New York City, December 13, 2025
The New York City Council has made key amendments to the Construction Opportunity and Preservation Act (COPA) and the Construction Justice Act. These changes seek to address housing preservation while incorporating community interests into housing development. The amended legislation includes a modified scope for COPA, allowing for-profit participation, and adjusting the exclusivity period for preservation groups. The Construction Justice Act also expanded its applicability to larger housing projects, sparking mixed reactions among stakeholders regarding its potential impact on affordable housing and development.
NYC Council Moves Forward on Housing and Airbnb Legislation
New York City – In a recent session, the New York City Council made significant amendments to two contentious housing bills: the Construction Opportunity and Preservation Act (COPA) and the Construction Justice Act. These revisions aim to balance housing development with community interests, though they continue to spark debate among stakeholders.
Key Amendments to COPA and Construction Justice Act
The Council’s adjustments to COPA and the Construction Justice Act include:
- Scope of COPA: The program now applies to buildings with at least four units that have significant physical or financial issues, or where affordability requirements are nearing expiration. It also extends to vacant residentially zoned lots. Notably, owner-occupied buildings with up to six units are exempt from COPA.
- Inclusion of For-Profit Buyers: For-profit developers can participate in COPA by partnering with nonprofit organizations, provided they are listed on the Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) qualified preservation buyers list.
- Exclusivity Period: The timeframe during which preservation groups have exclusive rights to purchase properties has been shortened to 90 days, down from the previously proposed 135 and 180 days.
- Thresholds for Construction Justice Act: The Act now applies to housing projects receiving $1.5 million or more in city financing and those creating or preserving 150 units or more, up from the earlier thresholds of $1 million and 100 units, respectively. Supportive housing projects are excluded from this Act.
Background and Context
The COPA and Construction Justice Act were initially introduced to address housing preservation and equitable development in New York City. COPA focuses on facilitating the acquisition and rehabilitation of distressed residential properties to maintain affordability, while the Construction Justice Act aims to ensure fair labor practices in large-scale housing projects. The recent amendments reflect ongoing efforts to refine these policies in response to feedback from various stakeholders, including housing advocates, developers, and community groups.
Implications and Reactions
The Council’s decision to advance these bills, despite the amendments, indicates a commitment to addressing the city’s housing challenges. However, the changes have elicited mixed reactions. Housing preservation advocates express concern that the exemptions and shortened exclusivity period may limit the effectiveness of COPA in protecting affordable housing. Conversely, developers and some policymakers argue that the inclusion of for-profit entities and the revised thresholds for the Construction Justice Act will encourage more development and investment in the city’s housing sector.
As the legislation progresses, it is anticipated that further discussions and potential adjustments will occur to balance the diverse interests involved in New York City’s complex housing landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the key amendments to the Construction Opportunity and Preservation Act (COPA)?
The Council’s adjustments to COPA include:
- Scope of COPA: The program now applies to buildings with at least four units that have significant physical or financial issues, or where affordability requirements are nearing expiration. It also extends to vacant residentially zoned lots. Notably, owner-occupied buildings with up to six units are exempt from COPA.
- Inclusion of For-Profit Buyers: For-profit developers can participate in COPA by partnering with nonprofit organizations, provided they are listed on the Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) qualified preservation buyers list.
- Exclusivity Period: The timeframe during which preservation groups have exclusive rights to purchase properties has been shortened to 90 days, down from the previously proposed 135 and 180 days.
What changes were made to the Construction Justice Act?
The Construction Justice Act now applies to housing projects receiving $1.5 million or more in city financing and those creating or preserving 150 units or more, up from the earlier thresholds of $1 million and 100 units, respectively. Supportive housing projects are excluded from this Act.
What are the implications of these legislative amendments?
The amendments aim to balance housing development with community interests. However, they have elicited mixed reactions. Housing preservation advocates express concern that the exemptions and shortened exclusivity period may limit the effectiveness of COPA in protecting affordable housing. Conversely, developers and some policymakers argue that the inclusion of for-profit entities and the revised thresholds for the Construction Justice Act will encourage more development and investment in the city’s housing sector.
What is the current status of these bills?
The New York City Council has advanced the amended versions of COPA and the Construction Justice Act. Further discussions and potential adjustments are anticipated as the legislation progresses to balance the diverse interests involved in New York City’s complex housing landscape.
Key Features of the Legislation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scope of COPA | Applies to buildings with at least four units facing significant issues or nearing affordability requirement expirations, and vacant residentially zoned lots; exempts owner-occupied buildings with up to six units. |
| Inclusion of For-Profit Buyers in COPA | Allows for-profit developers to participate by partnering with nonprofit organizations listed on HPD’s qualified preservation buyers list. |
| Exclusivity Period in COPA | Shortened to 90 days, down from the previously proposed 135 and 180 days, for preservation groups to have exclusive rights to purchase properties. |
| Thresholds for Construction Justice Act | Applies to projects receiving $1.5 million or more in city financing and creating or preserving 150 units or more; excludes supportive housing projects. |
Now Happening on X
- @CityAndStateNY (December 11, 2025): Justice Favor discusses how Intro 910, the Construction Justice Act, goes beyond fair pay to help workers enter the middle class by raising NYC’s living wage, emphasizing personal impact on families. View on X
- @CityAndStateNY (December 9, 2025): An op-ed highlights the personal stakes of the Construction Justice Act under Intro 910, aiming to boost workers’ income and promote equitable development in NYC’s construction sector. View on X
- @HFE_NYC (December 9, 2025): Council Member Kevin Riley stresses that Intro 948A ensures fairness for homeowners and renters, allowing families to stay in neighborhoods and fostering stability and opportunity in NYC. View on X
- @HFE_NYC (December 8, 2025): Arva Rice explains that Intro 948A promotes responsible renting, protects housing stock for renters, and ensures fairness and stability for homeowners across New York City. View on X
- @ycinnewyork (November 22, 2025): The post criticizes the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act for forcing property owners to offer a 6-month right of first refusal to nonprofits, potentially converting private properties into affordable social housing in NYC. View on X
- @RealOutlawGator (December 7, 2025): Clarifies that COPA in NYC allows approved nonprofits first dibs on buying rental buildings before open market sales, with HPD overseeing the process to preserve affordable housing. View on X
- @JBKSchlossberg (December 7, 2025): Outlines Jack’s New York Housing Fairness and Affordability Plan, including renters’ deductions, full SALT cap repeal, and initiatives to end NYCHA repair backlogs for better housing access. View on X
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