Public Employee Press

Rally for local rent control

“No rent without representation,” echoed across Battery Park July 1, as DC 37 and Tenants and Neighbors rallied to declare independence from Albany.

“For years repeal of the Urstadt Law has been at the top of our agenda,” said DC 37 Treasurer Maf Misbah Uddin. “Our members, who average about $29,000 a year in wages, struggle to make the rent. The number of affordable housing units has shrunk. Affordable housing and rent control are local issues that City Hall should decide.”

DC 37 has been in a 30-year struggle to repeal the Urstadt Law, which gives upstate legislators control over New York City rents. The law prohibits New York City from enacting stronger rent and eviction protections and leaves city officials at the mercy of state legislators, who have no rent-regulated tenants in their districts.

This year the State Assembly passed repeal legislation and on May 25, City Council adopted a home rule message by a vote of 48 to 3.

— DSW