Iwen Chu Failed to Take Action After Squatters Burned Dyker Heights Home. Councilwoman Zhuang Demands NYC Protect Home Owners
Nationwide, squatters are trying to take over people’s homes while they are away.
In NYC, there have been several times this year where squatters got control over a building. NY home owners were told they would be arrested if they shut off the electricity or water. (Source)
Councilmember Susan Zhuang is standing up against squatters in Dyker Heights. (See video of press conference here) Her will require the NYPD to keep a record of complaints about squatters. (Info here)
In February, there was a squatter, who started a fire at a home on 67th Street between 12th and 13th Avenue. (See video – See news)
The fire at the Dyker Heights home caused $900,000 in damage. Prior to this fire, Ying Tan tried working to get the people in the house to leave. (See here)
Assemblymember Lester Chang is a co-sponsor of Assembly bill (See here) as are both Bay Ridge Assemblymembers – Alec Brook-Krasny and Michael Tannousis. This bill adds squatting to the definition of criminal trespass in the third degree.
Senator Iwen Chu failed to take action for the community. Senator Chu did not join or cosponsor bill 5979 in the senate. (See here) These are the only senators on the bill:
It didn’t surprise me that Bay Ridge’s state senator Andrew Gounardes wasn’t on a bill against squatting because Andrew doesn’t take on problems in Brooklyn. Gounardes seens more concerned with the Democratic Party and playing on Twitter.
Iwen Chu and Andrew Gounardes are Democrats, who are in the majority in the NYS Senate, so it is more likely a bill will be brought to the floor if one of them were on it, rather than the Republicans. It’s sad the two lawmakers haven’t taken action for Brooklyn.
On Thursday afternoon, three Council representatives: Susan Zhuang, Kalman Yeger and Inna Vernikov held a press conference in favor changing the law. I don’t think the city has the ability to do anything, without the NY state law being changed!
On March 22nd, Senate Bill S8866 was entered – no Brooklyn Legislatures joined the bill. (See here)
On April 3rd, Senate Bill S8866 about squatters was entered, but no Brooklyn legislatures are on it. (See here)
Brooklyn, elect better representatives who are pushing bills for your community!!
Hugs,
marlene
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