Queens Borough President Richards and NYC Councilmember Holden Propose New Bills Targeting ‘Neglected Properties’

Councilman Robert Holden of Middle Village and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. introduced two pieces of legislation last Thursday: One proposed bill, Intro 1146, will ban the use of plywood to board up abandoned and foreclosed properties not sealed or continuously guarded; other methods will have to be used. The second bill,  Intro 1147, will require property owners to post a $5,000 bond to the Department of Finance when buildings are undergoing foreclosure. According to the bill, the bond is sent to the commissioner of finance to address housing maintenance, building, and sanitation violations during vacancy or foreclosure. The bond will be returned to the property owner upon request, but if they fail to pay, they are subject to a daily fine of $200.  Learn more.