One Brooklyn
June 18, 2015
“Tonight, I submitted testimony to the Rent Guidelines Board at a public hearing held at the People’s House, Brooklyn Borough Hall, which called for rejecting proposed rent increases in favor of a complete rent freeze for the one million-plus households in rent-regulated apartments. I know firsthand that a rent freeze is manageable for small property owners and landlords, because I have managed to provide it for years to the tenants in my own building. Rent burden is a chronic illness in New York City, and the only cure is relief for wallets that have been stretched beyond their limitations.
“In fact, I see no reason why we cannot have a rent rollback. Last night, as tenants and I camped outside Governor Cuomo’s office in protest of the continued inaction on strengthening our city’s rent laws, my appreciation grew for the constant challenge and fear facing New Yorkers who sleep on our streets every night. As a city, we cannot morally or economically afford to put more of our people out of their homes.
“I ask the Rent Guidelines Board to take historic action with this year’s vote and put tenants first.”
-30-
