NY Considers Making Brooklyn No-Go Zone For Pushy Realtors

BROOKLYN, NY — A new survey will let Brooklynites help decide if a new "cease-and-desist zone" is needed to prevent pushy real estate agents from harassing homeowners in the borough, the state announced.

The survey, launched this week online, was set up by the New York Department of State, who are tasked with investigating whether Brooklyn needs more of the real estate no-zones. The investigation was prompted by a bill signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul earlier this month.

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.

"Many homeowners in parts of Brooklyn are being besieged by aggressive solicitations by real estate brokers," Brooklyn Assembly Member N. Nick Perry said about the legislation.

"These sometimes predatory home-buying practices occur totally void of any concern about what happens to the neighborhood and the residents who chose those homes because of the character of the community. This law should serve to slow down the pace that these communities are transformed and at least prevent current homeowners from facing daily harassing contact by unwelcome buyers."

The latest legislation comes after several failed attempts from lawmakers to have the state look into cease-and-desist zones in Brooklyn.

Under current state law, only a small portion of East New York and Cypress Hills fall under a cease-and-desist zone. Zones have also been set up in the Bronx and two parts of Queens.

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.

Brooklynites interested in taking the survey can find it here. The state department also plans to hold a public hearing on the topic.