for and open to partnership.”
The Division of Housing Preservation and Growth is attempting to enhance transparency and predictability for property house owners whereas tackling rising prices, distressed reasonably priced housing and bottlenecks that gradual improvement, Levy mentioned.
“There are a number of issues proper now that possibly over time have gotten off monitor,” Levy mentioned. “We need to be seen as a spot the place folks come to get straight solutions, get good info, and the place we are able to get to sure fairly shortly.”
A serious focus is the company’s development pipeline. HPD is reviewing new development and preservation offers to find out which tasks align with metropolis priorities, have financing in place and may transfer ahead.
Levy acknowledged that officers “haven’t been clear sufficient” about what it expects from offers, creating delays. HPD’s objective is to cut back the pipeline timeline to between 24 and 36 months.
The company can also be eyeing reforms to town’s housing lottery system to lease income-restricted flats quicker, with proposed modifications anticipated this summer time.
Whereas Levy mentioned “most landlords are good actors,” she mentioned HPD is concentrating on “a small, however formidable group” of ill-intentioned landlords by means of stronger enforcement.
She pointed to HPD’s $31 million courtroom judgment Wednesday towards Fordham Fulton Realty and its principals to fund repairs at Bronx buildings the place Levy mentioned she as soon as organized tenants over dwelling circumstances.
“From an aggressive standpoint we’re actually searching for repeat dangerous actors who’ve proven a willful disregard,” Levy mentioned, “and for everyone else, we’re seeking to be a greater companion.”
Levy additionally acknowledged mounting insurance coverage, tax and utility prices are squeezing house owners, calling it “a tough time for the perfect intentioned landlords.” She pointed to metropolis efforts geared toward decreasing bills, together with a city-backed insurance option and increasing entry to Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
“We at HPD don’t need to be seen as on reverse sides of landlords who’re attempting to do the best factor, builders attempting to assist us construct our manner out of the housing disaster,” Levy mentioned. “We’re not enemies.”
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