Real estate lobby to press agenda in Albany today

The real estate lobby will press its agenda in Albany today, calling for the renewal of a major development subsidy program, warning lawmakers not to strengthen rent-control laws and arguing for the renewal of an initiative meant tot spur cleanup of contaminant sites.

The Real Estate Board of New York will be joined by its affordable housing counterpart, the state’s Association for Affordable Housing, for the mini-lobby day. The group will also press for a renewal of that development subsidy, the controversial 421-a program, but will also call on legislators and the Cuomo administration to direct bank settlement proceeds toward housing for the poor and homeless.

REBNY president Stephen Spinola said he has a meeting with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s staff, but would not disclose who is slated to be there. Spinola, the group’s long-time executive, said he will be joined by senior vice president James Whelan and the board’s lobbyist, Sam NeJame of Wilson Elser.

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