Peter Belfiore-5th Ward

May 1, 2011

Dear Mr. Hottendorf,

I have reviewed your correspondence and allow me to go on record in responding thusly, owner occupied one to four family housing is the bedrock of a community especially a community such as Hoboken with its transient population trends. Additionally, I believe the responsibility abdicated by Government in producing “work-force housing” and instead hoisting that responsibility onto small home owners unfair on its face.

The issues surrounding rent control are complex. Over the last several years I have engaged in dialogue with Ron Simoncini of the Hoboken Taxpayers Associations and various individuals to whom any change to the existing law would be unthinkable. I have even broker impromptu meeting between the aforementioned. Both groups have complimented me for being open minded and fair. I have pitched idea to advocates on both sides such as keeping one apartment perpetually decontrolled in a one to four family building, as well, decontrolling an apartment on the on the advent of obtaining a new Certificate of Occupancy.

I have spoken for years on the issue of rent control particularly that existing affordable apartments are to address the needs of the existing Hoboken population and not for someone looking to move into Hoboken.

That being said, I believe in compromise. A means test if you will. If the rent of a apartment voluntarily vacated exceeds the amount a family currently living on a voucher in Hoboken can afford, I would be in favor of permanent decontrolling said apartment.

As to your second question, I am not well versed on this issue. If process works without notification and appearance I could be for that.

Mr. Hottendorf, I would like to assure everyone interested in rent control that I do not speak platitudes but have actually formed a not for profit that will be working with the Hoboken Housing Authority. The mission will be to build new “work force housing” in an attempt to alleviate the need for affordable housing and the burden place on the small homeowner.

Thank you,
Peter P Belfiore