Sunset Park Landlord Accused Of Racial Discrimination Against Latino Tenants

Local activists, lawyers, and Sunset Park Councilmember Carlos Menchaca will hold a press conference Friday at 10 a.m. outside of a building to end discrimination against Latino tenants and harassment from the homeowner.

Attorneys with Neighbors Helping Neighbors — a Sunset Park-based group that advocates for affordable housing — and the Community Development Project will file a complaint with the City’s Commission on Human Rights against Soo Fung Dong, owner of 430 61st St.

A housing court case against Dong settled on June 21, with a court order requiring repairs, but Dong has failed to repair dangerous mold conditions, according to the complaint.

The complaint alleges a wide range of discriminatory practices from Dong where he deprived tenants of heat, hot water, and other basic services for periods of time since he purchased the building in 2007.

The complaint also says Dong “verbally and physically” harassed Latino tenants by making racist remarks, forced entry into tenants’ apartments without their consent, changed the locks to the front door, and added illegal fees to their leases.

Note: We reached Soo Fung Dong for comment but has not responded in time for publication.