The city has reached a $1 million settlement with Parkchester Preservation Management, after accusing the company of discrimination against renters who use subsidy vouchers.
Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) announced the settlement — the largest of its kind in city history — on Aug. 22.
The company runs a massive housing complex of over 6,000 units in a planned community originally established by Metropolitan Life insurance company. Parkchester management markets the area as the “ultimate walkable neighborhood” with a “relaxed atmosphere, lush parkland and diverse culture.”
The Bronx Times left a message for the company but did not receive a response.
According to the city, Parkchester management was accused of setting minimum income requirements for potential renters but not counting the vouchers towards income — making it nearly impossible for applicants with a voucher to qualify.
Parkchester management has denied the allegations and attempted twice to have the case dismissed, according to the nonprofit Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC), which has been investigating the income-discrimination claims at the complex since 2016.
In the end, the company agreed to pay damages and lease apartments to those who filed complaints with the city, and to set aside at least 850 units for renters with vouchers. Currently, there are only 257 applicants using rental assistance who have moved in since Aug. 1, 2022, according to the settlement.
Management also agreed to train its staff on fair housing law and to change its messaging and policies around income requirements. The settlement says that the Parkchester rental website and third-party sites must state that households using subsidies to pay all or part of their rent directly to the company will not be subject to credit evaluations or minimum income requirements.
Council Member and Majority Leader Amanda Farías, who represents Parkchester and…
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