POLITICAL ARENA

Dinowitz wants to extend moratorium

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Renters can’t be evicted until the end of May because of the coronavirus pandemic. But Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz would like to extend that window — all the way to the end of the year.

“I am very concerned about the ticking time bomb that is the expiration of this moratorium,” Dinowitz told constituents in a recent newsletter. “For many tenants who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all the moratorium has bought them is time. While that is a good start, it is not enough.”

Dinowitz says his bill would not only extend the moratorium by six months, but also would prohibit landlords from evicting tenants based on nonpayment of rent if those tenants lost income due to the pandemic.

Landlords could still take delinquent tenants to court for unpaid rent, but they would only be able to see a money judgment, otherwise allowing people to stay in their homes until they get back on their feet.

The bill does not suspend rent for those affected by the pandemic.

“While I do still support waiving rents for tenants who have lost income, I believe that this legislation is well-positioned to be acted on quickly and to survive potential legal challenges from landlords,” Dinowitz said. “This is not a silver bullet, but anything that keeps people in their homes is a win in my book.”

 

Cabrera wants e-bikes returned

E-bikes — the bicycles equipped with a motorized assist — are now legal in New York thanks to the most recent budget process in Albany. And now Councilman Fernando Cabrera wants to make sure every bike that had been confiscated from delivery workers in the past is returned.

“Our state lawmakers and Gov. Cuomo have done a world of good by legalizing e-bikes,” Cabrera said, in a release. “This is good, sensible and practical policy that has been a long time coming.”

Buying and selling e-bikes had been legal in New York in the past. Riding one, however, was illegal, subjecting riders to fines of up to $500, and having their bikes confiscated.

Opponents of e-bikes have expressed concern over their safety, especially since some can travel over the speed limit on city streets.

The bikes are popular with delivery drivers, many spending up to $1,500 for them.

Jeffrey Dinowitz, coronavirus, COVID-19, Michael Hinman, Fernando Cabrera, Andrew Cuomo,

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