We the undersigned residents, taxpayers, and business owners of the Village of Ossining hereby call upon the Mayor and Village Trustees to REJECT the proposed resolution which would enact the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA).

The ETPA is basically Rent Control and is not currently a viable solution to affordable housing - especially in Ossining. Economists have concluded that there are no benefits by adopting any type of Rent Control and it also encourages residents in a rent controlled unit not to move out due to a family downsizing since the rents paid are below market value. Picture a single empty-nester continuing to occupy a 3 or 4 bedroom ETPA controlled unit because its rent is cheaper than a 1 bedroom currently on the open market!

ETPA property owners would be losing money which could cause the building to fall into disrepair. Rent controlled (ETPA) properties will be assessed at a lower rate meaning the remaining taxpayers will be held responsible for part of ETPA landlords' fair share of all taxes levied.

One way economists suggest in creating lower rental rates is to bring more units online. Ossining has recently added 188 units at Harbor Square, 31 units at 147 Main St, and 168 units at Avalon apartments on N Highland Ave. Soon we will also have 188 more units on State St. Let the free market determine rents, length of leases, etc.

Please let the Village Legislators know that you are against the adoption of this proposed resolution! Ossining has done more than many other Westchester Communities in adopting and providing affordable housing.

Thank you for signing. Below are links to various resources discussing this topic.

PS Signing the petition is not all you can do, please share with your Village friends and ask them to sign as well. Email your concerns to the Village Clerk (mroberts@townofossining.com) and VBOT (bot@villageofossining.org). Lastly, if you are available, try to attend the next VBOT Legislative meeting on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. Time: 7:30 PM Place: Court Facility, 88 Spring Street, Ossining, NY 10562

http://homes.westchestergov.com/rent-control (note what other municipalities are doing)

http://peopleof.oureverydaylife.com/pros-cons-rent...

http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa-274.html

http://www.nyshcr.org/rent/about.htm