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Pleasant Valley board schedules public hearing on proposed 'good cause' eviction law after heated debate
Summary
Councilwoman Borland reintroduced a local law to adopt good cause eviction protections and the board voted to commence the adoption process and set a public hearing; the 4–1 roll-call reflected continuing division as residents and officials traded concerns about tenant protections and landlord rights.
Councilwoman Borland reintroduced a proposed local law to adopt "good cause" eviction protections for residential rentals and asked the Town Board to set a public hearing so tenants, landlords and other residents could be heard.
"I will provide a full presentation at that time so that the residents who come out for that public hearing can hear more about the law and the proposal and have a good discussion and debate about it," Borland said, adding she owns a home with two rental apartments and does not believe the law would change her practices.
Why it matters: The board's vote to begin the local law adoption process moves the item from discussion to formal consideration. Supporters told the board the measure would protect long-term tenants from sudden rent spikes and encourage reporting of unsafe housing without fear of retaliation. Opponents warned of burdens on small landlords and cited anecdotes of rapid evictions or business decisions that could follow such laws.
During public comment and board debate, residents described poor apartment conditions, potential displacement, and the balance between tenant safety and property-owner rights. A resident who said she had observed conditions in apartment communities asked the board for careful deliberation and more public input before any final vote.
The board voted on a resolution to commence the local law process and set a public hearing (Resolution 309). Roll call recorded votes as follows: Councilwoman Borland — I; Councilwoman Chapman — I; Councilman Degan — I; Councilman Rifenberg — I; Supervisor Mary Alrech — Nay. The motion carried, advancing the ordinance process but not enacting a law. The resolution and its accompanying materials indicate the next step is a formally noticed public hearing where the text of the proposed law will be presented and public testimony taken.
What’s next: The scheduled public hearing will allow the board to hear testimony from tenants, landlords, and residents and to collect additional data and legal review before any subsequent votes. No final ordinance was adopted at this meeting.
