Res. No. 1430
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.6775/S.1253, to designating the county of Kings a cease and desist zone and establishing an affirmative defense to violations of nonsolicitation orders and cease and desist zones.
By Council Members Cornegy and Miller
Whereas, Realtors, investors, and developers who regularly engage in buying and selling real estate are prohibited from contacting homeowners who are on the cease and desist list; and
Whereas, The current Cease and Desist Zones includes homeowners from the Bronx and Queens and the list is updated every month by the New York State Department of State; and
Whereas, Real Estate investors who contact homeowners on the cease and desist list can be fined, lose their real estate license or even face criminal charges; and
Whereas, According to news media, Brooklyn residents who attended a town hall on May 5, 2020 raised concerns about predatory real estate practices that targeted seniors and other homeowners who fell behind on their water bill or property taxes with efforts to sell or list their home; and
Whereas, In order to further curb aggressive real estate solicitation practices, the State legislature should expand the cease and desist zone to include Brooklyn; and
Whereas, A. 6775, introduced by Assembly Member Wright and pending in the New York State Assembly, and companion bill S.1253, introduced by State Senator Parker and pending in the New York State Senate would create a real estate cease and desist program in Brooklyn (i.e. Kings County) to assist homeowners who wish not to be solicited by real estate brokers or agents; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.6775/S.1253, to designating the county of Kings a cease and desist zone and establishing an affirmative defense to violations of nonsolicitation orders and cease and desist zones.
JLC
LS 14052
4/02/2020