WORLD WORLDWIDE USA New York NY New York City NYC the city THE CITY News Journal Update - THE CITY SCOOP: ‘Coliving’ Landlords Exploit One of the City’s Last Remaining Rent-Stabilization Loopholes

 

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If you know anyone who might like this newsletter, send it to them. If this was sent to you by someone else, subscribe here — it's free!  Dear New Yorkers, The “coliving” company Outpost Club lures would-be residents to its properties with a dreamy vision of New York living that is coveted by young transplants.  In some of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, the company advertises, you can enjoy luxury amenities with a global “community” of professionals — all while taking advantage of special “rental financing solutions” and speedy moves into rooms with shared common areas for as short a time as one month. Beneath the veneer, landlords that Outpost works with are exploiting one of the few remaining ways to remove apartments from New York’s rent-stabilization system, after a 2019 law prohibited deregulation in all but a few instances.  And while many residents come and go, a group of tenants in Bed-Stuy is looking to stay and has taken matters into their own hands.  Their tenant association, which counts half the building’s residents as members, is now on month six of a rent strike, withholding all payment until Outpost fixes maintenance problems including a mice infestation and a front door that doesn’t close. They are also demanding the rent-stabilized leases they believe they are entitled to, given their building’s history. Read more here. Some other items of note: City lawmakers passed legislation last year to rein in short-term rentals listed on Airbnb and other sites like it. Starting on Sept. 5, the changes go into effect throughout the five boroughs. Here’s THE CITY’s guide on how to navigate the new short-term accommodation landscape. The city’s Public Design Commission has unanimously approved a preliminary design plan for Van Cortlandt Park that would unearth a body of water that’s been covered by concrete and pavement for decades. The plan would bring a portion of Tibbetts Brook above the ground between Hester and Piero’s Mill Pond in Van Cortlandt Park to the Harlem River, reducing flooding and sewage overflow in the area. But one major stumbling block remains: land owned by the MTA.  For the latest local numbers on COVID-19 hospitalizations, positivity rates and more, check our coronavirus tracker.  Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Tuesday's Weather Rating: 3/10. Heavy rain and storms will gradually shift east of the city around daybreak, but dew points will remain grossly uncomfortable all day as highs reach the upper 80s. Another round of storms is possible this afternoon. The vibes are uncomfortable. Things To Do Here’s what’s going on around the city this week. Wednesday, Aug. 16: A free screening of “Footloose” in Ewen Park in The Bronx. 8:15 p.m. Free (registration required). Saturday, Aug. 19: August Farmhouse Family Day, with clay leaf printing activities, at Wyckoff Family Museum in Brooklyn. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Sunday, Aug. 20: Endea Owens: The Community Cookout at Marcus Garvey Park Sankofa Pavillion in Harlem, 3 p.m. Free. (Plan ahead: this is the first of many free events connected to the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival next week.) THE KICKER: It’s almost back-to-school season. BK Reader has a roundup of events in Brooklyn where free school supplies are available.  Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Tuesday. Love, THE CITY P.S. Love THE CITY? Our nonprofit newsroom runs on support from readers like you. Donate here.

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