A similar project was rejected last year, but it looks like it could have enough backing this year, as it has the signatures of more than 30 councillors, which they say seeks to end discrimination in housing.
“All we’re saying is if a person has served their sentence, done whatever they had to do to get their life back, they should be, they deserve to have the opportunity to have affordable housing,” she said. councilor Carmen De La Rosa.
According to those present, 80 percent of people with felony in the city are Latino and African Americans who have often been wrongfully within the penal system.
The proposal, however, has received criticism from those who oppose it, assuring that they are concerned for the safety of residents.
“That we should all know who we live with. It’s very good for everyone because that way we know how to make sure,” said Luisa, a Washington Heights resident.
Notably, the legislation would not prevent them from consulting the New York sex offender registry. And it wouldn’t apply to multi-family housing or landlords who rent single rooms.
It also would not affect the NYCHA complexes, as background checks are required by federal law.
Proponents of the bill say landlords have been able to legally discriminate against people with criminal records and that no one should be denied housing due to involvement in the criminal justice system.
