Community Update: Loading Zones, Legislation

The Jewish Future Alliance has provided important updates for the Crown Heights Jewish community, regarding the proposed Loading Only area on Kinston Ave and ongoing legislation.

Dear community members,

We are pleased to provide you with a follow-up update to our bulletin from Monday, June 19th. The purpose of this update is to increase awareness of community issues and foster active community engagement in the democratic process. Our aim is to keep everyone informed about the latest developments in the neighborhood through frequent updates.

Update 1: The Department of Transportation (DOT) has decided to put the loading zone on Kingston Avenue on hold. We have collaborated with the Department of Transportation, the Mayor’s Office, Community Board 9, and all the engaged community members who took the time to comment and send emails regarding this issue. This serves as a prime example of how community engagement can benefit us all.

The DOT has informed us that they will conduct a thorough review to identify a more suitable location for the loading zone. As we mentioned in our previous bulletin, the DOT is obligated to install these zones in accordance with Local Law 168 of 2021. This law mandates the creation of a minimum of five loading zones per year in each neighborhood tabulation area (NTA). Moreover, the city is required to implement at least 500 new loading zones annually for the next three years under this legislation

Update 2: We would like to highlight some notable election outcomes that are of interest to our community. In the 41st Council District, which encompasses part of Crown Heights, Darlene Mealy has been reelected as the council member. In the 42nd Council District, Chris Banks secured a victory against long-time incumbent Charles Barron. It is important to acknowledge that Charles Barron has made statements that have been deemed antisemitic by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and has close ties to the Nation of Islam (NOI), an organization that has been associated with promoting antisemitism over the years.

Update 3: We would like to inform you about an upcoming legislation that may have an impact on you. Please note that The Jewish Future is a 501(c)(3) organization and does not take policy positions on legislation. Our purpose is to provide information and raise awareness.

The New York City Council will once again address the issue of broker fees, which currently allow real estate brokers to charge prospective tenants a one-time fee equivalent to one month’s rent.

Council Member Chi Ossé recently introduced legislation proposing to mandate that the responsibility of paying broker fees be shifted to the party that hired the brokers.

However, real estate agents argue that if this bill becomes law, the burden of the broker fee will ultimately be passed on to tenants through higher rents. In response, a spokesperson for the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) stated that this legislation would negatively impact agent commissions and result in higher rents for many individuals seeking apartments.

Council Member Ossé countered by suggesting that spreading the broker fee over the course of a one- or two-year lease would be a more favorable alternative to a large upfront payment.

We will continue to provide updates on these matters as they progress. Thank you for your continued support and active involvement in our community.