Gov. Andrew Cuomo and County Executive Laura Curran have joined other New York leaders’ calls for investigations and reforms to combat alleged discriminatory real estate practices highlighted in a three-year Newsday investigation.
Cuomo said last Thursday that he has directed the state’s Division of Human Rights, which enforces New York anti-discrimination laws, the Division of Homes and Community Renewal, which “builds, preserves and protects” affordable housing, and the Department of State, which issues licenses to real estate professionals, to launch a joint investigation into reports of widespread discrimination among real estate agents on Long Island.
“New York State does not tolerate discrimination of any kind, especially when it comes to an individual’s right to safe, affordable housing,” Cuomo said. “While we have already made significant strides, new reports about alleged housing discrimination across Long Island are deeply disconcerting and require immediate action.“
Cuomo’s office said that the Newsday report showcased evidence suggesting real estate agents on Long Island engage in discriminatory conduct with “disturbing frequency,” including imposing unequal conditions and steering clients toward certain neighborhoods depending on their perceived race or ethnicity.
On the county level, Curran announced a “sweeping plan” to combat housing discrimination Friday.
“Newsday’s investigation uncovered an unacceptable reality that we must commit to reversing. In Nassau County, we are forging a historic, comprehensive and bipartisan action plan to combat housing discrimination through increased enforcement, education, and community engagement. We will seize this opportunity to work together for lasting change,” Curran said.
As part of the “action plan” to take on discriminatory real estate practices Curran said she has hired Deputy County Attorney Errol E. Williams as special housing counsel to coordinate the plan.
Williams most recently played a lead role in the county’s housing settlement reached in March, Curran’s office said. The county agreed to pay more than $5.4 million to a nonprofit group to develop affordable housing to settle a lawsuit alleging that it had discriminated against minorities by failing to provide affordable housing.
Curran’s office said she and the Legislature have agreed to increase staffing at the county Human Rights Commission, including the addition of an investigator and an administrative law judge to assist with the resolution of fair housing complaints.
Curran also established the Nassau County Fair Housing Advisory Board. Curran’s office said the board will serve as a permanent entity composed of community stakeholders and advocates who will make recommendations on the promotion of fair and equal housing policies. The Legislature will recommend participants, Curran’s office said.
Curran said she has directed her administration to initiate a robust educational campaign, including workshops and forums designed to inform residents about housing rights and resources available to them. On top of that, she is announcing a new multimedia and multilingual public awareness campaign aimed at increasing awareness about the county’s commitment to and enforcement of fair housing laws.
Curran’s office said the county will proactively cooperate with federal and state authorities in any ongoing or future efforts to hold real estate brokers, property management firms and lenders accountable for compliance with open and fair housing laws.
Curran said she has directed county agencies to engage Nassau County Fair Housing Committee Consortium members, comprising towns and villages, to promote fair housing policies at the municipal level.
