With the rising number of blighted and mold infested abandoned properties throughout Sandy-damaged communities, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway) has announced a three-point plan to hold mortgage holders and banks accountable, keep residents safe and clean up the community eyesores that have become a serious health hazard for neighboring homeowners.

“Abandoned homes are not just a health concern but they invite crime, lower the neighborhood property values, and place an undue burden on local communities,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. “My three-point plan will address the problem of vacant and abandoned residential properties on every level of government while strengthening communities and allowing every family to continue their recovery efforts after Sandy.”

Since January of 2014, the NYC Department of Buildings has registered nearly fifty vacant homes throughout southern Queens and Rockaway. Assemblyman Goldfeder’s three-point plan will address this growing issue and hold negligent owners accountable for delinquent properties, allow for immediate agency intervention and take proactive steps to prevent squatters and criminal activity. Goldfeder’s three-point plan includes:

Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act of 2014

Assemblyman Goldfeder has sponsored the Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act (A9341-2014) in the NYS Assembly. This new legislation, drafted by the Attorney General Eric Schneiderman would provide critical support to communities that have been plagued with vacant properties. Specifically, the legislation will require banks to maintain vacant properties no later than three months after they are abandoned– not at the end of a lengthy foreclosure process – and pay for their upkeep. In addition, it would increase the states authority to intervene in particularly difficult situations.

“This legislation will create a balanced measure that will help protect our neighborhoods by identifying and ensuring maintenance of properties before they become a community hazard,” said Assemblyman Goldfeder. “Banks often play games during foreclosure proceedings to delay responsibility and it is simply unacceptable.”

Remediation of Unsafe Flooded Homes Program

Assemblyman Goldfeder is calling on the New York City Council to immediately pass legislation that would create the Remediation of Unsafe Flooded Homes Program (Int 0342-2014) that would allow the city to enter abandoned homes to secure structures and remove mold and other toxic or hazardous conditions. This legislation would give the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Department of Buildings (DOB) the power to take appropriate actions to inspect, remediate and correct the conditions of these vacant homes and hold mortgage holders responsible for the cost.

City-Wide Online Vacant Home Registry

Finally, Assemblyman Goldfeder has sent a letter to Commissioner Bratton requesting the NYPD create a registry that would serve as a resource for local precincts to monitor abandoned and vacant properties for any suspicious or illegal activity. A registry and periodic patrols would be a proactive approach to ensure we deter squatters and prevent criminal activity, Goldfeder noted.

Last September, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder sent a letter to the top major banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, CitiMortgage, and Ocean Loan Servicing to demand they maintain and not neglect their seized properties.

“This is something no one should have to go through after battling cancer and Superstorm Sandy,” said Joyce Zoller, resident and neighbor to an abandoned home in Neponsit.

“It’s time to hold all banks, mortgage companies and landlords accountable for cleaning up their property that they have ignored since Sandy,” said Lew Simon, district leader.

“These Vacant and Abandoned Sandy-Damaged Properties can cause serious health issues in our communities,” said Danny Ruscillo, president of the 100^th Precinct Community Council. “Who knows what was left behind in them from Superstorm Sandy—mold, chemicals dangerous debris etc. This can all cause serious health problems to our young and our elderly.”

“The last thing a homeowner should have to worry about while they’re rebuilding is the property next door,” concluded Goldfeder. “The proposed state laws would clarify ownership and responsibility, while the city council’s legislation will allow agencies to intervene when banks or homeowners are unresponsive.”

Homeowners who are in need of assistance are encouraged to call Assemblyman Goldfeder’s Office at 718-945-9550 to be provided additional information or contacts for foreclosure prevention.