Binghamton Residents Engage in Heated Debate Over Good Cause Eviction Law

Dozens of Binghamton residents gathered to discuss the Good Cause Eviction law and its implications for tenant protections in the city

Binghamton Residents Engage in Heated Debate Over Good Cause Eviction Law
Binghamton Residents Engage in Heated Debate Over Good Cause Eviction Law

Binghamton: Over 75 residents packed the City Council chambers for a town hall meeting that lasted until 9 p.m. They were there to discuss the Good Cause Eviction law.

This law, which started in April 2024, aims to protect tenants in cities that adopt it. The debate heated up last December when the mayor claimed it could hurt Binghamton’s competitiveness. A council member pushed back, calling those claims fearmongering.

The meeting focused on introducing Good Cause Eviction legislation in Binghamton. This would help tenants fight against what the City Council described as predatory practices by landlords.

So, what’s Good Cause Eviction? It stops landlords from ending leases without a valid reason. Tenants can use this law to defend themselves in Housing Court, challenge rent hikes, and contest evictions.

City Council wanted to hear community feedback on the law, which has already been adopted in places like Albany and Rochester. However, landlords and real estate reps argued there hasn’t been enough time to see how it’s worked in other cities.

They claimed that landlords would face lengthy court battles for nuisance evictions, which could lead to higher rents and make it harder to evict troublesome tenants. On the flip side, supporters believe the law would shield tenants from unfair eviction tactics, reducing housing insecurity.

Mayor Jared Kraham urged the City Council to keep the conversation going before moving forward with the legislation. He emphasized the need to address residents’ concerns and analyze the law’s potential impact.

In a related event, City Council members joined a rally against the eviction of a disabled veteran from a property previously owned by Isaac Anzaroot. Anzaroot was banned from owning property in Binghamton, and many of his buildings are being demolished.

During the rally, Council President Michael Dundon highlighted why Good Cause Eviction is crucial. He argued it would hold landlords accountable and ensure properties are maintained.

Kraham countered that the property in question was unsafe and needed to be demolished, stating that Good Cause Eviction wouldn’t help someone who hadn’t paid rent or had no lease.

At the end of the meeting, the City Council didn’t announce any next steps or a vote on the legislation.

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