Harlem Community Board Puts Out Call To Freeze Rent

HARLEM, NY — In the run up to the Rent Guideline Board's final vote on approving rent hikes across New York City, East Harlem's Community Board 11 has penned a letter voicing their support of a rent freeze.

The freeze would apply to all rent-stabilized units in the five boroughs.

"We implore you to protect our vulnerable residents and find tenable pathways for alleviating
the burden on landlords by advocating for financial models of relief so they may continue to
provide affordable housing," Community Board 11 wrote in a letter to New York City Rent Guidelines Board chair Nestor Davidson.

"As such and until such time that a more holistic model may be utilized or created, Community Board 11 resolutely supports a freeze on the current rental rates for rent-stabilized apartments not just in our district but the entirety of New York City," the letter adds.

On May 1, the Rent Guidelines Board proposed and approved in a preliminary meeting a 2 to 5 percent increased for rent stabilized tenants with one-year leases and 4 to 7 percent increases for tenants with two-year leases.

A public hearing took place on Monday where many speakers got emotional while testifying to the board about the need to not raise rents.

The final public meeting will take place in Brooklyn on Thursday, before the final vote on June 21.

The East Harlem community board letter was also sent to a multitude of local officials, including Council Members Diana Ayala and Kristin Richardson Jordan, Assembly Members Eddie Gibbs, Inez Dickens, and Cordelle Cleare.

"Combined with the current volatile economy, it remains of the utmost importance to maintain people in their apartments and prevent a further strain on our social services citywide," reads the letter.