CMS Helps Mobilize Sunnyside Tenants for Critical Housing Rally

On November 15, organizers of Catholic Migration Services (CMS) joined tenants, community partners, and elected officials in Sunnyside, Queens, for a powerful rally demanding accountability from Bronstein Properties, one of New York City’s most notorious landlords. CMS organizers helped mobilize tenants to raise their voices and stand in solidarity with families living in unsafe and deteriorating conditions.

The action, led by the Bronstein Tenant Union alongside the Right to Counsel Coalition, took place in front of 43-09 40th Street—where tenants have been without gas since April 28—and brought together renters from across Queens and Brooklyn. Participants marched through Queens Boulevard, calling attention to widespread neglect, hazardous living conditions, and a long history of displacement and harassment by Bronstein Properties, which currently holds over 17,700 Housing Preservation Development (HPD) violations and has evicted more than 197 households since 2017.

Tenants shared emotional testimonies describing mold, leaks, pest infestations, fires, and retaliation for organizing. Residents of 43-09 40th Street, who have been on a building-wide rent strike since October 1, led chants of “No repairs, no rent!” as they demanded the most basic services—including the restoration of gas after nearly seven months.

Elected officials—including Assemblymember Claire Valdez, representatives from State Senator Michael Gianaris’ office, and Council Member Julie Won—joined tenants in urging Governor Hochul to strengthen statewide tenant protections. They called for the passage of the Clean Hands bill, which would bar landlords with serious violations from evicting tenants, and Statewide Right to Counsel, which would ensure every renter in New York has access to an attorney.

Through organizing and partnership, tenants build collective power to fight against unsafe conditions and neglect. CMS is proud to stand with the Bronstein Tenant Union and the Right to Counsel Coalition in the push for safe, healthy, and genuinely affordable housing for all New Yorkers.