Mercedes Escoto (CASA) on building sold without tenant notice
Escoto, a tenant leader at 1187 Anderson Avenue in the Bronx, describes six years of bed bugs, rats, no heat, and no hot water. Her building was sold on February 1, 2026 with no tenant notice, and the new owner immediately started court cases. She argues COPA would have given a nonprofit the first opportunity to buy the building.
Good afternoon, Mr.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Sharon.
Good afternoon to everybody that was here earlier today.
Thank you for listening to us.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
My name is Mercedes Escoto.
I'm a maintenance association leader at 1187 Anderson Avenue in the Bronx.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
I'm also a volunteer leader with CASA Community Action for Safe Apartments in the Bronx.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
I am here to support...
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
In support of the community, opportunity to purchase at COPA and Save for Home Act.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
For six years, tenants in my building have lived with bed bugs, rats, roaches, windows that do not work, and fire escape risk, no heat, no hot water.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Our building was sold on February 1st.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
First, 2026, tenants had no notice or voice, no voice and no opportunity to have a mission-driven buyer step in.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
The old owner left us with uncollected rent credit after bankruptcy.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
The new owner started with 14 days notice and court cases.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
We are now trying to get renewal lease with the help from Bronx Legal Services while still fighting for repairs.
Affordable senior housing is a cost-effective way to meet seniors'complex needs for both shelter and care.
If COPA had been a law,
a qualified nonprofit could have had the first opportunity to buy our building and preserve it as truly affordable instead of us going from speculation.
cycle to the next.
COPA is a prevention.
Without it, tenants only get help after the sale, after the despair, after the eviction notice.
I urge the council to reintroduce and pass COPA and to give tenants and nonprofits a real first chance to stabilize buildings like mine.
Thank you.