Mid Hudson Times Mar. 29 2017 | Page 4

4

Mid Hudson Times , Wednesday , March 29 , 2017

Tenant responsibility ordinance adopted

The ordinance amends Chapter 240 of the city code to hold tenants responsible for the proper maintenance of rental spaces .

Continued from page 1

“ How can they be held responsible for something that is not their fault ?” Other residents noted that landlords can spell out specific tenant responsibilities in leases , without an ordinance .

City Corporation Counsel Michelle Kelson explained the ordinance holds tenants responsible only for conditions they create . “ We ’ re talking about the conditions he or she has actually caused ,” said Kelson . “ It ’ s personal responsibility for actions someone actually took .”

“ We ’ re looking to hold those individuals accountable ,” said Harvey , describing damage he has seen done to rentals Monday . “ If you ’ re a good tenant , this tenant responsibility act will not affect you .”

The ordinance was revised from a previous version , which included a potential penalty of jail time , specifically “ a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days .” This drew strong criticism from the public and the penalty was dropped from the ordinance shortly after it was presented last month .

The ordinance comes about a month after the city council voted to amend the city ’ s rental registry law , lowering landlords ’ rental license fees and amending language on inspections . The changes were made , in part , due to a lawsuit filed against the city by a group of city landlords last fall .

In Brief

Body shop owner accused of stealing dead man ’ s Porsche

A local tow truck and auto body shop owner has been arrested for allegedly claiming possession of a Porsche that belonged to a customer who had died .

New Windsor Police arrested Patrick Torpey , 53 , owner of 20th Century Towing and 21st Century Auto Body on Union Avenue in New Windsor and charged him with one count each of grand larceny , criminal possession of a forged instrument and perjury , five counts of falsifying business records and four counts of offering a false instrument for filing .

It is alleged that Torpey had a customer ’ s 1978 Porsche 911 at his business for repairs in 2012 when the owner unexpectedly died .

In the weeks that followed , Torpey filed a state DMV garageman ’ s lien on the car , requiring him to complete the documents for filing . That generated a new title of ownership for Torpey .

At the same time , police said the owner ’ s wife , as administrator of her husband ’ s estate , was looking for the vehicle .

It was not until last summer that the car ’ s whereabouts were rediscovered . It was recovered from a garage at Torpey ’ s residence and brought to the police headquarters pending prosecution .

Torpey was arraigned with bail set at $ 2,500 . He was released after posting the bail .

City creates filming ordinance

The Newburgh City Council has passed a new ordinance laying ground rules for film production on City of Newburgh property . The new law is meant to encourage more film production in the city .

The law requires that film crews obtain a $ 50 film permit for each production . Additional fees include a $ 500 per day fee and a $ 750 per night fee for use of public property . There is also a $ 200 per day fee to reserve public street parking .

Film permit fees are waived for student and charitable films , along with concert films by nonprofits or religious organizations . The fees were reduced from an ordinance proposed in 2015 . “ We have a formal structure now ,” said city Mayor Judy Kennedy .

The ordinance outlines requirements regarding liability insurance and compliance with state and city traffic codes . The law also requires that the City of Newburgh is credited as a location in film credits .

The law arrives as the City of Newburgh becomes better known as a destination for film crews seeking gritty locations at an affordable cost . Film crews coming to the city also have access to Umbra of Newburgh , a state-of-the-art film soundstage and film production facility on Scobie Drive , and the film stage at Motorcyclepedia Museum on Lake Street .

For more information , contact the City of Newburgh Planning Department at 845-569-9400 .

- Shantal Riley