Housing rights advocates step in after Jerome Ave. rezoning

Critics of the controversial Jerome Avenue rezoning say it has already forced businesses out of the area in the name of affordable housing — but a new pilot program aims to help others who are feeling similar pressure.
The city announced a few months ago that it would rezone a number of blocks for residential units, forcing out commercial tenants.
However, the city also introduced a $1.5 million pilot program called 'Partners in Preservation' to work with community organizations in select neighborhoods to fight residential tenant harassment and displacement in an effort to preserve affordable housing.
Advocates argue the displacement of local businesses could put tenants out of work and make them more vulnerable to gentrifying rent prices.
Partners in Preservation is looking to help  alongside a pair of city agencies by raising money for housing activist groups to organize and fight discriminatory landlords and keep longtime residents in their homes.