Neighbors raised their voices in Williamsburg on Thursday aiming to block proposed rent hikes they say they could face over the next few years.  

Many residents at Bedford Gardens say they won’t know where to live if rent is hiked. Elected officials and neighbors say notice was given around three weeks ago, causing fear among the residents.  

Neighbors say that they were notified by Kraus Management of a proposed 80% rent increase over the next three years.  

“Reject this increase,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “Not decrease it, not cut it down, reject it. It is wrong… this community, these tenants are going to fight and fight until we win.” 

Restler, Congress Member Nydia Velasquez and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso joined today’s rally.  

“I can’t afford the high prices of rent,” said resident Felicia Woods. “I think the neighborhood is being regentrified, and you have new people that can come in here and afford to pay that three, four thousand dollar rent increase.” 

Elected officials say that a virtual hearing took place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, where residents voiced their concerns to HPD and asked them to deny this rent hike.

A spokesperson from the Housing Preservation and Development agency provided the following statement: 

“We invite all Bedford Gardens tenants and interested parties to testify at tonight’s hearing about the rent increases proposed by the property’s management. As part of our standard process, HPD will hear all testimony before beginning to review the application. Our number one priority is ensuring New Yorkers have safe, high-quality, affordable housing, and we will work to deliver that for Bedford Gardens residents as well.”