Highbridge community organizer to hold workshop about tenant rights next week

By Steven Gnagni
Managing Editor

On April 21, community activists from Highbridge Community Life Center will present a workshop on tenant rights at 6 p.m. in the lobby of 1350-52 University Avenue.

At the workshop, which is open to all Highbridge residents, tenants will learn how to deal with negligent landlords who do not make necessary repairs. Jackie Del Valle, the community organizer who is leading the workshop, says many tenants are afraid to stand up to their landlords.

“A majority of tenants [who live in 1350-52 University Avenue] have a lack of understanding of their rights,” she said.

Ms. Del Valle is working with the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC), which is targeting 110 buildings owned by Frank Palazzolo. Three of those buildings are in Highbridge — 1350-52 University Avenue, 136 West 170th Street, and 1030 Woodycrest.

“The biggest concern is repairs,” Ms. Del Valle said. “When new people move in, he promises to make improvements, but never does. It’s small things like not replacing cabinets or appliances or not painting, to major structural deterioration, which leads to infestation of rats and rodents.”

According to Ms. Del Valle, tenants also have the right to have a valid one- or two-year lease that lists the tenants’ names properly and lists rent increases and must be provided with smoke detectors and window guards (if children are living in the apartment). There are also laws that protect tenants from harassment by the landlord.

The workshop has three major goals:

· To educate and inform tenants on what strategies are legally available to confront landlords while avoiding eviction.

· To inspire tenants throughout Highbridge to take on those strategies.

· To raise awareness about some of the hot issues for tenants, including rent stabilization laws and inspections and code enforcement. Staff from NWBCCC will also help lead the workshop. Dinner will be served following the meeting.

Highbridge residents interested in attending the workshop should RSVP by calling Ms. Del Valle at (718) 681-5212.