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Bhip Newsletter Winter 2013
Bhip Newsletter Winter 2013
Bhip Newsletter Winter 2013
Winter 2013
Volume 1, Issue 3
The fight for reform of Housing Court continues. After a summer break, the Brooklyn Tenants United Coalition (BTU) began working hard again in September and October. On Friday, October 19, members of BTU met with the Department of Court Administrative Services (DCAS) to discuss the role BTU would like to have in the decisions to be made concerning the move of Housing Court to a better facility which is to be located at 625 Fulton Street. The lease for the current Housing Court building is up in May of 2015. The new court building promises to be double the size of the current building which should mean better facilities for tenants as well as court personnel. While DCAS did not commit to BTU being a part of the decision making process for the new building, they did agree to do a walk through of the current building with us. This has been put on hold at this time due to Hurricane Sandy but should be scheduled in the coming weeks. BTU has welcomed Mobilization Against Displacement (MAD) into our group. MAD is a smaller coalition of organizations focusing on getting apartment repairs for tenants. We will be working with them on a campaign to strengthen the HP part of Housing Court which is where tenants can bring cases against landlords who do not make apartment repairs. BHIP sent several tenant leaders to the BTU Leaders Meeting in December. Leaders and tenants in attendance were administered a test about obtaining repairs through Housing Court. It is clear that many tenants do not know their rights and the legal avenues afforded to them. BHIP will be working on this in the coming weeks with out tenants. Stay tuned..
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Shared Meter Laws in 3 New York City Notes from the Director 3
Many tenants do not have someone to interpret for them so end up signing agreements which they do not understand. Getting an interpreter in Housing Court is not easy and as readily accessible as the court would have one believe. Tenants who do not speak English are at a larger disadvantage than other tenants because they are unable to understand the proceedings and the ultimate outcomes they are facing.
BHIP feels strongly about Language Access and will continue to work with tenants as well as the court to ensure this right is given to all.
Bushwick Housing
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Building owners are required to provide hot water 365 days per year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees.
Volume 1, Issue 3
Page 3
Under New York Law, shared meters are illegal under any circumstances, and all shared meter conditions must be reconfigured.
144 Bleecker Street Brooklyn, NY 11237 Phone: 718-574-3007 Fax: 718-452-1279 E-mail: bhipbrooklyn@gmail.com
The Bushwick Housing Independence Project's (BHIP) mission is to preserve existing affordable housing for low and moderate-income families in Bushwick. The Bushwick community's growing affordable housing crisis is characterized by a severe lack of affordability, poor housing quality as well as rising rates of eviction, displacement and homelessness. BHIP works to provide tenants with the skills they need to preserve their apartments and secure needed repairs and services. It would also be useful to include a contact name for readers who want more information about the organization.
BHIP Staff Kathleen Maire, Executive Director Kennedy Rivera, Housing Specialist Yolanda Coca, Housing Specialist
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marianela Oliveras Chris Larken Rev. John Powis Kery Espino John Whitlow Susan Vargas