In a letter, a Kingston realtor writes that rent control, which is now being considered by city lawmakers, is the wrong solution to the issue of affordable housing because it causes fewer new units to be built and leads to a spike in the cost for those units that aren’t regulated. Instead, the letter suggests, the city should encourage construction of new units.
How can cities ensure rising housing costs don’t displace residents? A new study aims to find an answer.
The Kingston Common Council is expected to begin deliberations next month on whether and how to adopt new regulations that would cap annual rent increases at some city apartments. The proposed rent stabilization rules are part of a broader effort by city officials to stem gentrification and displacement.
Major construction along the Broadway corridor, more civilian oversight of city police and new laws to fight rising rents are part of Kingston’s 2020 agenda, according to Mayor Steve Noble and leaders of the Common Council.
Woodstock has always led other towns in real estate prices, but in recent years the market has changed, according to a recent report. The rising popularity of short-term rentals has reduced availability of year-round rentals and raised rents of remaining units. Home ownership is simply unattainable for many.
Residents at some local apartment complexes have been hit with huge rent increases in recent weeks. City officials say they believe the rent hikes are an attempt by landlords to get ahead of looming rent regulation.
Mayor Steve Noble has asked the Common Council to approve $32,000 in funding to study vacancy rates in some of the city’s rental housing units. The survey would clear the way for the introduction of rent regulation in Kingston under the newly passed statewide Emergency Tenant Protection Act.
As affordable housing issues take center stage in Kingston with a series of public hearings and heated debate over a major market-rate apartment complex being pitched for the heart of Uptown Kingston, a local activist group has published a study arguing that evictions in the city are reaching rates not seen since the housing crisis a decade ago.
Housing affordability and tenant’s rights are poised to become a major issue in Kingston next year, as a coalition of activist groups forms to address what they call an ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, city officials seek solutions to soaring rents and unaccountable landlords.