203-ralph-avenue-banners-090414

Back in July, we wondered what was in store for the former Unity Democratic Club at 203 Ralph Avenue in Bed Stuy. We hadn’t seen any signs of life thereĀ in years. In July, the old sign came down and the landlord appeared to be sprucing up the place for a new tenant, or perhaps to advertise the space for lease.

Well, now we know: The buildingĀ is actually the one at the center of the dispute between City Council Member Darlene Mealy andĀ her office landlord. To recap in case you have not been following: SheĀ is months behind on her rent, and owesĀ $7,500, according to herĀ landlord quoted in the Post. The landlord changed the locks, and she had him arrested. He retaliated by draping three banners on the building’s fire escape proclaiming her to be a deadbeat tenant.

The banners read: “Councilwoman Darlene Mealy is a deadbeat tenant. She owes five months rent for 203 Ralph and refuses to pay. Her monthly rent is $1,250. She offered me $1,000. This is another prime example of oneĀ local elected official who has failed me, you and thisĀ community.”

We’re not sure what other local officials he might be referring to, but just a few blocks away on Bainbridge near Broadway isĀ a home belonging to the Boylands, a “political dynastyā€¦known as the ‘Black Kennedys of Brownsville,’ ” according to the New York Daily News. Former StateĀ Assemblyman William Boyland Jr. was convicted of extortion and soliciting real estate-related bribesĀ earlier this year.

The Post identified 203 Ralph Avenue as Mealy’s district office, but that in fact is located atĀ 1757 Union Street,Ā according to Mealy’s website. Mealy reps District 41, which includes parts of Bed Stuy East, Ocean Hill, Brownsville and a smidgen of East Flatbush.

“Deadbeat” Brooklyn Pol Gets Her Landlord Arrested [NY Post]
Sign for Bed Stuy Democratic Club Gone [Brownstoner]

203-ralph-retail-090414


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

1 2 3 4