On Tuesday, January 20, I submitted testimony to the New York City Council regarding the explosive growth of illegal hotels, also known as “short-term rentals,” and their effect on our communities. I represent neighborhoods with the highest number of illegal hotels in New York City, including Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, the Village and the Lower East Side – areas which, according to data released by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, accounted for one third of units booked and 55% of illegal hotel revenue from 2010-2014. Illegal hotels create a number of quality of life and safety concerns for neighboring residents while undermining our rule of law and diminishing our housing stock.