NEW YORK CITY
COUNCIL DISTRICT 40
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Sponsored by the Coalition of Concerned Preservation
Voters in the 40th District
6. Would you push for aggressive enforcement
of the current building and zoning laws to address the problem
of illegal conversions of existing single and two-family homes
to use as multiple dwellings?
Gordon: Yes.
Hopkins: I will stand up against
illegal conversions, but I will consider supporting properly applied
for modification, which are not architecturally out of character
with existing buildings in our neighborhood.
James: I would push for more aggressive
enforcement of building and zoning laws to address the illegal
conversion of one and two-family homes into multiple dwellings.
Illegal subdivisions are not only a violation of the law, they
are also a public safety issue that leads to overcrowding and
difficulty in identifying household members in the event of a
fire or other emergency that requires evacuation.
McNally: I am against illegal conversions
so I would definitely push for aggressive enforcement of current
building and zoning laws. I understand and appreciate that the
projected population growth within New York City will create a
demand for additional housing and I believe that there are ways
to accommodate and welcome our new residents without resorting
to illegal conversions or irresponsible development.
Razvi: Absolutely, such illegal
conversions put a strain on our city’s infrastructure and
resources. Illegal residences by their nature create serious problems
for first responders, such as firefighters, who would not know
the configurations of the dwellings. In case of a fire they may
not be able to reach the people that would be trapped and are
at great risks to themselves as well.
Schiffman: Yes. Illegal conversions
are not safe for the buildings, the residents of the building
or the community at large. Yet, as we know there needs to be more
housing built for the ever increasing population in New York City,
especially for those that can’t afford the current housing
stock.
Sharpe: Yes.
Tulloch: Yes.
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