SC New York News

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) recently stood alongside Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz (R,C-Oyster Bay), and other Assembly Minority colleagues in advocating for legislative measures to shield homeowners from the intrusion of squatters. The initiative involves defining the term "tenant" to exclude squatters and incorporating squatting into the definition of criminal trespass in a bill introduced by Blumencranz (A.6894).

Palmesano emphasized the gravity of the issue by referencing specific incidents, stating, "When you own a piece of property, it should belong to you, period. You shouldn’t have to worry that random people can camp in your home and then gain legal protections to stay there. We have already tragically seen the outcomes of such policies, people being arrested for changing the locks on their property, and even worse in New York City when a woman visiting from Spain was murdered by two squatters in her mother's apartment."

The Assemblyman stressed the urgency of addressing the issue, highlighting the need to prevent such lawlessness. His support for the proposed legislation stems from a commitment to safeguard property owners' rights, ensure public safety, and provide a sense of security for New Yorkers within their own properties.

The push for this bill comes in the wake of disturbing cases, including one where a woman faced legal repercussions for reclaiming her property from squatters and another tragic incident involving the murder of Nadia Vitels by squatters occupying her deceased mother's apartment.

The proposed legislation aims to address these concerning trends by holding squatters accountable for criminal trespass and absolving homeowners of criminal liability when attempting to remove them. Palmesano's endorsement of the bill underscores its significance in upholding property rights and enhancing safety for property owners across New York.