Binghamton Council holds over ‘good cause’ eviction local law, refers measure to Planning Committee

Council member Rathmell introduced Local Law 25-01, “A local law to prohibit eviction without good cause,” and moved to adopt it; Council member Middleton seconded the motion. After extended public comment and council discussion, the council voted 5-0 to hold the legislation over and refer it to the Planning Committee for amendment and final consideration.

The measure has been the focus of lengthy public comment during the meeting. Residents, tenants’ advocates and service providers urged passage and said good-cause protections would reduce displacement and give tenants more stability. Several landlords, rental‑property owners and a community action agency warned the law could reduce available rental housing, raise costs for small landlords and create administrative burdens for supportive‑housing providers. Written submissions from students, landlords and nonprofit agencies were also read into the record.

Council member Rathmell framed the law as a response to…