Schenectady's Good Cause Law Fails as Housing Task Force Plan Passes

Community Debates and Legislative Decisions in Schenectady

After a long period of discussion and debate within the community, the controversial Good Cause Eviction Law was ultimately defeated with a vote of 4-3 during Monday night’s regular City Council meeting. This decision came after numerous individuals, including both landlords and tenants, shared their personal experiences before the final vote took place.

A competing proposal introduced by Councilman Joe Mancini aimed to establish a nine-member housing stability task force comprising representatives from various sectors such as landlords, tenants, developers, housing advocates, and local nonprofit organizations. This alternative plan was approved by the same 4-3 margin. The idea made it onto the City Council agenda and was voted on by the full seven-member governing body due to a city code that allows failed legislation to be revived if co-sponsored by another council member. Notably, this person does not need to be part of the committee that originally rejected the proposal.

Councilman John Mootooveren co-sponsored the proposal after it initially failed to pass a three-member Government Operations subcommittee. Mancini expressed his belief that community-driven solutions often yield the best results. He emphasized that while his proposal may not be perfect, it would initiate a meaningful dialogue and direction for addressing the issue.

Mancini was later supported by council members Carmel Patrick, Doreen Ditoro, and John Mootooveren in voting in favor of the housing panel. These four council members had previously joined forces to prevent a public hearing from being held on the original legislation.

New York's Good Cause Eviction Law, which became effective in April 2024, prohibits landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason. It also allows tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases in court if they are evicted for nonpayment of rent. While this law is automatic for New York City, other municipalities must choose to opt in. The law also limits the amount a landlord can increase rent when a lease is renewed. It does not apply to tenants in rent-regulated apartments, who are already protected from eviction without cause. Additionally, the state law provides landlords with the right to evict tenants who fail to pay rent or damage property, and it permits rent increases if the municipality raises property taxes or fees.

Councilman Damonni Farley, who introduced the good cause measure, along with council President Marion Porterfield and councilman Carl Williams, supported the failed legislation and voted against the housing panel. Farley criticized the decision, stating that it appeared to be yielding to the interests of the landlord lobby and prioritizing profits over people.

School Safety and Police Collaboration

During the City Council meeting, officials also approved a three-year contract to continue the presence of city police at the high school and three middle schools. This initiative involves the Community Engagement Officer (CEO) program, which includes four officers, an investigator, and a sergeant working with the district's school safety team. The agreement requires the district to pay the city $500,000 during the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, with an annual 2% increase thereafter.

The CEO team also visits elementary schools and collaborates with the school safety team at city parks and pools during the summer. The new deal covers expenses related to police responses to fire alarms in school buildings and overtime costs for security at sports events. Prior to this agreement, these costs were billed separately.

Police Chief Eric Clifford maintains regular communication with Superintendent of Schools Carlos Cotto Jr., discussing matters related to school safety. He described the relationship between the police department and the school district as the best it has ever been.

The CEO program, launched in 2022, faced initial skepticism from some students and parents, including Board of Education member Jamaica Miles, who raised concerns about the presence of armed police officers and potential trauma for students. Proponents argued that the program would help bridge the gap between police and students of color, improving relationships between them.

City leaders also agreed to allow the police department to install a drone docking station or nest on top of Central Park Middle School. Chief Clifford cited the location as ideal due to its height and position on a three-story building. Another nest is located on top of the police station.