With a little help, private landlords can do it

Staten Island: In response to the op-ed titled “Nonprofits can help deliver an affordable city” from December 9, the recent amendments to the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) now primarily target buildings facing severe physical or financial challenges or those nearing the end of their affordable housing program mandates. This move by NYC appears to be another stride towards the controversial acquisition of the city’s truly affordable housing: rent-stabilized apartments.

It’s crucial to remember why rent-stabilized buildings often encounter such issues. Annually, the Rent Guidelines Board is tasked with setting a fair rent increase based on economic factors to ensure proper upkeep of these properties. Yet, year after year, these buildings are unfairly targeted and placed in jeopardy. The situation worsened with the enactment of the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 and the ongoing eviction moratorium in NYC. The original purpose of rent stabilization was to offer affordable housing that is well-maintained while allowing landlords to earn a reasonable profit. To put it in perspective, maintaining a NYCHA apartment costs the government $2,295 monthly, without the burden of real estate taxes or mortgages. In contrast, the average rent for a rent-stabilized unit in NYC is $1,477.

For nonprofits to acquire distressed properties, substantial government funding is necessary. Instead, why not collaborate with landlords, offering financial aid to prevent tenants from living in poor conditions? Keeping affordable housing with experienced owners can help minimize costs. Why are rent-stabilized apartments the only private businesses in NYC legally required to provide financial support to renters, including affluent tenants? Vincent Ragosta

Tentative housing

Merrick, L.I.: Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani intends to instruct the NYPD, Sanitation, and Health Departments to refrain from dismantling homeless encampments. He argues that removing these tent cities from streets and parks would be “cruel.” This gives us a glimpse into Mamdani’s unique affordable housing strategy, which involves providing tents across the five boroughs in city parks and other locations. The city would set up these tents, complete with portable restrooms, showers, and some electrical connections, at a significantly reduced cost compared to compensating landlords for apartment rentals or investing millions in new constructions. There would be no restrictions, allowing “tenants” to arrive at will. Mamdani seems to have devised a modern version of “Mamdanivilles,” reminiscent of the 1930s Hoovervilles. Michael Apo

Strange fixation

Bronx: Why is the Daily News Editorial Board so fixated on Mamdani? In my seven decades of living in New York City, I’ve never witnessed such intense criticism from your board towards a newly elected mayor. Let’s give this political newcomer the opportunity to prove his capabilities. Virgilio Carballo

Farewell to fur

Pleasantville, N.Y.: I was pleased to read Voicer James Scotto’s letter about the “MUTTS” cartoon, which humorously depicted a cat’s shock at seeing a woman in what appeared to be a fur coat. When she revealed it was faux fur, they embraced! It’s wonderful that you feature “MUTTS,” a comic that combines artistry with empathy. Additionally, there has been encouraging news recently: New York Fashion Week has decided to ban fur, and Poland has passed legislation to end fur farming, previously being the world’s second-largest producer. Elisabeth Alderman

Sticking with tradition

Hubertus, Wis.: The U.S. Mint released images of the new 2026 circulating coins celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. After looking at the various proposals and submissions, the Mint wisely kept to the visions of our Founding Fathers and did not cave into the divisive woke designs of today. I’m sure that most will be proud of our new coinage about to appear in your pocket change. To the woke crowd: Don’t worry, I’m sure the Mint will make special commemorative coins to cater to your leftist desires and soothe your ruffled feathers. Robert W. Lobenstein

Keep your cause off Santa

Woodcliff Lake, N.J.: To Voicer Eric C. Lindstrom: Can you tree-hugging climate change freaks leave anything alone? Even Christmas? You distort and twist even a fairytale into some activist nonsense that nobody wants to hear! Go eat the cookies yourself, and I hope Santa flies over your house and forgets all about you! Kathie Renken

Snubbed but not forgotten

Astoria: There was a time when the Yankees were in a playoff drought and their fans had only one thing to cheer for. The ovations were for Don Mattingly. “Donnie Baseball” could do no wrong. He hit, hit for power, was a defensive whiz and a team leader who was tagged captain. Mattingly was a future Hall of Famer to everyone who had his “Hit Man” poster taped on their wall. He was bypassed from being elected into Cooperstown by the writers and now the Veterans Committee. Mattingly joins another ex-captain in Thurman Munson, who had the same results. For us New Yorkers, Mattingly and Munson are our Hall of Famers. Even though they’re not enshrined, we fans who witnessed them saw their pure greatness. We will hold on to the memories forever, unlike the Veterans Committee, which dropped the ball. Aris Sakellaridis

No big deal

Yonkers: The Daily News certainly got carried away with the departure of Pete Alonso from the Mets to the Orioles. The signing was accorded front and back pages, plus two in the sports section. Given all that’s happening in New York and around the world, this is hardly the most important. These professional athletes have no allegiance to fans; their allegiance is to the mighty dollar. It’s time that deluded fans woke up and smelled the coffee. Let him go and goodbye. Enough already. Frank Brady

Not worth it?

White Plains, N.Y.: The owner of the Mets, Steve Cohen, is a multi-billionaire, one of the wealthiest individuals in the U.S. Yet, he lost closer Edwin Diaz and first baseman Alonso over mere millions. Perhaps Uncle Stevie is more interested in his casino license now than the future of the Mets. Randi Bernstein Feigenbaum

No love

Indian Harbour Beach, Fla.: Hey Pete, you took the money for your family, as all free-agent ballplayers say. What about your Mets family? John T. O’Connell

Fumbled ballplayers

Brookfield, Conn.: Let’s see if I have this straight. First, David Stearns trades Brandon Nimmo for a 35-year-old infielder, then lets the majors’ best closer and the Mets’ all-time home-run hitter walk away. Then he says, “We’ve got all the resources we need to put a really good team on the field.” Who is Stearns kidding? It’s time to send him back to Cabbageville where he came from and get someone in there who’s not afraid to spend money to keep good players. Bob Lovell

Nice heist

Staten Island: The recent seizure of the Venezuelan oil tanker named The Skipper was captured with 1.8 million barrels of crude oil worth approximately $95 million. The tanker was falsely flying Guyana’s flag to circumvent being captured, as Guyana can legally transport crude. The oil is now under U.S. control. The United States can and probably will sell the product or auction it off, as we are allowed to keep the revenue or the product. The president has final control over the oil. He sets the policy and has authorization over its disposal. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control oversees and administers his decisions and keeps the data pertaining to the outcome of the distribution and/or sale of the product. We can only hope that he earmarks this unexpected windfall and the money is used for the benefit of the U.S. Myra B. Goodman

Self-incriminating

Manhattan: It’s ironic that President Trump derisively refers to Joe Biden as Sleepy Joe when he can clearly be described these days as Dozing Don. I guess it takes one to know one. Chana Schwartz