It's time for them to join the Mayor and to take prompt action against illegal conversions.

"The city should enforce against new illegal conversion because, if it turns its back, we're going to see the same problems."

The other thing is there really isn't enough affordable housing, which has led to a lot of illegal conversions.

There were nearly 25,000 reports of illegal conversions last year, compared with 14,000 in 2003, when 311 first went into effect.

"This will be a comprehensive, coordinated campaign to reduce the number of illegal conversions."

In the meantime, illegal conversions can be hard to prove, city officials say.

"There are 45 families living in an illegal conversion with one exit and no sprinklers."

In addition, illegal conversions might not meet fire and safety codes, she pointed out.

Those who perform illegal conversions, she said, face fines of up to $25,000.

We must also prevent the illegal conversion of land into building sites.