Day of action to promote tenants rights following racist posters and flags in Queens condo

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Day of action held following images of hate in Queens building
A.J. Ross reports on the tenants day of action in Queens.

SUNNYSIDE, Queens (WABC) -- The de Blasio Administration is holding a day of action in Queens Tuesday to promote tenants rights.

It comes on the heels of a new investigation by the Commission on Human Rights into a Queens apartment building decorated with images of hate.

Commission leaders plan to speak with tenants about services available to those allegedly being harassed.

Swastikas and pictures of Hitler and Stalin adorn the walls inside a building at 47-55 39th Place in Sunnyside.

There is also a shrine to the confederacy and images of guns.

City leaders say the images in the building lobby go far beyond free speech.

Many people living inside say they are being intimidated or threatened.

Elected officials, city agenties and advocacy groups all shared the same message Tuesday, saying patterns of intimidation and harassment inside city living spaces will not be tolerated.

City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer is urging residents to speak out if they experience anything like this, and notes the city has resources to combat harassment and intimidation.

"No question that people are virtual hostages in their own homes, prisoners in their own building," said Van Bramer. "It is wrong and it will not stand. We will not allow Sunnysiders to be victimized."

Advocacy teams will go door to door handing out pamphlets and flyers, detailing more about tenants rights.