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NYC Housing Crisis Worsens as Advocates Fight Airbnb’s Proposed Bill

BQE Admin on February 13, 2025

Courtesy Tenants Not Tourists

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A new coalition of housing advocates, Tenants Not Tourists, has emerged in New
York City to oppose a controversial bill that they argue would worsen the city’s
ongoing housing crisis. Launched in December, the coalition includes 43
organizations, ranging from tenant groups and unions to churches and human rights
advocates, all united in their opposition to Intro 1107. This piece of legislation,
currently under consideration by the New York City Council, has garnered support
from Airbnb and aims to allow short-term rentals in one- and two-family homes.
Critics argue that this could turn residential properties into tourist
accommodations, further exacerbating the city’s already severe housing shortage.

The coalition warns that allowing more short-term rentals would result in
thousands of homes being taken off the rental market, driving up rents and
intensifying the affordability crisis in New York City. This shift, they say, would also
undercut the progress made by Local Law 18 of 2022, which was designed to
regulate short-term rentals (STRs) and ensure that housing remains available for
long-term residents. Under the current law, only homeowners who live on the
property are allowed to rent out their homes for short-term stays. However, the
proposed bill would eliminate this key provision, potentially enabling landlords to
lease properties to tourists without even being present, leading to unchecked
growth in short-term rentals.

“New York City cannot afford to lose any more homes,” echoed the coalition. They
argue that while proponents of the bill claim it would benefit homeowners, it would
instead encourage real estate speculation and drive-up housing costs, ultimately
displacing long-term residents. Moreover, the coalition asserts that allowing short-
term rentals in these neighborhoods would not only hurt tenants but also expose
homeowners to greater risks, particularly those in vulnerable financial positions. As
the city faces a growing foreclosure crisis, advocates warn that the bill does little to
address these underlying problems.

The coalition also highlights the broader impact of the bill, particularly how it would
benefit large investors and private equity firms. These firms have increasingly been
buying up properties in New York, including one- and two-family homes, flipping
them into short-term rentals or reselling them for profit.

Whitney Hu, a coalition member from Churches United for Fair Housing, pointed out
that this trend disproportionately harms communities of color, where private equity
firms exploit the lack of regulations to make significant profits.

“You’re competing against Wall Street in the housing market,” said Hu. “For many
residents, there’s no way to win when these large investors are in the game.”

While the bill would make it easier for landlords to convert units into short-term
rentals, critics argue that this could also lead to entire buildings being turned into
transient accommodations, as has already been seen in some neighborhoods.

“We’ve seen entire buildings turned into Airbnbs,” Hu said, emphasizing how these
properties, originally meant to be stable homes for families, have instead been
transformed into sources of short-term profit. This shift, she argues, undermines the
integrity of local communities, creating an unstable and transient population, rather
than one with deep, long-term roots in their neighborhoods.

“This bill aims to fix an overly restrictive short-term rental law that, in the last year, has failed to decrease rents in NYC and only increased hotel rates exorbitantly for travelers,” Nathan Rotman, Director of Policy at Airbnb. “The bill makes common sense and marginal updates to the existing law by allowing one- and two family homeowners in New Yorkers to share their primary homes and yet, the big hotel chains are using scare tactics to exploit one of the biggest social challenges of our time to boost their profits with sky high nightly rates – it’s time to fix a broken law that hasn’t helped housing but has padded hotel industry pockets at everyone else’s expense.”

Although Local Law 18 of 2022 marked a step forward in regulating short-term
rentals, Hu expressed concern that efforts by companies like Airbnb to push for
legislative carve-outs could weaken enforcement of these protections. She argued
that any attempt to roll back these laws would set a dangerous precedent,
particularly in neighborhoods already experiencing high levels of displacement due
to gentrification and market pressures.

In addition to concerns about short-term rentals, Hu emphasized another key issue
facing New York City’s housing market: the growing influence of private equity in
purchasing properties. Many of these firms have been buying up one- and two-
family homes and converting them into short-term rental units, further driving up
rents and making housing less affordable for long-term residents. According to Hu,
these private equity firms are exacerbating the housing crisis by speculating on real
estate, driving prices up, and pushing local residents out of their communities.

Despite these challenges, Hu and her colleagues maintain that there are alternative
solutions that can address the housing crisis without opening the door to more
short-term rentals. One such solution, proposed by New York City Comptroller Brad
Lander, involves creating a city-run home-sharing platform that would allow
homeowners to rent out their properties in compliance with state law. Hu explained
that such a platform would offer a more regulated and equitable way to connect
homeowners with renters, ensuring that the housing market remains stable and fair.
“This would be a much more sustainable option, one that pairs New Yorkers with
homeowners in a way that falls within the law,” she said.

Advocates are also pushing for other forms of financial relief for homeowners, such
as mortgage assistance, that would allow them to stay in their homes without
resorting to short-term rentals. Hu stressed that it is essential for policymakers to
find solutions that balance the needs of both homeowners and renters, especially
given that the majority of New Yorkers are tenants.

On January 23, Tenants Not Tourists, a coalition of housing advocates, tenant groups,
labor organizations, and New York City renters, rallied outside City Hall with
prominent figures such as NYC Councilmembers, Comptroller Brad Lander,
Assembly Members Zohran Mamdani and
Harvey Epstein, and others to demand the rejection of Intro 1107.

“Rolling back the strongest Airbnb protections in the country will not solve the
affordable housing crisis that is pushing New Yorkers out of the city,” said New York
City Comptroller Brad Lander at the rally. “Homeowners are also feeling the crunch,
but that doesn’t mean we should put the burden back on renters through prices
New Yorkers can’t afford. We need to look to other models for shared living to
connect homeowners with spare rooms with renters in a way that ensures
transparency and accountability while truly alleviating the housing crisis.”

The coalition shared a letter signed by 43 housing and tenant rights organizations,
urging Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Housing Chair Pierina Ana Sanchez to
stand with the majority of struggling New Yorkers and reject Airbnb’s efforts to
undermine the housing market. At the rally, Darius Gordon, Executive Director of
the Met Council on Housing, emphasized that passing the bill would incentivize
private equity buy-ups, allowing landlords to take homes off the rental market,
further exacerbating the housing shortage and driving up rents.

“The City Council has promised to address our historic housing crisis and provide
stable, affordable homes, but it cannot do that by passing legislation that would pull
the rug out from under tenants and roll back regulations on our housing supply.

Airbnb’s bill would create loopholes that incentivize private equity buy-ups and
allow landlords to take thousands of homes off the rental market, driving rents up
and making our housing shortage even worse. We’re not going to let Airbnb and
other real estate vultures use our homes for profit without a fight, which is why
we’re urging the Council not to take their bait and reject this dangerous bill,” said
Gordon.

“It’s important to ask who is funding this alleged tenants group that has the funds necessary to buy television advertising and whose bottom line those funders are working to protect. This is clearly about protecting the rising prices Hotels are charging in New York City, not about tenants,” Rotman said.

As the debate continues, Tenants Not Tourists is urging New Yorkers to take action
by contacting their local council members and expressing their opposition to the
bill. They have also created a platform on their website, tenantsnottourists.com,
where residents can join the fight by filling out a form to get involved.

QCP recognizes Rachel Kellner’s Community Impact

BQE Admin on February 13, 2025

 

Rachel Kellner, the owner of Aigner Chocolates, is gearing up to receive the prestigious Claire
Shulman “Spirit of Community” Award at the upcoming 29th Annual Evening of Fine Food
hosted by Queens Centers for Progress. This event, known for celebrating the diverse culinary
scene of Queens, will honor Kellner and many others for their significant contributions to the
community and the ongoing efforts to support local businesses and residents.

Aigner Chocolates, founded in 1930 as Krause’s Candy Kitchen, has become a beloved part of
the Forest Hills neighborhood under Kellner’s leadership. With her unique background as a
licensed clinical social worker, Kellner brings a compassionate, community-focused approach to
the business.

“My background is as a social worker, and I worked in drug addiction for 10 years. Now I help
enable addiction, chocolate addiction that is,” she said, blending her expertise in social work
with her love for creating joy through delicious treats.

Under Kellner’s guidance, Aigner Chocolates has grown into more than just a candy shop; it’s a
community institution that prides itself on its inclusivity and dedication to giving back. Aigner
Chocolates is home to a diverse, predominantly female-led management team, and the
business holds certifications from WBENC, NYC, and NYS, reflecting its commitment to both
excellence and social responsibility.

Kellner’s passion for community engagement was especially evident during the COVID-19
pandemic, when Aigner Chocolates donated over $30,000 worth of chocolates to spread joy
and hope to those in need. Beyond this, Kellner has been instrumental in supporting local
schools, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations, ensuring that Aigner Chocolates is not only
known for its high-quality confections but also as a source of healing and support.
In addition to running Aigner Chocolates, Kellner co-founded Metro Village of Forest Hills, an
informal business alliance that later became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Born out of the challenges of
the pandemic, particularly after a burglary at Eisner Chocolates, Metro Village aims to support
and promote businesses along Metropolitan Avenue, fostering collaboration and mutual support
among local entrepreneurs.

Kellner’s dedication to her community is deeply personal. She lives, works, and raises her son
in Forest Hills, and her belief in the importance of community is evident in everything she does.

“I think because people that own small businesses tend to live, work and enjoy themselves in
the community,” Kellner said.

The Claire Shulman “Spirit of Community” Award, named after the late Queens Borough
President who was known for her transformative work in the borough, is given to individuals who

exemplify the values of community, leadership, and social responsibility. Kellner’s upcoming
award is a recognition of her tireless efforts to serve the Queens community, both through her
business and her philanthropic work.

“I’m always trying to find ways to give back to the Forest Hills Community and just to the
Queens community at large,”Kellner said. “And we’ve done a lot of work doing that over the
years. With the chocolate shop and through Metro village. And so, I feel incredibly privileged to
even be in the same sentence as Claire Shulman. I look forward to continuing to commit myself
to all the ways that I can give back to the Queen’s community over my career.”

As Aigner Chocolates continues to thrive, Kellner remains focused on the core values of social
responsibility, community engagement, and excellence that have guided her business from the
beginning.

“I look forward to honoring Claire and what she’s done for the Queen’s community by
continuously recommitting my efforts to the Queen’s community every day,” Kellner said.

The 29th Annual Evening of Fine Food, hosted by Queens Centers for Progress, will take place
on Tuesday, February 25, at Terrace on the Park in Corona. This event, which supports adults
and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Queens, promises an
unforgettable evening of food, drinks, and entertainment. For more details and to purchase
tickets, visit tinyurl.com/25QCPFineFood.

Drew Seskunas Bridges Art and Architecture in New Installation

BQE Admin on February 13, 2025

Courtesy Drew Seskunas

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

Drew Seskunas, a Queens-based architect and artist, has been selected as a recipient
of the prestigious 2024 Art in the Parks: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Grant and has since built a momentous sculpture. The grant, which is now in its fifth
year, is designed to support the creation of two site-specific artworks by local artists
within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. These installations aim to enhance the cultural
landscape of the park and offer new opportunities for engagement through art and
programming. Each grantee is awarded $10,000 to realize their vision, and Seskunas
was chosen and in turn created, ‘What is the Opposite of a Black Hole?’

The Art in the Parks initiative, organized by the Alliance for Flushing Meadows-Corona
Park, helps to transform public spaces into vibrant cultural destinations. The grant
supports the development of art projects that engage the local community while
celebrating the park’s history and significance. For Seskunas, the creation of this
sculpture was an opportunity to explore and highlight the scientific contributions of
remarkable individuals who lived in Queens, a borough with a rich yet often overlooked
history of scientific innovation.

Seskunas grew up in Baltimore before moving to New York nearly two decades ago,
where he pursued graduate studies in architecture. With a deep interest in the
relationship between the built environment and the human experience, Drew’s work
reflects a fascination with how the spaces we create shape our understanding of reality.
Initially trained in traditional architecture, his career evolved when he spent several years
working in Europe with a Belgian artist. This experience expanded his perspective,
leading him to blend architecture with art, furniture design, and sculpture.

He believes in the interconnectedness of all creative fields and pushes the boundaries of
what it means to be an architect, continually challenging the notion that one must strictly

belong to a singular discipline. He has since founded a practice in Brooklyn, called
SAW.EARTH, where he works directly with materials, developing a hands-on approach
to design that allows him to connect more deeply with his work and inspire others,
especially young architects, to do the same.

The ‘What is the Opposite of a Black Hole?’ sculpture, located adjacent to the New York
Hall of Science, is a striking prismatic ring made from a mirror-polished material. The
ring is engraved with the names and stories of six influential scientists who lived in
Queens, including Dr. Marie Maynard Daly, the first African American woman to receive
a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States, and Dr. Lisa Randall, a leading physicist
known for her research in higher dimensions and particle physics.

“The idea was to create a sculpture that celebrated the stories of these six scientists that
lived in Queens, and I thought, wouldn’t it be interesting to kind of create a sculpture that
celebrated all these people that you know, I don’t think a lot of people know about, but
they contributed so much to our understanding of the world,” Seskunas said.

In creating the sculpture, Seskunas sought to celebrate the achievements of scientists
whose contributions are not widely known, yet have had a profound impact on the way
we understand the universe.

“I’ve always just been interested in kind of the relationship between the human world and
like the world that we build for ourselves and the world that we inhabit, how we interpret,
understand everything else through that world,” Seskunas said.

The concept for the artwork was inspired by a visit to the New York Hall of Science,
where Seskunas pondered the concept of a black hole—an object in space that absorbs
everything around it, including light.

The process of developing and constructing the sculpture took nearly a year. After initial
research and idea development, Seskunas spent three months refining the concept and
designing the sculpture. Once the design was finalized, he dedicated another six months
to fabricating the piece in his studio, working closely with materials to bring his vision to
life. The installation, which was completed in October 2024, will remain in place for one
year.

“When you make a sculpture in a really highly trafficked public park like Flushing
Meadows, you know you have to deal with how people treat it,” he said. “I think that was
probably one of the most difficult things. Like if somebody accidentally did something to
it, that it wouldn’t get damaged. There’s a downside to having it in such a public place,
but the upside is that you really get to interact with it, and for me, that’s the only point of
doing it. To try to create something around how I see and understand the world, and then
try to connect, create connections with other people through that piece.”

The design process, while complex, was an incredibly personal and fulfilling experience
for Seskunas.

“I really think that everything in the world that we inhabit is valid and interesting,
everything from like, a door handle to a chair to a church or a large building, or the
artwork that we make, and that’s kind of what’s so special about it, “he said. “I think it’s
all part of some kind of secret language. And how we communicate, we don’t really know
exactly what the language is, but we all tend to understand it, and it helps us kind of
communicate in ways that we don’t typically communicate.”

Seskunas admitted that one of the most gratifying moments came when he completed
the installation. The public reception to the sculpture has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I grew up loving Legos, so I always like to design sculptures that are part of systems
like that,” he said.  “And I think there’s a relationship between what are the parts that
you’re making and what the end result is.”

As for the legacy of the sculpture, Seskunas hopes it will inspire visitors, particularly
those from Queens, to learn more about the extraordinary individuals who contributed to
scientific progress.

In addition to his current project, Seskunas is involved in a number of exciting
endeavors. He is leading a student workshop at the New York Institute of Technology,
where students are designing and constructing a greenhouse for the School Street
Community Garden in Williamsburg. Additionally, Seskunas is working on a new series
of lighting fixtures, set to debut at Nomia, a fashion and design store in Williamsburg.

NYC Students Experience Anne Frank’s Legacy Through Exhibit

BQE Admin on February 13, 2025

Credit John Halpern

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

The grand opening of Anne Frank The Exhibition launched at the Center for Jewish
History in Manhattan at 15 W 16th St on January 27, offering a unique educational
experience for students and educators. The exhibition, a collaboration between the Anne
Frank House and the Center for Jewish History, is designed to immerse visitors in the
history of Anne Frank’s life and legacy through a full-scale recreation of the Annex where
she and seven other Jewish refugees hid during World War II.

The exhibit features a meticulously recreated version of the secret annex where Anne
penned her now-famous diary, offering students a chance to step into the space that has
captivated generations of readers. It is the first time that such an experience has been
presented outside of Amsterdam.

“Anne Frank’s words resonate and inspire today, a voice we carry to all corners of the
world, nearly eight decades later. As a custodian of Anne’s legacy, we have an obligation
to help world audiences understand the historical roots and evolution of antisemitism,
including how it fueled Nazi ideology that led to the Holocaust,” Ronald Leopold,
Executive Director of the Anne Frank House said. “Anne’s legacy is remarkable, as
represented in the diary she left us, and as one of the 1.5 million Jewish children who
were murdered at the hands of Nazi officials and their collaborators. Through this
exhibition, the Anne Frank House offers insights into how this could have happened and
what it means for us today. The exhibition provides perspectives, geared toward younger
generations, that are certain to deepen our collective understanding of Anne Frank and
hopefully provide a better understanding of ourselves.”

Anne Frank The Exhibition is a limited engagement, now extended through October 31 and has already drawn significant attention.
Schools from across the United States, including from New York, California, and points

in between, have booked visits, making the event a major educational resource for
students and educators nationwide. Special funding has allowed the Anne Frank House
to subsidize visits from Title I schools throughout the country, with complimentary
admission for New York City public school students thanks to the Gray Foundation.

“We believe the best way to address the alarming rise in antisemitism is through
education. Our Foundation’s support of Anne Frank The Exhibition exemplifies our
ongoing commitment to expand access to ensure all students and schools have the
resources and opportunities they deserve. We are honored to enable free field trips for
New York City public schools to this groundbreaking exhibition as we work to empower
the next generation of learners across our city,” said Mindy and Jon Gray, Co-Founders
of the Gray Foundation.

The exhibition is a response to rising concerns over antisemitism in the United States.
According to the Anne Frank House, Jewish people remain the most targeted group in
the country, and hate crimes against other marginalized groups are on the rise. The
exhibition is part of an ongoing effort to educate younger generations about the
Holocaust and its continuing relevance.

The Anne Frank The Exhibition also includes more than 100 original artifacts from the
Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, many of which have never before been seen in the
United States. Artifacts such as Anne Frank’s first photo album, a handwritten invitation
to a film screening, and verses written by Anne in her friends’ poetry albums will provide
a powerful glimpse into her life before and during her time in hiding.

The exhibition is made possible through philanthropic partnerships, with significant
contributions from Barbra Streisand, Mindy and Jon Gray, and the Fuhrman Family
Foundation. Streisand, who has long supported Holocaust education, emphasized the
importance of such exhibitions in today’s climate.

In addition to the exhibit, the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina is
developing a curriculum to support the educational goals of the exhibition. The
curriculum places antisemitism in its historical context and helps students understand its
role in the rise of Nazi ideology and the Holocaust.

“Anne Frank’s story provides a compelling window into the past, one that helps students
understand the dangers of bigotry and the importance of never being a bystander,” said
Doyle Stevick, Executive Director of the Anne Frank Center at the University of South
Carolina and educational advisor to the exhibition. “At a time characterized by a
disheartening rise in antisemitism, The Anne Frank Center is working to ensure that
teachers and students have the high-quality Holocaust education resources they need to
learn about the Holocaust and its relevance today.”

The exhibition will be housed in a 7,500-square-foot gallery space in Union Square and
aims to reach up to 250,000 students during its limited run. It has already sold tens of
thousands of tickets, signaling strong interest in the exhibition’s educational offerings.

For New York City students, Anne Frank The Exhibition offers an invaluable opportunity
to engage with history in a deeply personal and immersive way. The exhibition brings
Anne Frank’s story closer to home, allowing students to experience a full-scale
recreation of the annex where she hid, making the events of the Holocaust tangible and
real. For many, this will be their first direct connection to a history that continues to
shape our world today. With New York City being a hub of diverse communities, the
exhibition provides a powerful space for students to reflect on the dangers of prejudice,
racism, and antisemitism, encouraging them to learn from the past and become active
participants in creating a more inclusive future. Through free access for public school
students, the exhibition ensures that all students, regardless of background, can benefit
from this

As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Anne Frank The
Exhibition serves as a reminder of the consequences of hatred and bigotry, while
providing an invaluable resource for students and educators to reflect on the history and
lessons of the Holocaust.

For more information or to schedule a visit, tickets can be purchased at
AnneFrankExhibit.org.

Brad Lander Wants to be Mayor – Will New Yorker’s Vote for Change?

BQE Admin on February 13, 2025

Brad Lander’s Bid for Mayor: A Progressive Vision for NYC

MOHAMED FARGHALY

Mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Brad Lander, the current city comptroller and former City Council member, is setting his sights on New York City’s highest office. With a track record of progressive legislation and a deep commitment to affordable housing, education, and public safety, Lander believes it is time for a new kind of leadership in the big city. He is running as a Democrat, hoping to capitalize on his years of public service and his passion for improving the city he loves.

Lander visited the Queens Ledger office for a sit-down roundtable interview, where he shared insights into his vision for the city and his plans as a mayoral candidate.

Lander’s story begins far from New York City, in his hometown of St. Louis. He moved to the city at the age of 23, enchanted by the borough’s vibrancy, energy, and promise. From that moment, he immersed himself in the fabric of the city — in its neighborhoods, people, and, eventually, its politics. Now, at 50, he is ready to take the next step in his journey and offer his vision for the future of New York.

“I love this city. I’ve lived here for 27 years now, and every day I’m inspired by the people, the culture, and the energy here,” said Lander, who resides in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with his two children.

Since 2021, he’s served as comptroller, a role he describes as being the “city’s watchdog,” managing pension funds and auditing government contracts. There’s only one rung higher in city government, and that’s mayor — a post for which Lander will be on the ballot, come November.

But roughly eight months out, the race is already crowded. Lander is one of nine candidates who have announced mayoral bids, and that’s not counting former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who leads the polls but has yet to officially enter the fray. To win, he would have to overcome the embattled incumbent, Eric Adams — Politico has called Lander the current mayor’s ‘archrival’ — and distinguish himself from a pack of progressives with similar policies, including state Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. In the process, he’ll have to navigate two hot-button issues which many view as weak points for New York Democrats: affordability and public safety.

A poll by the Manhattan Institute gives Lander the best odds of challenging the controversial heavyweights, Cuomo and Adams. Courtesy of the Manhattan Institute.

“People are pissed off with government that’s not working for them,” Lander told the Queens Ledger during the roundtable. “People feel like the cost of living is going through the roof: the rent’s up, home prices are up, child care costs so much that I can’t afford to live here. It doesn’t feel safe and secure, and I don’t see government fighting for me.”

Lander’s path to public service began at the age of 23, when he was hired by the Fifth Avenue Committee to help turn around a neighborhood facing an affordable housing crisis. His work was pivotal in securing properties for hundreds of residents, ensuring that they could remain in their homes despite growing pressures to gentrify the area.

This early success ignited Lander’s passion for policy that directly impacts the lives of working-class New Yorkers. As a City Council member, Lander championed a range of progressive initiatives, including raising the minimum wage for city workers, creating affordable housing, and advocating for better public education. He also co-founded the New York City Progressive Caucus, helping shape the city’s legislative agenda in a way that prioritized the needs of marginalized communities.

During his tenure, Lander was instrumental in pushing through major development programs in Brooklyn, including the creation of affordable housing units in areas like Gowanus. The once-polluted area has seen the development of over 8,000 new housing units, 3,000 of which are set aside as affordable.

As current Comptroller of New York City over the last four years, Lander has played a pivotal role in improving the city’s fiscal management and advocating for its residents. One of his key accomplishments has been his focus on enhancing the city’s contracting process. His office has worked tirelessly to streamline operations, ensuring that contracts are registered on time and reducing delays that have historically plagued nonprofits and small businesses. Lander has also prioritized better oversight of city spending, aiming to eliminate waste and improve efficiency in how taxpayer dollars are utilized, all while making sure that public services reach the communities that need them the most.

Another significant achievement in Lander’s tenure has been his advocacy for improved transparency in the city’s financial operations. He has worked to make the city’s budget more accessible and understandable to the public, ensuring that New Yorkers are informed about where their tax dollars are going. Additionally, Lander has championed initiatives that promote stronger worker protections, such as his efforts to push for higher wages for city employees and greater support for workers facing difficult economic conditions.

Under his leadership, the office has saved taxpayers over $2 billion and registered more affordable housing projects than any previous comptroller. He’s proud of the work, but he believes more needs to be done.

Affordable housing remains at the heart of Lander’s mayoral campaign. His “Housing First” plan is the cornerstone of his 75-page policy proposal to combat the city’s growing housing crisis. The plan focuses on prioritizing housing for New Yorkers, especially those coming out of institutions like Rikers Island, where individuals often have no housing plan upon release.

Lander recognizes that New York’s affordable housing crisis is compounded by the mental health challenges many of its residents face. He is committed to addressing both issues simultaneously, working to remove the mentally ill from the streets and subways and into housing that includes necessary services.

“The root issue with affordable housing is that our housing stock has not kept pace with demand,” said Lander. “Meanwhile, more than 2,500 vacant units remain in the city, and people are still struggling to find homes they can afford.”

Lander is also a vocal advocate for tenants’ rights. He co-sponsored the landmark “Right to Counsel” law, ensuring that every tenant in New York City will have access to legal representation, thus preventing illegal evictions and preserving affordable housing options.

Subway crime in particular has become the flashpoint for conversations around safety, and left-leaning candidates like Lander have taken note. In an interview with the New York Editorial Board last December, he acknowledged that “progressives, including myself, were slow to respond to the growing sense of disorder coming out of the pandemic,” and at the roundtable he reaffirmed his support for more proactive security measures, albeit with a caveat.

“Look, sometimes you do still need involuntary hospitalization,” Lander said, adding that as mayor he would expand law enforcement’s ability to mandate people perceived as ‘dangerous’ to undergo medical examination, a proposal that was seen as fraught in 2022 when it was rejected by state Democrats, yet which — in another sign of a Clinton-esque sea change within local politics — now has broad approval. “And I support more officers in the subway, especially at night, which is what the governor is doing. But the real answer is getting people connected to housing with the services they need.”

That response might seem predictable, since it dovetails nicely with Lander’s background as a housing advocate, an experience that continues to inform his approach to the city’s problems writ large.

Lander’s vision for New York includes a balanced approach to crime and public safety, one that strengthens both law enforcement accountability and the support systems for those at risk. While he is a staunch advocate for police reform, he recognizes the importance of keeping the city safe.

A key part of his plan is to create a deputy mayor for public safety, who would work with the NYPD to ensure effective crime prevention strategies are in place. Lander supports current police commissioner Jessica Tisch and wants to invest more in police training, as well as reducing recruitment requirements to address the city’s current shortage of officers.

“I believe that public safety is best achieved when there is accountability and trust,” said Lander. “We need a system where officers who misuse force are held accountable, while also ensuring our officers are well-trained and supported in their work.”

Lander is deeply committed to supporting the diverse cultural fabric of New York City, regularly participating in cultural events such as Diwali and Ramadan Iftar celebrations. He sees the city’s diversity as its greatest strength, but acknowledges that it also presents challenges.

“Queens is the most amazingly diverse borough in New York City, and it’s a place where people from all over the world come together and share their cultures,” Lander remarked during an interview. “I want to make sure that no matter where you’re from, no matter what your background, you feel welcome and supported in this city.”

In a city with a growing immigrant population, Lander has taken action to support policies that protect immigrants, such as opposing the turn-over of undocumented immigrants to federal authorities. His progressive stance on immigration is reflected in his response to the Trump administration’s policies, and he believes New York should lead by example in ensuring the safety and well-being of all its residents.

At the core of Lander’s mayoral platform is a desire to make New York more affordable and accessible to all. His ultimate vision is a city where families can live without fear of displacement, where crime is kept in check, and where education and housing are accessible to everyone.

Lander is also a strong proponent of a more efficient government, using his experience as comptroller to propose reforms aimed at saving money for taxpayers. He believes that by shifting responsibility for claims against the city to the agencies responsible for the problems—such as traffic crashes and police misconduct—the city can save billions of dollars each year.

“People want to stay in New York City because it’s the most remarkable city on the planet,” said Lander. “But it has to be more affordable. People should be able to raise their kids here, have a job they can live on, and live in a place where they feel safe. That’s the city I want to create.”

Lander’s campaign is built on the belief that a better, more responsive government can be the answer to the challenges New Yorkers face. His elevator pitch to residents is that he’s less corrupt than the big name candidates, and more proven than the small ones. In that sense, he’s positioning himself as a foil both to Cuomo and Adams — who have a track record of getting things done, but also skeletons in their closets — and to his fellow progressives, whom he portrays as honest yet less battle-tested.

Jack Delaney contributed reporting.

Photos Courtesy Mohamed Farghaly

 

Prenuptial Agreements by Aronov Queens Divorce & Family Lawyer P.C.

webadmin on February 13, 2025

Welcome to my dear readers. Make no  mistake about it folks, if you need tips and tricks about to get the straight up, down and all around best “Prenup” for your marriage you have landed at the golden destination for your need. So game yourself up right here right now for the true hook up when it comes to prenuptial agreements in our great county of Queens, NY.

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We appreciate Aronov Law NY’s thorough and detail-oriented approach. They guide clients through every step of the process, explaining complex legal concepts in clear and accessible language. Their services include:

  • Drafting Prenuptial Agreements: Aronov Law NY meticulously drafts agreements covering asset division, spousal support, and other crucial matters.
  • Reviewing Existing Agreements: They offer expert review of prenuptial agreements to ensure they are fair and enforceable.
  • Negotiating Terms: Aronov Law NY skillfully negotiates with the other party’s legal counsel to reach mutually agreeable terms.

Aronov Law NY understands the sensitive nature of prenuptial agreements and approaches each case with professionalism and discretion. They prioritize open communication and strive to create an agreement that fosters mutual understanding and respect between the parties.

For those considering marriage and seeking to protect their financial future, the Queens Ledger confidently recommends Aronov Law NY. Their expertise in prenuptial agreements makes them a valuable resource for couples planning for a secure and transparent future. Contact Aronov Law NY today for a consultation.

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We truly believe that you would be super duper interested in reading the article below about “Prenups”

Prenuptial Agreements 102: Modifications, Revoking, Child Custody Arrangements & More.

So you want to get married to that stunning new lady of yours but you are literally shaking in your boots on how to discuss with her that you need a “Prenup”? You are not alone, so many of you face this issue and that’s why I put together these awesome tips below that will keep you beyond safe in your new marriage.

1. Timing is Key:

  • Don’t wait until the last minute. Bringing it up too close to the wedding can make your partner feel pressured and may not leave enough time for discussion and negotiation.
  • Choose a calm and relaxed moment. Avoid bringing it up during an argument or when tensions are high.

2. Frame it Positively:

  • Emphasize that it’s not about distrust. Explain that a prenup is a responsible step to protect both of your interests and ensure clarity in case of unforeseen circumstances.
  • Focus on the practical aspects. Highlight that it can help with financial planning, especially if either of you has significant assets, debts, or children from a previous relationship.
  • Mention that it can actually strengthen your relationship. The open communication and financial transparency required for a prenup can build a stronger foundation for your marriage.

3. Be Honest and Transparent:

  • Share your reasons for wanting a prenup. Be open about your concerns, whether it’s protecting pre-marital assets, a family business, or ensuring financial security for children from a previous relationship.
  • Encourage her to express her thoughts and concerns. Listen actively and validate her feelings.

4. Focus on Fairness:

  • Emphasize that the agreement should be fair to both parties. It shouldn’t be about one person benefiting significantly more than the other.
  • Be open to compromise. Be willing to negotiate and find common ground that satisfies both of you.

5. Seek Professional Guidance:

  • Suggest that both of you have independent legal counsel. This ensures that both sides understand the implications of the agreement and that their interests are protected.
  • Offer to cover the cost of her legal representation. This shows your commitment to fairness and transparency.

6. Be Patient and Understanding:

  • Recognize that this can be an emotional topic. Your future wife may have preconceived notions about prenups or feel uncomfortable discussing finances in this way.
  • Give her time to process the information. Don’t rush the conversation or pressure her into making a decision.

Important Considerations:

  • Prenuptial agreements are not romantic, but they are practical. They can help avoid potential conflict and uncertainty in the future.
  • Open communication is crucial. The way you approach the conversation can significantly impact how your future wife receives the idea.
  • It’s not about predicting divorce. It’s about being prepared for any eventuality and ensuring that both of you are protected.

By approaching the topic with sensitivity, honesty, and a focus on fairness, you can have a productive conversation about a prenuptial agreement and work together to create a plan that benefits both of you.

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