Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A day after the Erie County Legislature's minority caucus came out in opposition of rent vouchers being used outside of New York City, State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt shared his concerns about how the vouchers could impact Erie County.
"Because of the sanctuary city policy and the right to shelter, New York City has to house anybody who shows up. Initially, Mayor Eric Adams tried to move migrants all over the state, but we know that's been a disaster with many counties saying no thank you," said Ortt on WBEN Wednesday.
The housing situation is so bad in New York City with hotels and shelters, that homeless New Yorkers have been displaced, whether they're veterans or people dealing with mental health issues.
"This is a result," Ortt said, "of New York City failing to address the root cause. It's the open border policy, which I realize is a federal issue, but Mayor Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have been unable to get President Biden to change course. In addition, there's the sanctuary city policy and the right to shelter law. That's why ten thousand illegal migrants are coming to New York City each month."
The housing vouchers range from $2,325 a month for a single individual, to
3,647 a month for a family.
Ortt is among Republican leaders who feel this could have a major impact on Erie County.
"Rent in New York City is significantly higher than in Erie County. There are landlords here who may decide not to rent to a homeless Western New Yorker, in favor of someone from New York City with a voucher. So, essentially, New York City is going to come in and be a rental competitor to local people who are looking for housing, who are on the margins. That could have a trickle down effect for our homeless population or people who are in need of
housing."
He said no one could blame a landlord if they takes $36 hundred dollars a month, rather than $18 hundred?
Ortt was asked if a landlord could reject a voucher? "I believe a landlord has a right to decide who he wants to rent to." Adding, that he would not be surprised if a legal challenge is filed against using New York City vouchers outside of the five Burroughs.
Can a county reject the vouchers? "I don't know if a county can tell a private landlord that they can't accept a voucher," he said.
In fairness, Ortt said a lot of landlords were hit pretty hard by the pandemic and could not even collect rent from some tenants for years. "I'm certain that there are folks out there who would be hard pressed to say no to the amounts that are being potentially offered.