We told you earlier this month this was coming. Here's where it stands. On Monday, June 22, the Westchester County Rent Guidelines Board holds its rebuttal-and-vote meeting at White Plains City Hall. That night, the board sets allowable rent increases for every rent-stabilized apartment in the county, for leases beginning October 1 through September 30 next year.
Here's the part most people never see. The board has nine members: three represent tenants, three represent landlords, and three are public members appointed to be neutral. The County Executive appoints all nine. In practice, the three public members decide the outcome, because the tenant and landlord blocs cancel out. Tens of thousands of households turn on where three appointed people land.
The hearings are now done — held in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, and White Plains. The landlords, led by the Building and Realty Institute, argue last year's increases didn't keep pace with insurance, fuel, water, and maintenance costs. Tenants argue that in a county where a two-bedroom routinely tops $3,000, any increase burdens the workforce these units house.
Why it matters: Last year the board approved 2% for one-year leases and 3% for two-year leases, on a 5-to-3 vote. This year's proposals get decided Monday — and the same oil-and-inflation pressure we've tracked all week is in the room.
What to do: The June 22 meeting is open to the public and livestreamed through the state homes agency. Whatever the board decides applies to your next renewal after October 1. Listen to the full story on The Westchester Brief.
QUICK HITS
Metro-North eyes a new garage. The railroad is advancing a proposal for a roughly 500-space parking structure at the North White Plains station, connecting directly to the county's housing and development debate.
The World Cup slice, tomorrow. MetLife is hosting eight matches through the July 19 final. On Friday, The Friday Intel maps Westchester's actual share of a $3.3 billion tournament — including the demographic twist that makes it a home game.
The primary is Monday too. June 23 is Primary Day; early voting is open now. Two Yonkers-area Board of Legislators seats are on the ballot.
ONE MORE THING
Renters: do you know whether your apartment is rent-stabilized? It's on your lease and registered with the state. Reply if you want a plain-English guide to checking.
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