Housing key to communities Assemb. Lasher tells ABO

Real Estate Weekly, May 26, 1993

State Assemblyman Howard Lasher (D-L Brooklyn), chairman of the Assembly Housing Committee, addressed the April luncheon meeting of Associated Builders and Owners of Greater New York.

Assemblyman Lasher, an experienced state office holder, said that affordable housing is the most important component of the New York State infrastructure.

Speaking before more than 150 ABO members at the luncheon at the Marriott Marquis, he said, "Community preservation funding is essential. For every dollar invested in housing, there is a seven-to-one return."

Addressing the crucial issue of lead paint contamination, Lasher said that he decried the practice of allowing insurance companies to include lead paint exclusion clauses in their policies. He cited instances where the state Insurance Department had allowed the exclusion clauses. He said that he supported a bill introduced in the State Legislature that would forbid lead paint exclusion clauses.

Lasher added that the recently announced moratorium on New York City water rate increases may have come too late for some buildings where operating costs outstrip rental income. I believe that water metering has an adverse effect on some large buildings," he said.