‘Dereg’ to fix NY problem

Feds’ claim on homeless

New York’s homeless population could be slashed by 23 percent if not for restrictive local housing regulations, a study released Monday by the Trump administration’s Council of Economic Advisers claims.

“Overregulation of local housing markets have reduced supply and raised prices, making the cost of homes out of reach for many people,” said CEA acting chairman Tom Philipson, describing the claims outlined in the 41page report.

Even basic regulations around the country, including zoning restrictions, rent controls and energy-efficiency mandates, contribute to higher housing prices, which in turn freeze out some who might otherwise be able to afford a roof over their heads, the study claims.

That effect is felt particularly acutely in the five boroughs, where, according to Philipson, “over 20 percent of people sleeping in shelters in the United States are found . . . though the city represents 2.6 percent of the US population.”

Researchers projected that by stripping all cost-inflating regulations, the homeless population of the New York metropolitan area — listed in the report as over 92,000 — could be reduced by 23 percent.

But even if all the offending regulations were ripped off the books, it “would take many years to translate into the types of price reductions, and thus homelessness reductions, shown here,” the study concedes.

The study also claims that “expanding the supply of homeless shelters shifts the demand for homes inward and increases homelessness.”

One New York City homelessness official called that statement “sick,” saying, “That’s like claiming if you have more emergency rooms more people get sick.”

City Hall spokeswoman Jane Meyer took a shot at the Trump administration for the report.

“It’s impossible to believe that an administration that proposed slashing billions in funding for housing is putting forth any policy that will help working people and the most vulnerable,” Meyer said.

“We know creating affordable housing, protecting tenants and providing shelter is the right thing to do. We will review this report.”