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Longtime residents of a close-knit Upper West Side apartment building claim that their new landlord is attempting to push them out en masse.
Tenants of 600 Columbus Ave. allege that, ever since their 166-unit building was bought by developer Slate Property Group for $120 million last February, their future at the address has felt tenuous, the West Side Rag reported.
“I know it isn’t an eviction, but it feels like an eviction,” said one of the eight residents who spoke with the publication about the situation, all on the condition of anonymity. “It seems like [the new owners] just want to clear out the building, rather than have tenants here.”
Since Slate took over, renters allege they’ve been subject to an “inhumane displacement process,” by which some say they’ve abruptly been informed their leases won’t be renewed. Meanwhile, some have been offered the option of moving out while their apartments are renovated over a period of months, and some have been offered renewals with rent increases up to 60%, according to the allegations.
That said, in order to continue calling the corner building their home, multiple renters who were previously paying $5,000 a month will need to pay closer to $8,200, the outlet reported.
“They’re making our life hell. It’s a bunch of great people and families, single parents, and there is so much camaraderie and kindness between those of us that have been here for years,” one tenant said. “I don’t even have the bandwidth to fight with them right now. I’m trying to keep a job in this economy. I’m trying to do right by my child and family.”
Although approximately 20% of the units have subsidized rent through Section 8 vouchers, none of the apartments are rent-stabilized — and according to nonprofit housing director Charlie Dulik, Slate’s alleged moves appear to be legal.
In response to the Rag’s request for comment, Slate defended its recent actions, writing in an email that “The average change to market-rate leases has been 8.6% after a period of no increases at all. We believe this is the right path to keep this building safe, attractive, and welcoming, and the vast majority of residents are choosing to stay with us and call 600 Columbus home.”