Current Leases for Property Under Hell Gate Bridge will Remain in Effect
(Queens, NY) – (RealEstateRama) — Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, along with NYS Senator Michael Gianaris, NYS Assembly Member Aravella Simotas, and NYC Council Member Costa Constantinides, were joined by local residents at a press conference to cheer Amtrak’s decision to halt any further actions or negotiations regarding properties many homeowners in Astoria have leased for decades.
In August, the elected officials denounced the agency’s exorbitant rent increase for families living adjacent to the trusses of the Hell Gate Bridge, which is operated by Amtrak.
“Amtrak’s decision to hit the brakes on an unconscionable rent hike for working families in Astoria is not just welcome news, but also a great victory for our community,” said the elected officials in a joint statement. “Together, we raised our voices to ensure the time, effort, and money that these homeowners have put into maintaining these properties over the years are recognized. This news lifts a huge weight off the shoulders of people who love their neighborhood and comes at the right time as we approach the holiday season. We thank Amtrak for listening to their concerns. And as it pertains to terms of the lease moving forward, we hope Amtrak will consider the value these homeowners bring as stewards of the property when determining a mutually agreeable course of action in the future.”
Under the existing agreement, Amtrak leases the property underneath the trusses for a nominal fee which releases them from the burden of maintaining the premises.
In their original letter to homeowners, Amtrak issued a 30-day notice to accept an annual rent increase that in some cases was as much as 100,000 percent or tens of thousands of dollars.
Congressman Crowley is the nine-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.
