Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine - Now is NOT the time for more rent increases

 

Earlier this week the Rent Guidelines Board passed a preliminary vote advancing a range of proposed rent hikes on rent-stabilized apartments in New York City. If passed in a final vote scheduled for June 21, these potential adjustments could increase rent 2-5% for one-year leases and 4-7% for two-year leases. I know many of you are personally affected or, at least, deeply concerned by this action – I share your concern and want you to know that I stand with you in strong opposition to the Board’s decision.  Our city is still entrenched in a housing crisis that has seen median rent as high as $5,000 in Manhattan and many rent-stabilized tenants are still feeling the impacts of the Board’s rent increases from just a year ago. Now is not the time for more rent increases that puts further burden on the backs of nearly 2 million vulnerable New Yorkers. It’s time for the opposite – a total rent freeze for stabilized units.    I’m committed to continue fighting as the Board moves to its final vote and strongly urge it to reject any proposed increases that add financial stress to the lives of struggling New Yorkers. But this fight doesn’t stop with the Rent Guidelines Board. We have so much work to do to help alleviate the pressures facing New Yorkers struggling to stay in their homes. As the Mayor and the City Council negotiate the budget, my colleagues and I have urged them to boost funding for the vital Right to Counsel program.

This program provides essential legal support for tenants facing eviction, helping them navigate the complex legal system and stay in their homes. But the City has not fully funded this program, leaving thousands of tenants without legal representation in housing court. And while we continue to fight to keep New Yorkers in their current homes, we must also rapidly increase our housing production, so that every family can afford to find a new home. Our office is pushing forward with our Housing Manhattanites initiative that aims to address our city's housing challenges head-on.  We've launched a housing portal on our website that allows you, our fellow Manhattanites, to suggest sites in the borough you believe would be viable for building new housing.  A vacant lot, single-story commercial building, or even underutilized city property – your input is invaluable, and we believe that working together, we can create innovative and sustainable solutions for our city's housing needs. To share your suggestions, please visit the web portal HERE. Let's join forces to build a better, more equitable, and more resilient Manhattan. Mark We're thrilled to announce the first installment of our new Manhattan Empowerment Series, all about bringing you the tools for living your best Manhattan life. We're kicking off the series on May 24 from 6–8 pm with a workshop about New York's housing lottery, presented by the NYC Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development and in partnership with Catholic Charities, at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center (34 W. 134th St.). Constituents and nonprofit employees are invited to learn more about the lottery process and how to get yourself or the New Yorkers you serve into affordable, stable housing. Register Here Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Assembly Member Grace Lee are thrilled to invite you to a joint celebration in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. At the event, they will acknowledge the exceptional work of remarkable individuals and groups within the community who have made significant strides in breaking barriers and promoting equity. Join us May 19 at 5:30 pm at the Manny Cantor Center (197 East Broadway) – register here. RSVP Here Parents: Cast Your CEC Vote by May 9 Public school parents can vote for Community and Citywide Education Council members through your NYC Schools Account (or create one here). The councils advocate for your school community and give parents a voice in the education system. Learn more about voting and the council candidates here. You could be our next: Constituent Services Liaison Housing Policy Analyst Community Liasion Not for you? Help us find great candidates by spreading the word! Apply Here