Help for Homeowners in Council District 14

Last week’s Homeowner Resource Fair attracted more than 40 households to community space at 2270 Walton Avenue near East 183^rd Street.  Co-sponsored by University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP) and City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, the fair targeted neighborhoods that have not received much attention during the recent foreclosure crisis.

While apartment buildings dominate the landscape of City Council District 14, there are more than 2,000 one-to-four family homes spread throughout its neighborhoods.  These neighborhoods had some of the highest rates of subprime lending in the City during the last decade, and there have been about 170 foreclosure filings within the district since July of 2008 (about one in every 12.5 private homes).  

Despite the torrential downpour that plowed through the Bronx at around 5:30 that evening (and leveled trees in parts of Brooklyn and Queens), turnout and feedback were impressive for a homeowner event in the west Bronx. 

Attendees were able to speak directly with staff from the Department of Environmental Protection regarding water billing issues, while foreclosure prevention counselors from the West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center and the Parodneck Foundation also met individually with homeowners.  Free weatherization kits and information were handed out by the Weatherization Assistance Program of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition.

Customer Representatives from DEP had their computers with them and were able to access and review the accounts of 26 homeowners that evening.  Attendees received assistance with usage clarification, payment plans, and metering and leakage problems.

Councilman Cabrera was on hand for the duration of the event and heard from homeowners on a number of issues. “Homeowners in the district face unique challenges such as high water bills and foreclosure issues; just to name a few,” stated the Councilman.  “When I get the chance to partner with organizations like University Neighborhood Housing Program that help remedy some of these issues, I welcome the opportunity.”

Homeowners that were unable to attend the fair but have issues regarding foreclosure, water billing, or are interested in weatherization are urged to call the UNHP outreach line at 718-933-2539 for assistance and referrals.