70% rent hike puts Sunset Park senior center at risk, elected leaders say
Local officials say the landlord is asking for a 70% increase in rent for the first 3 years of a 10-year lease, followed by more increases.
United Senior Citizens of Sunset Park has served the community for more than 50 years – but it’s future is in limbo due to rent hikes.
On Friday, people in the community along with elected officials, rallied against a 70% increase in rent for the first three years of a 10-year lease, followed by more increases.
The center's leadership says they've been trying to come to an agreement, but it's been weeks with no negotiation in sight.
News 12 previously reported that the New York City Center for the Aging said it will do everything it can to make sure senior citizens get those same services if their senior center closes.
News 12 spoke with residents in the area like Tulce Hernandez who said the center is a staple in the community, especially in the warmer months when it is a cooling center.
"Seniors come to eat breakfast, lunch…This is the community that needs it. If you come during the week…they have so much fun when they come in and they've made like a family," said Hernandez.
News 12 reached out to the landlord seeking the rent increase but hasn't heard back yet.
