BUSHWICK — Frustrated Bushwick tenants joined politicians Wednesday to demand the overhaul of decades-old rent regulation laws they said encourage landlords to evict long-term residents.
Officials including Public Advocate Leticia James, City Comptroller Scott Stringer and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez said the state's rent stabilization law, passed in 1997, allows landlords to bump up a rent stabilized apartment's rent by 20 percent automatically if it's unoccupied.
"We need the state legislature and Governor Cuomo to take action," James shouted into a bullhorn on Suydam Street in front of an apartment building where tenants are facing eviction.
"No more loopholes."
Absent from Wednesday's rally were representatives from Albany who are currently hammering out this year's budget.
Comptroller Scott Stringer said the state has the final call on the issue.
"There's no political will so we have to make sure that we create the political dynamic to get real rent reform," Stringer said.
Throughout the afternoon, a throng about 50 strong roamed the neighborhood waving banners and chanting, "Bushwick no se vende" — Bushwick not for sale.
