Hearing To Consider Making Brooklyn A No-Go Zone For Pushy Realtors

BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklynites will get the chance to tell tales of pushy real estate brokers at a hearing next week as state officials consider whether the borough needs more "cease-and-desist zones" to protect against the aggressive tactics.

The public hearing — scheduled for Thursday at Borough Hall — comes a few months after the New York Department of State first announced they would investigate setting up more of the real estate no-zones, which so far are only set up in a small portion of East New York and Cypress Hills.

Lawmakers have long called for more cease-and-desist zones to protect longtime homeowners, particularly in neighborhoods of color, from rampant real estate solicitations. A 2020 study found that Bed-Stuy in particular faced constant harassment, including housing scams and deed theft.

Ceast-and-desist zones bar real estate solicitors from contacting homeowners who add their name and address to an opt-out list about selling their properties, preventing what lawmakers say are aggressive tactics often aimed at senior citizens.

The real estate industry has largely opposed the zones, saying that the measure punishes all real estate professionals for the actions of only a few, according to reports.

In Brooklyn, state officials have spent months gathering feedback about residents' experiences in an online survey.

The hearing will let Brooklynites sign up to testify in person.

Here's what to know:

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 9

WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St.

HOW: If you want to sign up to testify, send an email to brooklynceaseanddesist@dos.ny.gov. Residents can also file complaints using the DOS online form.