New York State Senator-elect Daniel Squadron has written tenants of the Riverside Apartments assuring them that they will not be subject to garage construction related rent increases. Squadron spoke to the building’s landlord, the Pinnacle Group, who claim that they will not seek an MCI increase for the construction of its proposed garage.
The content of the letter after the jump.
To the residents of Riverside Apartments
Dear Neighbors:
I want to share a quick update with you about my ongoing conversations with the owner of your building.Riverside tenants have expressed a few concerns to me: that the proposed garage construction will disrupt life in the building, that it could permanently make the courtyard impossible to enjoy, and above all that the building owner might use the garage construction to seek a Major Capital Improvement (MCI) rent increase for rent-regulated tenants.
I want to let you know that I have personally received an assurance from the landlord’s representative that the landlord will not seek an MCI increase for the work he proposes to do to install a garage. Additionally, the landlord is not allowed to use any garage work as a pretext for evicting any tenants.
This news is an important development and I wanted to share it with you as soon as possible. Of course, it is only the beginning of a longer process. As I expressed previously to tenants in the building, I have serious concerns about the proposed garage, its impact on the quality of life for residents of the building, and the precedent it would set for the Heights Historic District. I look forward to continuing to work with the tenants of the building.
Please feel free to call my office any time with concerns about this or any other issue. I can
be reached at 646-472-5712 or info@danielsquadron.org.
