February 9, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK CITY, NY — Yesterday, the New York City Council passed Int. No. 0025A-2024, a groundbreaking piece of legislation sponsored by Council Member Eric Dinowitz (District 11) aimed at easing the burden of applying for the city’s older adult rent freeze program for those living in city-run Mitchell-Lama housing.

The newly passed bill establishes a streamlined system through which Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) forms are pre-filled with essential information for tenants residing in city-run Mitchell-Lama developments. This initiative is designed not only to assist individuals renewing their rent freeze benefits but also to proactively reach out to all eligible tenants, particularly older adults who are among the most vulnerable in our city and often live on fixed incomes.

The bill mandates that the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) utilize existing data collected from city-run Mitchell-Lama tenants, such as age and income, to automatically populate SCRIE forms. Under this bill, HPD must also digitalize all income affidavits that applicants provide. This new system not only streamlines the application process but also ensures that eligible individuals are reached proactively. 

The pre-filled information also recognizes the diverse needs of older adults, some of whom may not have access to SCRIE or be aware of this program. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the Council Member’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

Growing up in Mitchell-Lama housing himself, Council Member Dinowitz deeply understands the importance of affordable housing in uplifting communities. 

“Everyone deserves to age with dignity and security,” says Council Member Dinowitz. “When we talk about affordable housing it’s not just about a roof over our heads, it’s about the life-sustaining stability that affordable housing provides. With this bill, we will ensure that our older adults can live independently and with peace of mind. By simplifying the SCRIE process for city-run Mitchell-Lama tenants, we’re not only giving much-needed support to our older neighbors, but also setting a precedent for future measures to enhance the affordable housing stock, especially for vulnerable populations.”