The United Senior Center of Sunset Park in Brooklyn may have to close or relocate after more than 50 years on 53rd Street due to a proposed rent increase of over 70%. The center serves more than 4,000 people each month, and the rent hike has raised concerns about the future of community services in the area, as reported by CBS News New York and BKReader.

At a recent rally, supporters raised awareness about a community center facing a rent increase that the New York City Department for the Aging cannot afford. The center provides services for seniors, including language and technology classes. Executive Director Grisel Amador said, "We offer English as a second language for the Hispanic and also for the Chinese. We offer technology - you don't know how to use a phone, please come here, we help you." Councilwoman Alexa Avilés criticized the rent hike, stating, "The exponential increase that is being asked is just outsized," as the center works to continue its programs amid rising costs, according to CBS News New York.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes called for the preservation of the senior center, stating, "All we're asking for is basic kindness and dignity for our seniors. We're asking for a basic, good-faith negotiation. We're asking this landlord to help build our community up instead of tearing it down." Residents emphasized the center's role in their community, with one woman saying, "we look out for one another." The landlord responded, "We have valued the relationship with United Seniors of Sunset Park, our tenant of over 20 years and have tremendous respect for their mission and the work they do in the community." They stated that they had offered a lease renewal below market value and remain in discussions to help the center secure city funding, as mentioned by CBS News New York.