A neighborhood organization is taking a stance against displacement with an assembly on Nov. 17 discussing the issues and how tenants – especially immigrants – can avoid getting pushed out of their homes.
The event will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Ridgewood Library at 2012 Madison St. and led by the Ridgewood Tenant Union.
“Everywhere you see now, there are dumpsters on various blocks and buildings being gutted. There are fancy glass doors with brand new intercoms on every block in our neighborhood,” according to a promotional video for the assembly. “Yes, this might look nice but what it represents is violent displacement. On George Street, Summerfield Street, on Palmetto Street — on every street our neighbors are being displaced from their long-term affordable apartments.”
The Ridgewood Tenants Union mainly aims to arm renters with the knowledge to protect themselves from corporate landlords and developers.
Activists such as Gloria Nieves and Mario Uquillas, both of whom live in Ridgewood, spoke at a rally on Oct. 27 at Woodbine Street and Myrtle Avenue. They told people to check their leases to make sure it says they are in a rent controlled unit and to contact the state’s office of Homes and Community Renewal if there has been a violation.
