Poughkeepsie officials say corporation counsel is reviewing ETPA case; no appeal status provided at meeting

Daniel Latona, a Ward 8 resident and community organizer, asked whether the city is appealing a court decision that struck down a local rent freeze tied to the Emergency Tenant Protection Act and blocked formation of a Poughkeepsie Rent Guidelines Board. The corporation counsel, Rebecca Vault, responded that "the corporation counsel's office is working about the ETPA" and that the office is "very aware of the controlling law." The city did not provide a status update on any appeal or a timetable for next steps at the meeting.

Latona told the council that a judge had struck down the rent freeze for "approximately 1,500 apartments" and noted that the New York Court of Appeals in June upheld the legality of Kingston's Rent Guidelines Board. He asked whether Poughkeepsie was pursuing an appeal to restore tenant protections.

Vault's statement was limited to confirming the counsel's office is reviewing the controlling law; no council member moved, seconded, or voted on any action during the informational meeting. City Administrator Joseph Donat indicated staff would follow up where questions required additional detail, but did not state a formal direction or timeline for an appeal.

Discussion points: residents asked whether the city would pursue further litigation and whether staff could report back; corporation counsel said the office is reviewing the law but did not provide a decision.

Direction and next steps: none recorded as formal actions at the meeting. The transcript indicates staff and counsel will provide follow-up to individuals who submitted questions.

Why it matters: the city's decision on litigation could affect tenant protections and thousands of apartments if the local measures are restored or remain blocked.

Ending: The city did not announce any formal legal action at the meeting; residents seeking status were told to expect follow-up from city staff.