Controversial N.Y.C. Housing Program Under Fire

The Third Party Transfer program lets the city transfer ownership of delinquent properties, but it unfairly targets communities of color, say critics.

1 minute read

August 9, 2019, 6:00 AM PDT

By Camille Fink


Brooklyn Brownstones

a katz / Shutterstock

The Third Party Transfer program in New York City allows the city to shift ownership of properties with unpaid taxes or utility bills to third-party owners. While the original intent was to preserve fiscally challenged properties as affordable housing, critics say the outcomes have been problematic.

"Several city lawmakers argue that the program has morphed into a 'blunt instrument' that targets communities of color and essentially robs modest landlords of their properties over minuscule debts," writes Caroline Spivack. Most of the properties are located in gentrifying neighborhoods in Brooklyn and the Bronx, and a city council investigation revealed that half of the properties reviewed did not actually meet the program’s criteria.

Critics also note that properties with relatively minimal debt are being included in the program, says Spivack. "This is unaccepted and points to the program’s dire need for reform especially when those who lose their properties after years of pouring labor and resources into the buildings are not compensated despite building values that often far exceeding the debts that are owed to the city, added [Richie] Torres."

Tuesday, July 23, 2019 in Curbed New York

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions

An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

July 10 - The Markup

Protester at Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles holding sign that says "Housing is a human right"

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?

The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

July 10 - Shelterforce Magazine

Aerial of rainbow painted crosswalks at large intersection in Castro District, Sna Francisco, California.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts

Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.

July 10 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA