We all know that our City has a housing emergency. Urgent times call for swift action. When the facts showed that a vital housing resource faced a serious threat, I moved quickly to stabilize and protect quality housing for the next forty years. The proposed regulatory agreement safeguards ETPA rights for all current tenants, prevents high-income earners from displacing families at Stony Run, and requires the owners to make timely improvements. This is not a perfect deal, but it’s a very good one.

We also recognize that Stony Run tenants have been through a lot with previous owners and managers. I, personally, understand your concerns and feel confident that this agreement will improve the situation. By 4pm today, I have directed that Aker provide the Tenants Union with a copy of the draft regulatory agreement for your review.

I have also demanded that the agreement be amended to include a ban on all Short-Term Rentals within the Stony Run complex. Future regulatory agreements the City produces will also include Short Term Rental bans. I have also included a copy of our draft resolution last week that I believe you should review. This would also be updated to include the Short Term Rental ban.

I have reserved 6pm on Monday, March 13th at our Rondout Neighborhood Center meeting room to meet with Tenants of Stony Run to discuss the agreement before the next Laws and Rules Committee meeting. I have asked that Stony Run’s owners attend this meeting. Common Council Members are invited, as well. The Rondout Center is at the corner of Broadway and Spring Street (103 Broadway).

Looking forward to moving forward with you all.

Steven T. Noble

Mayor, City of Kingston