Medicaid Expansion Snags | NYC’s First Foreclosure-Rescue Lawsuit | Homelessness Up in NYC

(credit: American Red Cross)

1. Medicaid expansion faces major logistical challenges among the homeless. Housing advocates say they believe that the Medicaid expansion has the potential to reduce rates of homelessness significantly, both by preventing low-income Americans from becoming homeless as a result of illness or medical debt and by helping homeless people become eligible for and remain in housing. [The New York Times – 11/25/13]
2. NYC sees first foreclosure-rescue scam lawsuit. Last week, New York City saw the first lawsuit filed under the state’s distressed-property consultant law, as MFY Legal Services is suing two companies for taking more than $11,000 from a distressed homeowner and promising her a loan modification. [Housing Wire – 11/25/13]
3. New tax could force vacant lots to sell or build.  Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio has pledged to see through his plan to tax vacant lot owners, a move that could affect upwards of 10,000 lots throughout the city, with the highest concentration on Staten Island. According to the Independent Budget Office, the plan will raise yearly taxes on vacant land by an average of $15,300 after five years, with the hope that the cost of inactivity will be too much to bear for many owners. In theory, this will force owners to either develop land or sell, providing the city with much-needed housing. [Curbed NY – 11/25/13]
4. Americans are very confused about what they want out of a community.  The latest national community preference survey, conducted periodically by the National Association of Realtors, was released earlier this month. The results are all over the place. Looking for evidence to support reported trends toward smart growth living in walkable, mixed use neighborhoods? You’ll find it in the poll. But, if you’re a smart growth skeptic who believes Americans still prefer conventional suburban development with large lots, you’ll find plenty of evidence for that, too. [The Atlantic Cities – 11/25/13]
5. Landmark court ruling could change disaster planning for the disabled.  What exactly this ruling means for New York, the United States and cities around the world is still unclear, as the trial was limited to liability. Now that the city’s legal obligation has been established, both sides will have the opportunity to propose and negotiate remedies. If they fail to do so, or fail to agree, the court will take action and mandate changes that bring the city’s evacuation planning in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. [Next City – 11/25/13]
6. U.S. Senate rule change paves way for Watt to take housing post.  U.S. President Barack Obama’s pick for a top housing regulatory post looked poised to win confirmation after the Senate changed its rules on Thursday to make it harder to block nominees. If confirmed to head the agency that regulates housing finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Democratic Representative Mel Watt could open the door for the taxpayer-controlled firms to provide greater mortgage relief, in line with White House economic goals. [Reuters – 11/25/13]
7. Homeless tally taken in January found 13% rise in New York.  New York City’s homeless population increased by 13 percent at the beginning of this year as it continued to buck a national trend, new federal statistics show. [The New York Times – 11/25/13]
8. Austin, Texas plans pioneering Community First Village homeless community.  A life of relative luxury awaits homeless people in Texas with the construction of a new gated neighborhood featuring a garden, drive-in theater and air stream motel. Hundreds of down-and-outs in east Austin will have the chance to get back on their feet by moving into the pioneering Community First Village. [New York Daily News – 11/25/13]
9. House rules. Where you live is important. It can dictate quality of schools and hospitals, as well as things like cancer rates, unemployment, or whether the city repairs roads in your neighborhood. Much of this story is told to Nancy Updike by ProPublica reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones, whose series on the Fair Housing laws - with more stories, research and interviews. [This American Life – 11/25/13]
10. New Bronx affordable housing.  The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, The New York City Housing Development Corporation, CPC Resources, Inc., L+M Development Partners, Lemle & Wolff, The New York Housing Partnership, and New York City Housing Authority (phew!) broke ground today on Soundview Family Housing, an eight-story building with 120 unit of affordable housing in the Bronx. A second phase of the project, currently under negotiation, would provide 86 units of affordable senior housing, while a third phase would create 16 two-family market-rate townhouse. [Curbed NY – 11/25/13]