Governor Signs Bill For Crackdown Against Illegal Hotels
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Governor David Paterson signed on Friday a controversial bill that will allow the city to crack down on illegal hotels.
The hotels are apartments designated as permanent residences, but instead are rented out for short term stays.
There have been protests both for and against the bill. Opponents say it violates the rights of property owners, while those in favor say it protects residents and tourists.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg applauded the governor's decision to sign the measure, saying in a statement, "When housing designated for permanent occupancy is illegally converted into a hotel, unsafe conditions are created, the residential character of city neighborhoods is harmed and the supply of much-needed units of housing is depleted."