East New York tenants took their housing fight on the road Wednesday, traveling to Riverdale to confront the management of Chestnut Holdings and staging a loud protest outside the company’s office. Residents said the trip was about forcing long overdue repairs after maintenance requests they say have gone unanswered.
Tenants Bring Their Complaints To Chestnut’s Riverdale Office
Outside the Riverdale office, organizers led chants of “What do we want? Repairs! When do we want it? Now,” and said they were kept out of the building even though a note on the door said the office should have been open, according to News 12 Bronx. Tenants told the outlet they often feel forced to call 311 before management responds and that when repairs are made, they are quick patches that they describe as “band-aids” instead of lasting fixes.
Residents Describe Mold, Pests And Water Damage
Protesting neighbors described living with roaches, mice and mold inside their walls, along with water damage that they say has opened holes and caused light fixtures to blow out. Similar complaints have surfaced at other buildings managed by Chestnut, where tenant organizers and reporters have documented rodent infestations and long-running leaks, according to City Limits.
Chestnut's Record And Earlier Rallies
Wednesday’s visit to Riverdale follows earlier actions. Residents have rallied outside Chestnut’s Riverdale offices before and held demonstrations at affected buildings, according to ABC7. Tenants told the outlet that in past meetings with management, repairs were promised but still have not been completed.
Enforcement Pressure And Legal Context
City officials have signaled a tougher stance on landlords accused of letting buildings fall into disrepair, and the mayor’s office has promoted stepped-up enforcement in recent months, according to a press transcript from the NYC Mayor's Office. Chestnut has already faced legal pressure: a 2021 consent judgment with the state Attorney General required payments and oversight measures for Chestnut Holdings, a court document shows. Tenant organizers say that history adds leverage when they push for long-term repairs.
What Tenants Say They'll Do Next
Organizers said they will keep pressing Chestnut until the promised work is actually done. News 12 Bronx reported that the station requested comment from Chestnut Holdings and received a response. Tenants said they are prepared to return to Riverdale if they do not see real follow-through.
