Assembly Resolution No. 74

BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
February 5, 2019, as Foreclosure Prevention and
Community Stabilization Awareness Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
economic concerns that affect the lives of citizens of New York State;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 5, 2019, as
Foreclosure Prevention and Community Stabilization Awareness Day in the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Foreclosure continues to be a problem all across New York
State; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, there were approximately 25,000 new foreclosure
cases filed in New York State and an increase of 8% in state wide 90 day
delinquency notices; and

WHEREAS, The majority of mortgage delinquencies in New York State
are due to loss of income, medical issues, or family situations that are
outside of a homeowner's control; and

WHEREAS, Municipalities continue to struggle with Zombie
Foreclosures causing blight and disinvestment in neighborhoods across
New York State; and

WHEREAS, Housing counselling and legal services advocates can help
homeowners find transition options to avoid foreclosure even if they are
unable to keep their homes which helps avoid Zombie Foreclosures; and

WHEREAS, The state wide network of 89 community organizations has
already helped over 100,000 New York homeowners, primarily working and
middle-income families and New Yorkers of color, avoid being displaced
because of foreclosure, fraud or mortgage distress through the
Communities First Program; and

WHEREAS, Many homeowners in danger of losing their homes to
foreclosure and scams are elderly individuals on fixed incomes; in
addition, New York has seen a spike in Reverse Mortgage Foreclosures
filings that impact elderly New Yorkers and their families; and

WHEREAS, New York State has put in place some of the most
progressive protections for homeowners including increased notices and
the settlement conference process; and

WHEREAS, Communities are strengthened through homeownership
preservation, foreclosure avoidance and mitigation; and

WHEREAS, New York State needs to continue to lead the nation in
homeowner protections by keeping our strong laws and valuable services
intact; and

WHEREAS, The assistance provided through the Communities First
Program is essential in keeping New Yorkers in their homes, preserving
neighborhoods and affordable housing, and preventing homelessness; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious economic concern, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 5, 2019, as
Foreclosure Prevention and Community Stabilization Awareness Day in the
State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.