Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced that he is co-sponsoring a bill with bipartisan support in the State Assembly and Senate to help curb the illegal housing market in New York State. The measure Alfano is sponsoring with Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin (D-Queens) and Senator Frank Padavan (R-Queens) stops real estate brokers from selling houses that are not in compliance with all local zoning laws and ordinances.

Specifically, the bill provides that all real estate brokers have the duty to verify that each property they list for sale or lease is in compliance with all laws. Under the legislation, the brokers will be prohibited from listing properties they know to be not in compliance.

"This measure puts everybody on the same side of stopping unsafe, unhealthy and dangerous illegal housing in our community," said Alfano who noted, "housing that is not within the law can't be sold and brokers will be an ally in not listing illegal housing. In addition, this sends another strong signal to homeowners that illegal housing will be stopped one way or another."

Cathedral Gardens Civic Association President Scott Jablow noted, "This is another giant tool in the arsenal to help eliminate the proliferation of illegal housing. Homeowners beware, if the town does not fine you when you convert your home, then you'll be stopped in your tracks when you try to sell it."

Jamaica Square Improvement League President Denise Byfield-Aboagye said, "This bill moves us in the right direction to address a problem that is of great concern to members of the Elmont community. The next step is to find ways to create affordable housing."

Seth Bykofsky, co-chair of the Community Alliance, a quality of life watchdog group, praised the legislation as a major step forward in stemming the tide of illegal accessory apartments. "No longer will real estate brokers be permitted to list houses for sale where there are blatant violations of local zoning laws," said Bykofsky. "The passage of this legislation will signal an end to the days of 'see no evil, speak no evil,' where brokers knowingly and actively solicit the sale of houses that are unsafe or below code. As a means of assuring accountability from the real estate community, as well as preserving the character of our residential neighborhood, this measure has been a long time coming, and we welcome it!"

The measure, in the Assembly, is sponsored by Alfano, McLaughlin (D-Queens) and Assemblyman Barbara Clark (D-Queens), Vivian Cook (D-Queens), John LaVelle (D-Staten Island), Margaret Markey (D-Queens), Felix Ortiz (D-Brooklyn), Harvey Weisenberg (D-Nassau), Jeff Aubry (D-Manhattan), William Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) and Joan Millman (D-Brooklyn). In the Senate, the bill is being sponsored by Senators Frank Padavan (R-Queens) and Pat McGee (R-Olean).