Utica, NY – In response to Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri’s announcement on incentives for local businesses impacted by the coronavirus, Shana Dahlin, Citizen Action of New York State Board member, released the following statement:
“While it’s great to see small businesses getting the help they need, renters and tenants also need assistance. Millions of New Yorkers have been laid-off, furloughed or had their work hours cut due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“Many of the residents who are employed or shop at our community’s small businesses are the same ones deeply impacted by the pandemic, and may be displaced when the eviction moratorium is lifted. While the stimulus plan for local businesses is welcome news, our Utica officials must also provide protections for tenants who were already in crisis.
“Funds are being made available from the federal government to prevent a spike in homelessness. Citizen Action joins Common Council members Celeste Friend and Devlin Moody in urging the city to use some of the $1.5 million in additional Emergency Solutions Grants Program money for rent relief for low-income residents.”