Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Dina Levy and Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT) Director Cea Weaver yesterday celebrated a major milestone in HPD's Partners in Preservation (PiP) program: the formation of the 100th City-supported tenant union, at 8609 Bay 16th St. in Brooklyn.
Through PiP, HPD partners with community-based tenant organizing groups to help residents confront unsafe living conditions, landlord harassment and neglect. PiP funds organizers at 20 trusted organizations across 39 community districts, supporting tenants as they form associations, build collective power and hold negligent landlords accountable.
"Housing is about more than four walls and a roof, it's about feeling safe when you come back at the end of the day. When tenants organize together, they can win repairs, improve building conditions and collectively bargain with their landlords. Reaching our 100th City-supported tenant union is proof that collective action works, and it's only the beginning. Through our Block by Block housing plan, we will legally recognize tenant unions and support tenant organizing so more New Yorkers have the power to fight for the homes they deserve," said Mayor Mamdani.
"Partners in Preservation has supported thousands of New Yorkers in fighting for their rights and better building conditions. Through Block by Block and the Rental Ripoff actions, we will build on that work by working hand-in-hand with organized tenants to strengthen code enforcement and preserve affordable housing," said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning. "Congratulations to the tenants, organizing partners, and HPD staff who have played a part in reaching this milestone!"
"Partners in Preservation is a groundbreaking program that empowers tenants to advocate for better conditions and a better future," said HPD Commissioner Dina Levy. "Organized tenants make housing safer, stronger, and more stable. HPD is proud to lead this incredible program and to support organized tenants in every borough across New York City."
"The most protected tenant is an organized tenant. Reaching 100 tenant associations is a testament to the dedication of tenants, organizers and community partners across this city. We're building on that momentum by making it easier for New Yorkers to organize and fight for the safe, affordable housing they deserve," said Cea Weaver, Director of the Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants.
"Neighbors Helping Neighbors is proud to organize alongside the 8609 Bay 16th Street tenants. In a few short months, we have secured a commitment to repair building issues that have persisted for over 15 years, and we will continue to work together to make those commitments reality," said Michelle de la Uz, Executive Director of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. "We are especially thrilled to celebrate this milestone at the New Utrecht Library, whose upcoming redevelopment will bring much-needed affordable housing opportunities to South Brooklyn. Thank you to the City of New York for its commitment to housing justice and to expanding affordable housing and building tenant power."
The tenant association at 8609 Bay 16th St. was organized by Neighbors Helping Neighbors, an affiliate of Fifth Avenue Committee. Organizers first canvassed the building in December 2025, identified widespread concerns and returned five more times early in 2026 to help residents establish a tenant association.
Tenants reported pest infestations, inconsistent heat and hot water, unresolved lead paint complaints, poor apartment maintenance, neglected common spaces, stairwell accessibility issues and difficulty reaching building management. After tenants sent a demand letter to the landlord in March 2026 outlining these issues and requesting immediate action, the landlord initially denied the claims. Following sustained organizing, the landlord has begun to work with tenants to address several longstanding housing issues.
