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…