More than 400 Neighborhood Residents Attend Housing Forum Co-Hosted by NYS Senator Jesse Hamilton and NYC Council Member Laurie Cumbo

(Brooklyn, NY – February 25, 2015) More than 400 residents attended a housing forum co-hosted by State Senator Jesse Hamilton and City Councilmember Laurie Cumbo at St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf in Crown Heights last night.

The forum included panelists from the Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Code Unit, HPD’s Community Partnership Division, the NYC Department of Finance, the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board, the Flatbush Tenants Coalition, the Fifth Avenue Committee, South Brooklyn Legal Services, and the Pratt Area Community Council.

After delivering introductory remarks, Senator Hamilton and Councilmember Cumbo remained throughout the forum to listen to concerns of the community and speak with the attendees after the conclusion of the formal program. Attendees posed a wide variety of questions concerning landlord harassment of tenants, the upcoming renewal of New York State’s rent laws, and community resources to help tenants both learn and enforce their rights.

Senator Hamilton related his past experience of being an attorney in housing court. Councilwoman Cumbo highlighted the fact that residents have resources, a team in the community to support them. District Leader Shirley Patterson encouraged the community to take advantage of the programs available.