Councilman Nelson Urges Those Hit Hard By Sandy To Take Advantage Of Free Legal Services

Erica Sherman -
City Councilman Michael C. Nelson. Photo by Erica Sherman

The following is a press release from the office of City Councilman Michael C. Nelson:

Some New Yorkers just can’t seem to catch a break.  Many Brooklyn residents already struggling to repair their Sandy ravaged properties were hit with even more bad news: Their property values increased, meaning higher taxes.

Aside from the sheer absurdity that these rates were determined prior to Hurricane Sandy and were never reevaluated, Councilman Michael Nelson pointed out another flaw made by the city.  “If the controversy began from unfair property assessments, it will now be fueled by a shorter than usual timeframe to appeal due the city’s tardiness in mailing them out.”  To file an appeal, go to nyc.gov/finance and click on the ‘property’ tab.

The Councilman said he will fight to extend the March 15th appeal deadline, but in the meantime urges anyone who needs legal guidance during the process to schedule an appointment with the free legal services his office offers in any of the following locations:

  • Councilman Nelson District Office – 1605 Voorhies Avenue, 1st floor, (718) 368-9176 ext. 112
  • Shorefront Jewish Community Council – 128 Brighton Beach Avenue 4th floor, (718) 743-0575 ext. 7503
  • Council Center for Senior Citizens – 1001 Quentin Road, (718) 627-7680 – Ask for Lillian

In conjunction with the CUNY School of Law, Community Legal Resource Network (CLRN), Councilman Nelson has allocated funding for the past 6 years to give all his constituents, regardless of financial situation, easily accessible legal service.  In addition to property tax assessment appeals, consultation is available for FEMA appeals, civil litigation, landlord and tenant disputes, foreclosure, immigration, debt disputes, drafting of wills and other legal documents and many other issues.

“As all of us in City Council know, an alarming percentage of New Yorkers lack access to affordable civil justice.  The legal aid provided by CLRN in my district quickly became one of the most important components of our constituent services.  We rely heavily on CLRN to empower our constituents, who have the opportunity to present their real-life issues to compassionate lawyers that are deeply committed to the principles of “justice for all,” said Councilman Michael Nelson.  He continued to say that there is no time to waste with the appeals deadline fast approaching.