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Bankruptcy Solutions 

The purpose of federal bankruptcy legislation, sometimes known as Title 11 of the United States Code or the “Bankruptcy Code,” is to provide an opportunity for financial reorganization or a fresh start for legitimate debtors who are unable to fulfill their obligations.

Foreclosure Solutions 

As you are undoubtedly aware, many homeowners are in arrears on their mortgages as a result of the 2020 recession brought on by the coronavirus. At first, most lenders had been understanding and would have granted a brief suspension of the late payments.

Debt Negotiations & Settlements 

Clients regularly hire the Law Office of Ronald D. Weiss, P.C. to represent them in negotiations with banks, mortgage holders, credit card issuers, auto financing providers, landlords, tax authorities, and other creditors.

Mortgage Loan Modifications 

The most common strategy used by our firm to prevent a house in severe mortgage arrears from going into foreclosure is a mortgage modification. Mortgage modification and other potential Retention Options are the potential goals of most homeowners in foreclosure because most people experiencing serious hardships with their mortgages are looking for “Retention Options

Credit Card Solutions 

For consumers, credit card debt and other unsecured personal loans are the most common types of debt. There are a few legal options for handling credit card debt, including the following: Litigation, bankruptcy, and/or negotiated settlements are the three options.

Debtor Litigation Defense 

Many of The Law Office of Ronald D. Weiss, P.C.’s clients face the possibility of litigation or collection activities from their creditors because they are accused of having debt that they are unable to pay or because they contest the existence, amount, or obligation of the debt.

Landlord Tenant Solutions

Landlord-Tenant Law is one of our firm’s areas of expertise; we defend landlords and tenants in a variety of legal proceedings before the Landlord-Tenant Court and the New York Supreme Court. When it comes to eviction and/or collecting large amounts of past due rent.

Distressed Real Estate 

A. Pre-Contract When a seller (the “Seller”) sells real estate to a buyer (the “Buyer”), there are usually a number of important steps involved. A seller will first list their property on the market for sale. A real estate broker is frequently hired by the seller to help locate possible buyers for their property.

Student Loan Solutions

In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,” as Benjamin Franklin famously said. This phrase has recently been amended by popular opinion to include student loans. Since most jobs these days require a bachelor’s degree, the amount of debt that Americans owe on their student loans

Tax Debt Solutions 

Many people have trouble keeping up with their tax payments to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (“NYS”), which includes sales taxes, income taxes, payroll taxes, and other state taxes, as well as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), which includes individual income taxes.

Table of Contents

  • WELCOME: East New York,Brooklyn

East New York is a residential neighborhood located in the eastern section of Brooklyn, New York City, United States. Its boundaries, starting from the north and moving clockwise, are roughly the Cemetery Belt and the Queens borough line to the north; the Queens borough line to the east; Jamaica Bay to the south, and the Bay Ridge Branch railroad tracks and Van Sinderen Avenue to the west. Linden Boulevard, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Atlantic Avenue serve as the main thoroughfares through East New York.

Originally founded as the Town of New Lots in the 1650s, East New York was later annexed as the 26th Ward of Brooklyn in 1886 and subsequently became part of New York City in 1898. Over time, especially during the latter part of the twentieth century, East New York experienced a demographic shift and became predominantly inhabited by African Americans and Latinos.

Administratively, East New York falls under Brooklyn Community District 5, and its primary ZIP Codes include 11207, 11208, and 11239.

  • History

Early history and development

At the northern edge of what is now East New York, a chain of hills, which geologically forms a terminal moraine, separates northwestern Long Island from Jamaica and the Hempstead Plains, the primary section of Long Island’s fertile outwash plain. Conversely, the southern portions of the neighborhood were characterized by salt marshes and several creeks that drained into Jamaica Bay. Initially settled by the Jameco Native Americans, these areas were later utilized by the Canarsee and Rockaway tribes as fishing grounds.

In the 1650s, Dutch colonists began to establish settlements in what are now the eastern sections of Brooklyn, forming the towns of Flatbush, Bushwick, and New Lots (the predecessor of East New York). This area, along with the rest of Brooklyn and modern-day New York City, was ceded to the British Empire in 1664. Several 18th-century roads, such as the ferry road or Palmer Turnpike from Brooklyn to Jamaica, traversed through the chain of hills, leading to the area being dubbed “Jamaica Pass.” During the American Revolutionary War, invading British and Hessian (German) soldiers concluded an all-night forced march at this pass in August 1776 to surprise and flank General George Washington and the Continental Army, ultimately securing victory in the Battle of Long Island (also known as the Battle of Brooklyn or the Battle of Brooklyn Heights).

Annexation to Brooklyn and 20th century

East New York, originally known as the Town of New Lots, was incorporated as the 26th Ward of the rapidly expanding City of Brooklyn in 1886. However, following a decade-long controversy marked by debates, campaigns, and publicity, the community was integrated into New York City as a whole in 1898. This consolidation occurred amidst the merging of Brooklyn and the other four boroughs into a single entity, forming the “City of Greater New York”. As the 20th century progressed, the name “East New York” gradually became associated with much of the former township.

After World War II, the departure of thousands of manufacturing jobs from New York City heightened the significance of the remaining jobs for individuals with limited education and job skills. Simultaneously, large numbers of Puerto Ricans from the Caribbean island and African-Americans from the South migrated to New York City seeking employment. However, East New York, previously abundant with job opportunities, found itself lacking the employment prospects these newcomers sought.

This economic shift led to a host of socioeconomic challenges in East New York, including widespread unemployment and increased crime rates. The neighborhood struggled to address these issues, exacerbating existing disparities and creating significant social tensions.

Social problems

Since the late 1950s, East New York has grappled with some of the highest crime rates in Brooklyn, earning a reputation as one of the borough’s centers for violent crime, alongside Brownsville. Persistent social problems stemming from poverty, including crime and drug addiction, have plagued the area for decades. While crime rates have declined from their peaks during the crack and heroin epidemics, violent crime remains prevalent in the community. In 2011, East New York’s 75th Police Precinct reported the highest murder rate in the city, according to crime reports compiled by DNAinfo.com. Additionally, the neighborhood has notably higher dropout rates and incidents of violence within its schools. Students are required to pass through metal detectors and swipe ID cards for entry into school buildings. Other challenges in local schools include low test scores and elevated truancy rates.

Urban renewal

In the 1980s, East Brooklyn Congregations (EBC), an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), mobilized to address the pressing need for quality, affordable housing in East New York. This coalition advocated for the allocation of vacant New York City-owned land at no cost for the construction of new affordable owner-occupied housing, supported by subsidies for low-interest mortgages. This initiative, known as the Nehemiah Program, aimed to provide a sustainable solution to the housing crisis in the area.

The success of the Nehemiah Program in East New York led to its replication in other parts of the city and across the country, ultimately influencing national legislation. The funding for Nehemiah homes was facilitated by an $8 million loan fund from three Brooklyn churches. The setup of the program, as described by The New York Times, involved the city providing vacant sites, forgiving real estate taxes on the homes (though not the land) for a period of 10 years, and offering what essentially amounted to a $10,000 interest-free loan per house. Buyers contributed $43,500 towards the purchase (with a median income of $27,000; 40 percent of whom had relocated from public or subsidized housing).

Pre Gentrification Stages

While East New York has not undergone the same level of gentrification as many other Brooklyn neighborhoods, there has been a noticeable shift towards gentrification since the 2010s. Real estate companies have been actively acquiring properties and driving up property values in the area. The neighborhood was rezoned in 2016 under the administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio, leading to the introduction of luxury housing developments.

In this evolving landscape, real estate agencies have been known to persuade homeowners to sell their properties, often reselling them to other companies at higher prices. This trend has sparked accusations of racism from local residents, who are predominantly Black and Latino. They argue that these real estate companies are attempting to gentrify the neighborhood, displacing its existing residents in favor of wealthier, predominantly white newcomers.

  • Demographics

According to data from the 2010 United States Census, East New York’s population was 91,958, marking an increase of 8,683 (10.4%) from the 83,275 individuals counted in the 2000 Census. The neighborhood covers an area of 2,665.73 acres (1,078.78 hectares), resulting in a population density of 34.5 inhabitants per acre (22,100/sq mi; 8,500/km2).

In terms of racial composition, the neighborhood comprised 63.6% (58,453) African American, 3.0% (2,764) Asian, 1.3% (1,240) White, 0.3% (291) Native American, 0.0% (38) Pacific Islander, 0.7% (683) from other races, and 1.3% (1,237) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race accounted for 29.6% (27,252) of the population.

The entirety of Community Board 5, which includes East New York, had 181,300 inhabitants as of NYC Health’s 2018 Community Health Profile, with an average life expectancy of 78.6 years. This is lower than the median life expectancy of 81.2 for all New York City neighborhoods. The population is predominantly comprised of middle-aged adults and youth: 27% are between the ages of 0 and 17, 28% between 25 and 44, and 34% between 45 and 64. College-aged and elderly residents make up a smaller proportion, at 10% and 12% respectively.

As of 2016, the median household income in Community Board 5 was $36,786. In 2018, an estimated 30% of East New York residents lived in poverty, compared to 21% in all of Brooklyn and 20% in all of New York City. Furthermore, one in ten residents (10%) were unemployed, compared to 9% in the rest of both Brooklyn and New York City. Rent burden, defined as the percentage of residents who have difficulty paying their rent, stands at 52% in East New York, surpassing the citywide and boroughwide rates of 52% and 51% respectively. Consequently, based on these figures, East New York is categorized as a low-income area relative to the rest of the city and is not experiencing gentrification.

  • Geography

East New York encompasses a substantial area, bordered by the Queens border to the north and east. To the north of East New York lie Highland Park, the Cemetery Belt, and the neighborhoods of Ridgewood and Glendale in Queens. Northwest of East New York are the neighborhoods of Bushwick and Bedford-Stuyvesant, while to the west lies Brownsville and to the southwest is Canarsie. On the southern shore, Jamaica Bay and the Shirley Chisholm State Park are situated, while to the east are Woodhaven, Ozone Park, and Howard Beach in Queens.

Land use

East New York covers a significant area, bounded by the Queens border to the north and east. To the north of East New York are Highland Park, the Cemetery Belt, and the neighborhoods of Ridgewood and Glendale in Queens. Moving northwest from East New York, you’ll find the neighborhoods of Bushwick and Bedford-Stuyvesant, while to the west lies Brownsville, and to the southwest is Canarsie. Along the southern shore, you’ll find Jamaica Bay and the Shirley Chisholm State Park. To the east, across the bay, lie Woodhaven, Ozone Park, and Howard Beach in Queens.

NYCHA Converted Section 8 RAD Developments

Starting in 2016, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) initiated the conversion of some of its developments into the RAD PACT Section 8 Management program. This involved forming public-private partnership leases with private real estate developers and companies. The aim was to better manage the properties, secure the necessary funding for capital needs and repairs, and ensure proper maintenance.

As of December 28, 2021, several public housing developments in East New York have transitioned to this program. This conversion has been significant, with nearly half of the East New York NYCHA developments being switched to RAD PACT Section 8 Management. Additionally, social service providers have been enlisted to operate on-site, catering to the needs of local residents.

East New York Farms

Since its establishment in 1998, East New York Farms has played a pivotal role in increasing the utilization of lots in the area. Numerous organizations and local community groups have cultivated gardens to enhance the beauty of the neighborhood.

African Burial Ground Square

African Burial Ground Square was officially designated in 2013 following the discovery of human remains several years earlier, found between New Lots and Livonia Avenues from Barbey to Schenck Streets. This historical site shares space with the New Lots branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. After months of dedicated effort, the burial ground was ultimately confirmed and formally recognized.

Subsections

City Line

City Line is a sub-section of East New York, situated adjacent to the neighborhoods of Cypress Hills to the north and southwest, and Ozone Park in Queens to the east. Its name, “City Line,” derives from its location in the former City of Brooklyn, near the border with Queens County, before the consolidation of Brooklyn and parts of Queens County into New York City in 1898.

Originally inhabited by Italians, Germans, and Irish, the neighborhood has since seen demographic shifts, now home to immigrants from Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, City Line includes African American, Latino, and a scattered presence of South Asian residents.

The main commercial district in City Line is located along Liberty Avenue, boasting numerous restaurants, shopping stores, and food markets.

New Lots

New Lots is a sub-section of East New York, historically significant for its establishment in the 18th century as an extension of the Town of Flatbush to the east. The area, known as the “New Lots,” was laid out during this time. It served as an eastward extension of Flatbush and housed the Town Hall of New Lots from 1852 until its annexation in 1886 as the 26th Ward of Brooklyn.

New Lots has a predominantly African-American and Latino-American population. It is home to various educational institutions, including IS 218, PS 72, and Invictus Preparatory Charter School, situated across from the public houses.

Spring Creek

Spring Creek is situated in the southeastern part of the former Town of New Lots and is commonly regarded as part of East New York. Its boundaries, moving clockwise, include Linden Boulevard to the north, Betts Creek and Fountain Avenue to the east, Gateway National Recreation Area to the south, and Schenck Avenue and Hendrix Creek to the west. Additionally, some locations north of this area up to Linden Boulevard are also considered part of the neighborhood.

Cypress Hills

Cypress Hills, a subsection of East New York, is situated with City Line to the south, Cypress Hills Cemetery to the north, Bushwick to the west, and Woodhaven and Ozone Park in Queens to the east. The neighborhood is bordered by Highland Park Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue to the north, Eldert Lane to the east, Atlantic Avenue and Conduit Boulevard to the south, and Pennsylvania Avenue to the west. Additionally, the Cypress Hills and Arlington branches of the Brooklyn Public Library cater to the community.

Starrett City

Starrett City, also known as Spring Creek Towers, stands as the largest subsidized rental apartment complex in the United States. Its boundaries, beginning from the north and moving clockwise, are delineated by Flatlands Avenue to the north, Hendrix Street to the east, Jamaica Bay to the south, and the Fresh Creek Basin. Originally opened in 1974, the Starrett City site encompassed over 153 acres (0.62 km2) before being subdivided in 2009 as part of a refinancing initiative. Currently, the housing development comprises 5,881 apartment units spread across 46 buildings. Additionally, the residential site includes eight parking garages and a community center. The area also boasts a shopping center. As part of the refinancing, several parcels of undeveloped land totaling 13 acres (5.3 ha) were separated from the residential site.

The Hole

The Hole is a secluded section that falls within Queens. Characterized as a neglected neighborhood, it is often described as “lost” and holds the distinction of having the lowest elevation within the city. Some liken its atmosphere to that of the Wild West. The area is typically bordered by Ruby Street, South Conduit Avenue, and Linden Boulevard.

  • Police and crime

East New York falls under the jurisdiction of the 75th Precinct of the NYPD. Despite a decrease in overall crime since the 1990s, the area still experiences higher crime rates compared to the rest of the city. In 2023, there were 24 homicides reported in the 75th Precinct, resulting in a rate of 11.9 homicides per 100,000 population, in contrast to the citywide rate of 4.4 homicides per 100,000 population.

Additionally, the precinct reported 762 rapes, 696 robberies, 1,079 felony assaults, 354 burglaries, 1,073 grand larcenies, and 551 grand larcenies auto in the same year.

  • Health

As of 2018, East New York experiences higher rates of preterm births and births to teenage mothers compared to the citywide averages. In East New York, there were 110 preterm births per 1,000 live births, compared to 87 per 1,000 citywide, and 29.3 births to teenage mothers per 1,000 live births, compared to 19.3 per 1,000 citywide.

However, East New York has a relatively low population of uninsured residents or those receiving healthcare through Medicaid, estimated at 7% in 2018, which is lower than the citywide rate of 12%.

The concentration of fine particulate matter, the deadliest type of air pollutant, in East New York is 0.0077 milligrams per cubic meter, which is lower than the citywide and boroughwide averages.

Regarding lifestyle factors, 13% of East New York residents are smokers, slightly lower than the city average of 14%. Additionally, 35% of residents are obese, 14% are diabetic, and 34% have high blood pressure, compared to the citywide averages of 24%, 11%, and 28%, respectively. Furthermore, 25% of children in East New York are obese, compared to the citywide average of 20%.

  • Post offices and ZIP Codes

The majority of East New York falls within ZIP Codes 11207 and 11208, while Starrett City has its own ZIP Code, 11239. The United States Post Office operates the East New York Station at 2645 Atlantic Avenue and the Spring Creek Station at 1310 Pennsylvania Avenue.

  • Education

As of 2018, East New York generally exhibits a lower ratio of college-educated residents compared to the rest of the city. Approximately 21% of residents aged 25 and older possess a college education or higher, while 23% have less than a high school education, and 56% are high school graduates or have some college education. In contrast, 40% of Brooklynites and 38% of city residents have attained a college education or higher.

Despite this educational disparity, the percentage of East New York students excelling in reading and math has shown improvement. Reading achievement increased from 26% in 2000 to 32% in 2011, while math achievement rose from 19% to 43% within the same time period.

Schools

The New York City Department of Education oversees public schools in the area, including East New York. Unfortunately, East New York high schools face challenges such as high dropout rates, which is a common issue in many New York City schools. Gang violence is also prevalent in the area.

East New York is home to two higher education institutions: Touro College and Be’er Hagolah Institute, located in Starrett City. Additionally, Spring Creek High School opened its doors in 2012, marking the fifth high school established in 60 years and the first in the Spring Creek area.

  • Related TV Show

In October 2022, CBS premiered a TV drama series called “East New York.” The show revolves around the fictional 74th Police Precinct and follows the lives of NYPD officers as they patrol the East New York neighborhood. The series delves into their experiences responding to crime scenes and conducting investigations within the neighborhood.

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