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7.11.2008

Brother Charlie Rangel, bless him, is renting not one, not two, not three... but four rent-stabilized apartments in one uptown building, for a fraction of what they would normally cost on the market. According to the Times:

Mr. Rangel, who was first elected to Congress in 1970 and is one of the city’s most recognizable elected officials, has written and spoken extensively about his devotion to his home in Harlem, but does not appear to have ever publicly acknowledged that he has been permitted to lease four rent-stabilized apartments there. According to a public records database and interviews with neighbors, he has lived in the building since the early 1970s, but it is not clear when he amassed the four units.

Mr. Rangel, 78, declined to answer questions during a telephone interview, saying that his housing was a private matter that did not affect his representation of his constituents.

“Why should I help you embarrass me?” he said, before abruptly hanging up.

I love it. Although, this is really just another case of the rich and powerful getting things for cheap, while the people who could really use a rent-stabilized place are getting the shaft. Ah, capitalism. Rangel, who did a lot of good back in the day, is old and comfortable, and I guess he feels like he's getting his due. But then again, His Awesomeness, NY Governor David Paterson, also has a rent-stabilized apartment in that building. And so does his dad, who pays less in rent for a one-bedroom than I do. I think I'm mad.

4 new thought(s):

Jameil said...

this is me being shocked. oh wait. this is me NOT shocked. they probably have the last 6 rent-controlled apts in the city. rangel is def. BEYOND comfortable. sigh. part of the reason my dad says all congress members should be kicked out at 20 yrs. NEW BLOOD PLEASE!!

uptownflavor said...

I'm on the fence about this one. Why? Because back when no one wanted to live in Harlem these guys were keeping the rent paid in this building -- thereby helping the management company keep the property up. These are one of only a few buildings in Harlem that were considered "luxury" during the "dark days" of Harlem. Each building has a doorman, expansive ornate lobby area and spacious apartments with terraces. Currently other somewhat "celebs" living there include Bre from ANTM and a few others whose names I can't roll off right now. When we say rent stabilized, we aren't talking the PJs, these are nice apartments. On the flip side, they ARE rent stabilized apartments. Not sure what the income restrictions (if any) are but just because they are rent stabilized doesn't mean that you have to be on welfare to live there. The media is really trying to force affordable living into market rate prices. These exposes do nothing to help the people who really should be getting the better end of the deal. It is simply other people who want their own piece of the pie who typically dig this stuff up. Bottom line, is it wrong - heck yea. Is it going to help those who really need the help. Not one bit.

uptownflavor said...

Also, remember Charlie is the one who convinced Clinton to move to Harlem. Guess who is going to be investigated next????

Eb the Celeb said...

I think I'm mad too...