New York’s housing fight features the same players battling familiar issues.  

Real estate-backed tax breaks and tenant activists have been asking for additional protections.

“None of the crises have abated. As a matter of fact, in this past half a year, things have only gotten worse, with more and more migrants coming to New York with more homeless people,” said Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal of Manhattan.

But it’s about to be a new year.  

And with all 213 members of the state Legislature up for reelection, answerable for their action — or inaction — come Election Day.  

There’s an appetite to compromise.

“I think 2024 is the year that we actually come through with programs and other incentives to allow for more affordable housing,” Rosenthal said.

Pro-labor groups support some form of real estate’s push for tax breaks on new developments.  

Kevin Elkins, the political director for the NYC District Council of Carpenters, wants built-in mandates promising higher wages for workers.  

“I think the compromise is actually closer than people think,” said Elkins. “There is no math that exists for a housing package to protect paths that does not include a replacement of 421 A with strong labor standards and tenant protections. Those things go hand in hand and that is what’s going to be the foundation of a new housing package.”

Meanwhile, top City Hall officials presented their wishlist on Monday in lower Manhattan.  

Besides tax incentives, they asked state lawmakers to lift construction restrictions in dense areas, help convert commercial offices to residences and bring illegal basement apartments up to code.  

“We also need more workforce housing. We need housing for families, for elders, for younger New Yorkers who grew up in New York, but fear that they won’t be able to afford living here. And so the tools that we are asking for really unlock different types of housing,” Maria Torres-Springer, NYC deputy mayor for housing, economic development and workforce, told NY1 after she finished testifying.

City Hall and real estate teamed up last year.

Pressuring Albany to pass a tax abatement program for developers.

The legislature balked, refusing to drop support for a pro-tenant bill known as “good cause evictions.”

“Would the city administration be in favor of both?” asked Democratic Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson of Newburgh on Monday.

“We believe there is a deal that can be done assemblymember. The mayor has said this publicly. There are the tools that we need to really boost supply,” said Torres-Springer.

“So is that a yes, no, or a but?” he interrupted.

“A deal can get done and we are happy to support it,” answered Torres-Springer.

“Let’s try to get to yes. Let’s quit everybody standing on, looking for the perfect!” said Jacobson.

Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state has dished out $430 million tied to her solo housing incentive program, creating more than 1,500 homes across New York.