URGENT UPDATE: The Kingston Common Council is poised to vote on the future of rent control under the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA) during a critical special meeting on December 17 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. This decision comes amid heightened community concern and growing testimonies from residents regarding housing stability.
During a caucus meeting on December 1, council members confirmed the date for this pivotal vote, which could significantly affect renters in the area. Prior to the vote, the Laws and Rules Committee will convene on December 8 at 7 p.m. to discuss legislative findings related to ETPA.
Michele Hirsch, a council member representing Ward 9, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The upcoming deliberations on the Rent Stabilization Act are critical for ensuring that tenants feel supported and protected.” Hirsch highlighted the diverse impact of housing stability on seniors, veterans, healthcare workers, and single parents, stressing the importance of listening to their voices during this ongoing housing crisis.
Public sentiment is strong, with extensive turnout at recent hearings. During two sessions held in November at City Hall and the Kingston Library, advocates and tenants overwhelmingly expressed support for maintaining current rental protections. In contrast, a few landlords argued that rising taxes and inflation necessitate rent increases, further complicating the debate.
The council’s decision could have immediate implications for approximately 1,000 units currently protected under ETPA. If adopted, a proposal from city Director of Housing Initiatives Bartek Starodaj could restrict ETPA protections to buildings with more than 22 units, leaving smaller buildings vulnerable and potentially unprotected.
In an alarming study released earlier this year, Kingston reported a 3.73% vacancy rate in larger, rent-regulated buildings, below the 5% threshold for declaring a housing emergency. In contrast, the overall vacancy rate for regulated and market-rate properties stood at an alarming 2.37%. Critics of the study and the proposed changes argue that the council must prioritize tenant protections across the board.
The outcome of the council meeting is vital as it will determine the future of rent regulation in Kingston and either reaffirm or dismantle protections for some of the city’s most vulnerable populations. As the vote approaches, the community is urged to engage and voice their opinions, ensuring that the needs of tenants are front and center.
What’s Next: Community members and tenants are encouraged to stay informed and participate actively in the discussions leading up to the vote. The council’s decision on December 17 will be a defining moment for housing rights in Kingston, and its implications will ripple through the city’s housing landscape in the months to come.
Stay tuned for updates as this critical situation evolves.
