Paterson mulls illegal hotel bill

While many tenant advocates and local officials have supported a recent bill aimed at shutting down illegal hotels,
hostel and single-room-occupancy hotel owners say it could unfairly
harm their businesses, according to the New York Times. Yesterday
afternoon approximately 150 demonstrators gathered in City Hall Park to
protest the legislation, which was passed by the State Assembly roughly
three weeks ago. Among its aims, the bill would bar residential units
from being rented for fewer than 30 days and clear up allegedly
ambiguous multiple dwelling laws that some say create loopholes for landlords.
The bill, which was also passed by the State Senate in late June, faces
approval from Governor David Paterson, although reports indicate the
governor is likely to veto. [NYT]