New York City politicians are advocating for updated laws following a disturbing incident where a group of squatters carried out a reign of terror in a Brooklyn neighborhood, culminating in the burning down of a house last November. The squatters, who had taken up residence in Dyker Heights over the summer, engaged in criminal activities such as stealing security cameras and threatening neighbors.
Cheng Chen, 46, was charged with arson and criminal mischief after the fire at 1237 67th Street, which caused $900,000 in damages and required extensive firefighting efforts to extinguish. Despite claiming the fire was accidental, Chen was sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty.
In response to this incident and similar occurrences, NYC Councilwoman Susan Zhuang has called for revisions to squatter's rights laws. Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity in tenancy laws, with some highlighting instances of property damage and theft by squatters.
Concerns over squatters have been mounting in the city, with reports of homes and businesses being unlawfully occupied. Recent incidents, including the discovery of Venezuelan migrants in a Bronx home filled with weapons and drugs, as well as a tragic murder in Manhattan involving squatters, have underscored the urgency of addressing this issue.
Residents and lawmakers are urging for stricter enforcement measures and improved tracking of squatting incidents by police and courts. Several rallies have been held to draw attention to the problem, with calls for decisive action to protect communities from the disruptions caused by squatters.
