Rules for city-owned houses discussed 

ANYA TIKKA
Posted 11/3/16

PORT JERVIS, NY — Common Council member and Code and Legislative Committee Chairman David Bavoso at a council meeting on October 24 suggested a resolution requiring anyone who wanted to buy …

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Rules for city-owned houses discussed 

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PORT JERVIS, NY — Common Council member and Code and Legislative Committee Chairman David Bavoso at a council meeting on October 24 suggested a resolution requiring anyone who wanted to buy city-owned property would have to prove not only that they have the money, but also that the residence would be occupied by a single family who’s committed to bringing it up to code. Some council members raised objections.

Bavoso said, “I am in favor of setting up a program like this. Home ownership in the city is supported, with it comes the desire to take care of it. It’s a concern if we simply sold to the highest bidder without requiring owner occupiers.”

Mayor Kelly Decker explained there is history behind the suggestion. He said the city has often seen many absent landlords who don’t keep their buildings up to code.

Council member Stan Siegel was in favor of the resolution, “Home ownership is part of our dream. I’m in favor of it.”

But another member, Kristin Trovei, who is also chair of the Finance and Insurance Committee, raised concerns. “I think home ownership is great, but not necessarily for everyone. To say if you don’t own, you don’t have a lot of pride, I know many renters who have pride. I feel requiring for people to live here for a certain time—we need to check the legality so the city is not violating legal requirements.”

Council member Sarah Hendry agreed. “It’s not necessary to have a policy that we would only sell to owners.”

She added it felt like the city is picking winners and losers, raising a lot of questions. “There should be a lot more discussion. Other suggestions were presented.” She mentioned, for example, having a broker and opening the program to everyone, and she asked everyone to discuss the issue and to come to finance meetings.

“Make sure everything’s done legally and properly without discrimination,” she added.

The proposal was tabled.

The long-awaited 100 Pike Plaza will be completed in the spring, including the parking lot.

Via a teleconference, construction company Ellicott Development Company told the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) they will continue their efforts and the parking lot will be finished in the spring.

The company said they they’ve already spent millions and have had more difficulties than anticipated with the project, but that it’s going to complete the project.

Ellicott agreed to contact the IDA by email every two weeks to update the progress being made. 

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