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(WNY News Now) – Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel has issued an Emergency Order, titled “Local State of Emergency, Emergency Order No. 2 on Sustainable Migration,” to halt New York City’s “Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (City FHEPS)” program, which relocates homeless US citizens to upstate New York counties, citing concerns about strained local resources.
Mayville – Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel signed a second Emergency Order on Sustainable Migration, effectively blocking the New York City program that relocates homeless United States citizens to upstate New York counties, including Chautauqua.
The order, titled “Local State of Emergency, Emergency Order No. 2 on Sustainable Migration,” is a response to New York City’s expanded “Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (City FHEPS)” program. This initiative offers homeless NYC residents five years or more of rental vouchers in exchange for relocating upstate.
Wendel expressed serious concerns, stating, “This unlawful program poses a grave risk to the social, health, and emergency services resources of our county, especially as our homeless population is already at an all-time high.” He further emphasized that an influx of homeless individuals could strain local services, including non-profit organizations.
Consequently, the emergency order forbids anyone, including businesses and entities within Chautauqua County, from accepting rental vouchers as payment for housing without prior written authorization from the County Executive. Wendel argued that City FHEPS violates a 1984 consent judgment and the county’s right to self-governance.
Moreover, Wendel pointed out, “Even though these rental vouchers would pay for housing, other associated costs would be placed on the backs of Chautauqua County taxpayers.”
Violators of the Emergency Order may face criminal charges, classified as a class B misdemeanor, by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.
This order specifically pertains to homeless United States citizens from New York City, distinct from the migrant Executive Order. The new emergency order takes immediate effect and will remain in place for five days, with the option of renewal for additional five-day periods as necessary.
Note: The use of United States citizens is to ensure clarity and prevent confusion with the Executive Order pertaining to migrants.
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