Late last week, residents living in Marine View Plaza in Hoboken received rent increase notices. Rafi Cordova, a candidate in the 1st Ward runoff election this Tuesday, December 7th, has come out against the proposed rent increase.
In a statement Cordova said, “Today, I was informed that various residents in Marine View Plaza were issued unconscionable, and blatantly illegal rent increases of nearly 10%, right in the middle of the holiday season. Needless to say, this is an abomination and a shameless attempt by the property owner to gouge their hardworking tenants who depend on affordable rents. I am calling on the landlord to immediately rescind these increases, and reissue them in line with the rent increases issued over the past several years.”
Cordova has contacted the city’s Housing Department, which will be sending a letter informing the Marine View property owner that their rent increases are impermissible, nearly three times the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and must be rescinded.
Cordova went on to state, “Additionally, I am glad to share that after I inquired, Hoboken’s tenant advocate, Andrew Sobel, Esq. will host a zoom meeting on Wednesday (December 6th) at 4 pm for residents of Marine View Plaza to combat these unconscionable rental increases, and potential action that can be taken against the landlord. I will be sharing this zoom for residents once it is provided.”
Moving forward Cordova says, “This is why it is critically important to renew the terms of Marine View Plaza’s PILOT, ensure that it is enforced and penalties issued to the property owner for any violations of the terms of the PILOT (such as this instance), OR issue a NEW PILOT to ensure affordability for all residents. If elected on Tuesday, this will be one of my top priorities, and I will not rest until residents are treated fairly, and with dignity.”