NY Senate Coming To Crown Heights For Rent Law Hearing

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — The New York Senate will hold a rent reform hearing in Crown Heights for the first time in the legislative body's history, one month before the state's rent control laws are set to expire.

State Senator Zellnor Myrie, one of many progressive lawmakers calling for strengthening tenant protections, is calling on his constituents to testify at the seven-hour hearing being held at Medgar Evers College at 1650 Bedford Ave. Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The hearing will offer Brooklynites a chance to put their experiences on the record before the state Senate — which has a Democratic majority for the first time since 2010 — revamps housing laws slated to expire on June 14.

Housing advocates and lawmakers say the expiration presents an opportunity to address a mounting affordability crisis in New York City.

Myrie is one of several progressive lawmakers supporting a package of bills that would make it more difficult for landlords to deregulate rent controlled apartments, hike rents and evict tenants.

But local landlords argue proposed rent reform laws will make it more difficult for building owners to fund basic maintenance and maintain tenants' quality of life.

Those interested in learning more about New York's rent control history and proposed changes to the law can read this in-depth explainer from Curbed.

And anyone interested in testifying can email myrie@nysenate.gov or call his office at (718) 284-4700.