MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Nearly a thousand tenants gathered on May 15 at the historic Riverside Church in Harlem, demanding a rent freeze to combat rising housing costs and a growing affordability crisis. The rally, organized by the Tenants Political Action Committee (Tenants PAC) and Tenants Bloc, brought together passionate advocates, city leaders, and mayoral candidates who voiced their commitment to fighting for renters across the five boroughs.

The event, which drew thousands from across the city, was highlighted by speeches from Mayoral Candidates, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, City Comptroller Brad Lander, and several local tenant leaders. The rally marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for affordable housing as New York City’s rent-stabilized tenants face the prospect of rent hikes for the fifth consecutive year.

New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) has proposed rent increases of up to 7.75% for two-year leases and 4.75% for one-year leases, setting the stage for an intense debate as the board prepares for a final vote this summer. The proposal comes at a time when the city’s tenants are grappling with an affordability crisis that has left many struggling to remain in their homes. Approximately half of all city apartments are rent-stabilized, providing a measure of stability for residents who are now seeing the cost-of-living increase year after year.

“I want to say thank you, because we know in this city, a rent freeze is not a given. It has to be won. It has to be won and on June 24 that rent freeze is on the ballot. ” Mamdani said, energizing the crowd. “I want to thank the tenant bloc, because every time you go unlocked on doors, every time you come out to an event, every time you’re in a rally, you are increasing the power of that demand. You are reminding New Yorkers that their rent is on the ballot.”

Mamdani highlighted the toll of New York City’s affordability crisis, pointing to the displacement of working- and middle-class residents and the loss of nearly 20% of Black youth from 2010 to 2019. He called on tenants to fight back and demand a rent freeze to make the city livable again. “It’s working and middle-class New Yorkers who are being pushed out of this city because it’s the most expensive one in the country. Are you ready for a city you can afford? Are you ready to freeze the rent?”

Lander, who was also in attendance, expressed his support for tenants, emphasizing the importance of pushing for a rent freeze. “Tenants Bloc is building power to protect tenants in New York City and to demand a city that’s more affordable so tenants aren’t getting crushed and displaced,” Lander said. “Eric Adams’ rent guideline board has proposed 7.75% rent increases over two years, and tenants cannot afford that.”

Lander urged support for a rent freeze and warned against Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral bid, calling him “a disaster for the tenants of New York City” and “somebody who is funded by real estate,” emphasizing the need for “a city hall that actually shows up for tenants.”

The rally was also attended by Chen Ren Ping, a resident and community leader, who took the stage with a translator to share his perspective. “We need someone that fights for the people,” he said, voicing his support for Assemblymember Mamdani. “Cuomo has long been bought out by real estate. Long been bought out. We need a mayor that fights for tenants like you.”

The rally highlighted the deepening divide between the city’s renters and the political establishment, with many tenants feeling abandoned by officials who have been slow to address the housing crisis. The event underscored the growing momentum for a tenant-led political movement determined to make their voices heard at City Hall.

“New York City is America’s biggest city, and it’s the best place in the country,” said Ren Ping, capturing the spirit of the rally. “But we will continue to face the immense pressure of this affordability crisis.”

The call for a rent freeze echoes the broader concerns of many Democratic mayoral candidates, who have voiced support for rent stabilization measures and policies that would keep housing affordable for working-class New Yorkers. The final vote on the proposed rent hikes will take place in June, with any changes set to take effect in October.

The proposed rent hikes have drawn sharp criticism. In a joint statement, Ana Maria Archila and Jasmine Gripper of the New York Working Families Party denounced the Rent Guidelines Board, appointed by Mayor Eric Adams. “In all four years of his term, Mayor Adams’ Rent Guidelines Board has proposed hiking rent prices for over a million rent-regulated apartments. This rent increase isn’t just unnecessary — it’s cruel. At a time when most New Yorkers are already rent-burdened and squeezed by rising costs for necessities, taking another chunk out of their paychecks will only hurt,” they said. “Shame on Eric Adams and the Rent Guidelines Board. Election day is just over 50 days away. The time for new leadership is now.”

In the midst of rising rents and the pressure from real estate interests, tenants in New York City are mobilizing to take control of their future and ensure that they can continue to live in the city they have helped to build. As Mamdani put it, “We are going to keep New Yorkers in their homes, and we are going to ensure that the stability that you once had as rent-stabilized tenants is one that you get once again.”

The fight over rent hikes isn’t settled, but the rally at Riverside Church sent a clear signal: tenants across the city are mobilized and not letting this go without a fight.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The Trump administration’s decision to cut over $325 million in federal funding for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program has left critical infrastructure and community resilience projects across New York State at risk. In addition to the funding cuts for projects that had not yet begun construction, another $56 million in ongoing projects could now face delays or cancellation.

Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the federal action, stressing the severe consequences for public safety and disaster preparedness in New York.

 “In the last few years, New Yorkers have faced hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, wildfires and even an earthquake –– and FEMA assistance has been critical to help us rebuild. Cutting funding for communities across New York is short sighted and a massive risk to public safety. Without support for resilience projects now, our communities will be far more vulnerable when disaster strikes next,” Hochul said. “As I’ve said all along: no state in the nation can backfill the massive cuts being proposed in Washington, and it’s critical New Yorkers stand united to call out the damage this will cause.”

The BRIC program, which supports state, local, and tribal governments in building disaster resilience, was a key component in New York’s efforts to address the growing threat of extreme weather. As part of the federal program, New York had secured funding for flood mitigation and infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing storm risks and safeguarding vulnerable communities.

Jackie Bray, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, pointed out the long-term economic and safety implications of the cuts. “It is far more expensive to rebuild than it is to prevent damage before it happens. Mitigation is the best way to save taxpayer dollars and increase resiliency. These projects were created with the sole purpose of helping prevent further damage from the storms that continue to impact the residents of New York State,” Bray said.

Among the hardest-hit projects is the Central Harlem Cloudburst Flood Mitigation initiative, which was set to receive $50 million in funding to improve stormwater infrastructure and reduce flooding in low-income neighborhoods. Other impacted projects include flood mitigation efforts in East Elmhurst, the Kissena Corridor, and the Seaport area of Lower Manhattan.

The cancellation of funding extends beyond New York City. In Westchester County, the Upper Minkel Dam Decommissioning and Riparian Corridor Restoration project—funded with $731,000—now faces the loss of essential support for flood hazard reduction and environmental restoration.

The BRIC cuts have also drawn sharp criticism from local officials. In Queens, U.S. Representative Grace Meng urged the Department of Homeland Security to restore funding that had been previously allocated to local food pantries under FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). Meng called the withholding of these funds “unconscionable and unacceptable” and warned that without the federal support, food pantries across Queens would face operational cuts, limiting their ability to serve those in need.

“Our food pantry is a lifeline for the communities we serve, and this interruption in funding has made it incredibly difficult for us to help our fellow New Yorkers,” said Rev. Benjamin Ytac, Jr., Executive Director of Yeshua Worldwide Ministries in Middle Village. “We join together with our partner community organizations and call on the federal government to restore funding to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and allow us to continue supporting our most vulnerable fellow New Yorkers and neighbors.”

New York’s leaders have also voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration’s stance on disaster resilience funding. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. sent a letter to FEMA, urging the agency to reverse its decision on the BRIC cuts. “Superstorms like Hurricane Ida in 2021 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 impact people of all ideological persuasions. Floodwaters do not discriminate based on political affiliation — neither should our federal government,” Richards wrote, calling the cuts a “serious disconnect” between the federal administration and the communities that need help the most.

Launched in 2020, the BRIC program aimed to help communities reduce disaster risks through mitigation efforts and infrastructure projects. A 2018 analysis by the National Institute of Building Sciences showed that every $1 spent on mitigation saves the federal government $6 in future disaster recovery costs. Despite these proven savings, the Trump administration has justified its cuts by labeling the program as “wasteful” and “ineffective,” claims that have been met with strong rebuttals from disaster resilience experts and local officials.

The loss of BRIC funding, which has already dispersed over $5 billion nationwide, is seen as a dangerous step backward in New York’s efforts to combat the growing threats of climate change and extreme weather. With multiple projects now at risk, officials are urging the federal government to restore the funding, warning that delaying or canceling these initiatives will put more New Yorkers in harm’s way.

Sierra Ryan

Sryan@queensledger.com

Harpist Brandee Younger performed at Flushing Town Hall on May 3, Younger has redefined the harp with her unique fusion of funk, jazz, and soul. In 2022 Younger made history as the first black woman nominated for a grammy for best instrumental composition. In that same year she was nominated for a NAACP Image award and later won the NAACP award for outstanding Jazz album for Brand New Life. In her latest album Brand New Life Younger cements the harp as a piece of pop culture as well as delivering a rich body of work.

Growing up listening to hip hop and R&B Younger wanted to combine her authentic love for these genres with her instrument. Younger’s inspirations are Detroit natives and harpists Dorthy Ashby and Alice Coltrane.  At a young age Younger took up the harp and learned from a woman at her fathers job. “I started playing the harp probably around age eleven. There was a woman at my dads job who played as a hobbyist and my parents said oh our daughter’s musical should we bring her to your house. She mentioned to my parents if I get good I could probably get a scholarship” Younger says. Younger wasn’t sure she would be a musician until she graduated from college “I didn’t know I was gonna become a musician for real until after college. I thought I would end up in the music business like behind the scenes that was really my idea but yea I guess the cliche answer is I love music” Younger said.

Younger has worked with many recording artists including Pharoah Sanders, Christian Mcbride, Lauryn Hill, and John Legend. Younger has been selected to perform her original music for Quincy Jones and Steve McQueens’ soundtrack “America.”

Her original composition “Hortense” was featured in the Netflix concert-documentary “Beyonce: Homecoming” in 2019. As for future artist Younger would like to work with “If I had to pick someone alive now that I really want to work with that I have not been able to work with it would likely be Patti LaBelle” she said.

In addition to being a musician, Younger is also on the faculty at the New School, New York University and Steinhardt school. Teaching is rewarding to Younger as she can see the results each semester and year. As for balancing between being a musician and an artist it can be challenging at times “It is a lot to juggle my touring schedule with my teaching schedule but as long as I plan ahead it ends up working out but I have to plan ahead.”

As for new projects, Younger recently announced her new album called Gadabout season which explores the range of human emotions while having Joy prevail through.“This one is all instrumental and it’s actually a really super personal album. It really covers the whole gambit of emotion but I’m focusing on the happy parts. It covers all the emotions but it’s really sort of about joy along life’s journey. Sometimes life can take a dip but there is still some joy in those not so great moments” Younger said.

As for the concert itself it had a mix of Younger’s old content as well as new stuff  from her new album Gadabout season as a sneak peak for fans. Gadabout season is out now and streaming on all platforms.

Hosted by United Veterans Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth, Maspeth Memorial Square

In commemoration of Memorial Day, the Maspeth community came together to honor service men and women who have perished in service to our country. On Monday evening, in Maspeth Memorial Square, the United Veterans Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth held a candlelight vigil. Maspeth Lions, The Kowalinski Post #4, Kowalinski Post Ladies’ Auxiliary, Maspeth Kiwanis, Maspeth Town Hall, Ridgewood Moose Club, East Coast Car Association, Transfiguration St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish and St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy as well as members of FDNY Squad 288 were all on hand, along with members of the community to pay tribute to the fallen.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to students who won an essay contest based on the theme of this year’s Memorial Day parade, Let Freedom Ring.

Alissa Sanmartin, PS 58

Paul Milewski, PS 58

Caitlin Wagner, St. Stan’s

Melody Fujiao Tang, Martin Luther School

Ronan O’Connell, St. Stan’s

Sophia Grace Chen, PS 58

Sienna De Salvo

Raymond Coyle, St. Stan’s

Scarlet Salmon, PS 58

Lombardo Cruz, PS 58

Kyara Figueroa, St. Stan’s

Jonathen Jarzynka, St. Stan’s