"It doesn't really feel like people giving testimony again and again are being listened to. The idea is to make a more direct connection with tenants than run-of-the-mill hearings, which all kind of feel the same. This format was inspired by The Mayor is Listening event that Mayor Zohran Mamdani held at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria in December."
"Weaver, a longtime tenants advocate, said she is hoping to learn more about tenants' experiences with non-rent-related fees. While a tenant might not hesitate to call 311 to report a leak or lack of hot water, they might not have the same muscle memory to report a random washing machine fee, for instance."
"When asked about reactions from landlords and other critics of the hearings, Weaver said the goal is to address unsafe conditions in housing and ensure landlords are responsive to customers. We don't want the city to be involved in every housing conditions issue, she said. Right now, we're involved in too many."
New York City is conducting one-on-one hearings between tenants and city officials, modeled after Mayor Zohran Mamdani's December "Mayor is Listening" event. The format aims to create more meaningful connections than traditional public hearings, where tenants often feel unheard. Director Cea Weaver seeks to learn about tenant experiences with non-rent-related fees like washing machine charges, which tenants rarely report compared to essential maintenance issues. The hearings welcome landlord participation and aim to address unsafe housing conditions while reducing city involvement in routine housing issues. Reporters may observe sessions with participant consent. The findings will inform the administration's housing plan, expected in spring.
Read at therealdeal.com
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