Vernon Woods bylaws/policy
In a time where it seems that there is a loss of empathy, compassion and tolerance, political leadership is working against us, increase in natural disasters, and environmental dangers, one would hope that they could find respite in their community amongst their friends and neighbors. Yet, I find myself in an untenable situation because the Vernon Woods Cooperative Board in Mount Vernon, New York insists on enforcing a leasing policy that places me and their fellow neighbors and apartment owners in financial duress.
You see, the board insists that my tenant of eight (8) years vacate my apartment even though he has not been able to find a comparable space - I cannot afford to maintain a vacant apartment while paying the expenses on the apartment where I currently reside, and the real estate market is flat in Mount Vernon. I fought the board about this policy that was not in place at the time of my purchase without success, and they are taking advantage of their position without any thought for how this policy affects owners, potential sellers, or buyers.
The so-called purpose of the policy was to curtail the number of owners leasing their apartments, but the Board already had control over who leased and never had an issue with too many renters. In my opinion, the policy opens wide the doors for GENTRIFICATION AND DISPLACEMENT of potential Mount Vernon residents searching for affordable property in the city of their birth.
Income purchase requirements at Vernon Woods exceed the medium income for Mount Vernon residents. The Vernon Woods Board purchased four (4) apartments to sell for a profit over the last twelve (12) months! So I ask you, who benefits and why does this policy exist?
What’s worse, after I informed the board that my tenant is looking for a new residence, the board, my neighbors, informed my tenant without first notifying me, that they were starting eviction proceedings against him—a doctor who pays his bills on-time, has caused no problems to my property or our neighbors.
I am angry, frustrated and hurt that this is how these people, many not native to Mount Vernon, living in the community of my birth, sees fit to act against responsible people for the sake of policy.
Policy without reason, meaning or compassion is oppressive and divisive! I encourage Vernon Woods residents, friends of Mount Vernon, and neighbors to write or call the Board at (914)668-9591 and let them know that this will not work.
Yours in kindness,
Raquel M. Bennett
Resident since 1969
Family since 1930’s
In a time where it seems that there is a loss of empathy, compassion and tolerance, political leadership is working against us, increase in natural disasters, and environmental dangers, one would hope that they could find respite in their community amongst their friends and neighbors. Yet, I find myself in an untenable situation because the Vernon Woods Cooperative Board in Mount Vernon, New York insists on enforcing a leasing policy that places me and their fellow neighbors and apartment owners in financial duress.
You see, the board insists that my tenant of eight (8) years vacate my apartment even though he has not been able to find a comparable space - I cannot afford to maintain a vacant apartment while paying the expenses on the apartment where I currently reside, and the real estate market is flat in Mount Vernon. I fought the board about this policy that was not in place at the time of my purchase without success, and they are taking advantage of their position without any thought for how this policy affects owners, potential sellers, or buyers.
The so-called purpose of the policy was to curtail the number of owners leasing their apartments, but the Board already had control over who leased and never had an issue with too many renters. In my opinion, the policy opens wide the doors for GENTRIFICATION AND DISPLACEMENT of potential Mount Vernon residents searching for affordable property in the city of their birth.
Income purchase requirements at Vernon Woods exceed the medium income for Mount Vernon residents. The Vernon Woods Board purchased four (4) apartments to sell for a profit over the last twelve (12) months! So I ask you, who benefits and why does this policy exist?
What’s worse, after I informed the board that my tenant is looking for a new residence, the board, my neighbors, informed my tenant without first notifying me, that they were starting eviction proceedings against him—a doctor who pays his bills on-time, has caused no problems to my property or our neighbors.
I am angry, frustrated and hurt that this is how these people, many not native to Mount Vernon, living in the community of my birth, sees fit to act against responsible people for the sake of policy.
Policy without reason, meaning or compassion is oppressive and divisive! I encourage Vernon Woods residents, friends of Mount Vernon, and neighbors to write or call the Board at (914)668-9591 and let them know that this will not work.
Yours in kindness,
Raquel M. Bennett
Resident since 1969
Family since 1930’s
