From ABC7 New York · · 1m 10s
Homes 'stolen' from Black and brown residents in NYC
New York City's third-party transfers stripped homeownership from Black and brown residents without compensation.
In brief
New York City's third-party transfers stripped homeownership from Black and brown residents without compensation. New York City's third-party transfers removed homeownership from Black and brown residents without payment, prompting a $60 million settlement after seven years of litigation. Originally reported by ABC7…
Isabel Adon's story
Isabel Adon lost homeownership overnight in a Bronx co-op building after a third-party transfer.
“That was the legacy for my kids”
Third-party transfers
New York City transferred deeds to non-profits for 'distressed' buildings over 500 properties in three decades.
“They just like totally disrespected us, not just me, but the community”
Legal challenge
Attorneys filed a lawsuit in 2019 after the city's program was found to be illegal in minority communities.
“There's a clause in the constitution which says that government shall not take private property for public use without just compensation”
Settlement
The city agreed to a $60 million settlement for affected residents after seven years of litigation.
“I hope that bringing this out and this settlement is a catalyst for change”
Residents' reaction
Residents say the program denies intergenerational wealth and the American dream for Black and brown families.
“This is a systematic way of not allowing people who look like me to have intergenerational wealth”
Future steps
The settlement requires judicial approval and ongoing legal battles for hundreds of families.
“We're not jumping for joy, we're just a little bit relieved that at least this got a little bit of attention”
Systemic issue
The program has been criticized as a systemic barrier to intergenerational wealth for Black and brown residents.
“It's not allowing me to have for my children, not allowing me to have a piece of the American dream”
The headline
New York City's third-party transfers removed homeownership from Black and brown residents without payment, prompting a $60 million settlement after seven years of litigation.
