Urge Mayor Adams to Veto Draconian SoHo/NoHo/Chinatown Measure

Intro 2443A was passed by the City Council late last year along with the SoHo/NoHo/Chinatown Upzoning + Displacement Plan, with almost no discussion or debate. The bill imposes draconian penalties upon residents of SoHo, NoHo, and parts of Chinatown who are not certified artists, endangering their ability to remain in their own homes, some of which they have occupied for decades. Those penalties would be at least $15,000, plus $25,000 for each additional citation, with additional fines of $12,000 per year until the violation is cured.

For many years, the city has offered almost no new artist certifications, and ignored rules requiring only such persons to live in certain spaces in these neighborhoods. Now, decades later, this bill will severely penalize those who have lived here with full knowledge of the City and no enforcement of these rules.

The measures, sponsored by outgoing Councilmember Margaret Chin, are punitive and serve no public purpose other than to punish residents of these neighborhoods who opposed her rezoning plan. The measure is opposed by new City Councilmember Christopher Marte and several other local elected officials. Mayor Adams now has the opportunity to veto this legislation. 

January 11, 2022