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Local Politicians Denounce Airbnb Sponsorship of Brooklyn Half Marathon

By Gwynne Hogan | May 20, 2016 6:18pm
 A group of politicians  the New York Road Runners to stop receiving support from Airbnb.
A group of politicians the New York Road Runners to stop receiving support from Airbnb.
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Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon

BROOKLYN — On the eve of the Brooklyn Half Marathon, a coalition of local politicians and community groups called on New York Road Runners to end its partnership with Airbnb, the main sponsor of the Saturday event, claiming the company exacerbates the city's housing crisis, according to a letter dated May 19.

"As New York City faces a severe housing crisis, we encourage NYRR to end its relationship with this predatory and opportunistic company," the letter reads. It was signed by State Sen. Brad Hoylman, State Assemblywoman Maritza Davila and nearly a dozen other state and city politicians as well as a host of housing groups including Association for Housing and Neighborhood Development. 

"Airbnb contributes to increased rents in neighborhoods where minority communities that are struggling to keep a toe in their long-time neighborhoods."

A spokesman for Airbnb brushed off the letter's accusations, saying the company estimates $8 million in economic activity will be generated this weekend in Brooklyn, $6 million of which will go to Airbnb hosts.

"The Airbnb community in Brooklyn is incredibly proud to be part of this great celebration," said spokesman Peter Schottenfels. "We are focused on highlighting the amazing and diverse communities that make up Brooklyn and the runners that take part in the event," he said. 

When asked about the letter, New York Road Runners reaffirmed their alliance with Airbnb.

"With runners making up such a large part of the Airbnb community, our partnership focuses on New Yorkers serving as neighborhood ambassadors to the global running community," said Lauren Doll, a spokeswoman for NYRR. "We look forward to a great day for the 27,000 runners participating in this year’s Brooklyn Half, the country’s most popular half marathon and a showcase for the borough and the city for over three decades.”