The New York City Council voted to pass bills banning domestic violence housing discrimination and strengthening energy and environmental construction.
Sponsored by Council Member and Deputy Leader Jumaane D. Williams, the Domestic Violence Housing Discrimination Ban, Intro 832 will prohibit landlords from discriminating against victims of domestic violence as they seek shelter.
“Too often, victims of domestic violence are evicted or prevented from renting apartments simply because they have been abused,” said Williams. “This is not only wrong, it’s horrifying,”
Domestic violence remains a pressing issue, with more than 280,000 incidents reported in 2014. Victims of this abuse struggle to find housing for their families because of landlords discriminating against them.
The Green Construction, Intro 721 bill will strengthen green building standards in new construction taking place across New York City. The bill will also help increase the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating.
“As climate change worsens, the amount of new construction in New York City continues to increase,” said Williams. “We have an obligation to ensure that new buildings constructed by the city are environmentally friendly.”
With this new bill, construction of new residential buildings must follow an appropriate green standard adopted by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development.