Officials, residents protest Bronx building's sale

HE BRONX - Local officials and residents gathered Wednesday to protest the proposed sale of a Mitchell-Lama building in the Bronx.

Some local tenants are angry that the sale of their Bronx building is proceeding even though city housing officials rejected the deal just months ago. "A few months we feel we're OK," says Sen. Chuck Schumer. "We're going to keep fighting until the tenants are allowed to stay."

The building, at 1520 Sedgwick Ave., is considered by some to be the birthplace of hip hop. The Department of Housing and Preservation says the building's owner intends to cancel its participation in the city's Mitchell-Lama program, which aims to ensure affordable housing.

Officials say Mark Karasick, a real estate developer who bought the building, wants to flip it and two other properties in the Bronx for a higher return.