Mayor Eric Adams vetoed the City Council’s basement apartment bill Friday at City Hall, halting plans to legalize tens of thousands of existing units across the five boroughs.

The veto from Mayor Adams came just after 3:00 p.m. on June 7, punctuating a raucous Friday at City Hall where Councilmembers argued for and against the “Basement Home Act.” The bill, introduced by Councilmember Pierina Sanchez of Fordham, would have provided a legal path for approximately 50,000 existing basement units — many clustered in East New York, Jackson Heights, and Flatbush — to meet city code and rent legally.

Mayor Adams cited safety concerns in his veto letter, referencing the fatal 2021 Hurricane Ida floods in Woodside and Crown Heights, which killed at least 11 New Yorkers trapped in illegal basement units. Adams argued the Council’s bill “doesn’t go far enough to ensure every unit is safe before residents move in.”

Bronx Councilmember Sanchez, who spearheaded the legislation, told NYC Pulse outside Chambers Street station, “This bill was about dignity and reality for New Yorkers already living underground. Now, tens of thousands remain in the shadows.” Sanchez and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (Jamaica) have vowed to attempt an override, which would require 34 votes. The measure passed 38-11 last week.

Landlords and tenants in neighborhoods like Sunset Park and Elmhurst watched the debate closely. Elsa Rodriguez, a basement tenant on 77th St in Jackson Heights, said, “We keep waiting for the knock from DOB, but nothing changes.” With the veto, the city’s 376,000 estimated illegal basement residents remain in a legal gray zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the Council’s basement apartment bill propose?

The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, would have created a process to legalize and bring up to code at least 50,000 basement apartments across NYC, requiring safety upgrades and new permits for units currently considered illegal.

Why did Mayor Adams veto the bill?

Mayor Adams cited safety risks, noting past basement flood deaths and arguing the bill did not guarantee that legalized units would meet strict safety standards before occupancy. He said more comprehensive safeguards are needed.

What happens next for basement apartments in NYC?

The City Council could try to override the veto, needing 34 votes. If that fails, most of the city’s 376,000 basement residents remain in legal limbo, with no immediate new path to legalization or additional tenant protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the New York City Council’s basement apartment bill propose?

The bill aimed to legalize and bring up to code at least 50,000 existing basement apartments across NYC, requiring safety upgrades and new permits for units currently considered illegal.

Why did Mayor Eric Adams veto the basement apartment bill?

Mayor Adams vetoed the bill due to safety concerns, citing past basement flood deaths and arguing the legislation did not ensure all units would be safe before residents moved in.

How many votes are needed for the City Council to override Mayor Adams’ veto?

The City Council needs 34 votes to override the mayor’s veto.

What happens to basement apartment residents after the veto?

With the veto, most of the city’s estimated 376,000 basement residents remain in a legal gray zone without a new path to legalization or additional tenant protections.

Which neighborhoods would have been most affected by the basement apartment bill?

Neighborhoods such as East New York, Jackson Heights, and Flatbush, where many basement units are clustered, would have been most affected by the bill.

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