The Brooklyn Housing Preservation Alliance (BHPA), a local group formed to battle illegal home conversions, hosted a fundraiser on Saturday, August 6 at Indigo Murphy’s on Fort Hamilton and raised over $2,000.
An increasing issue in southwest Brooklyn, illegal home conversions not only endanger the lives of tenants, neighbors and first responders but also overload local sewers, water mains and even the New York City school system, according to advocates.
BHPA has sought to document illegal conversions in the neighborhood as well as provide input with respect to legislation drafted by Councilmembers Vincent Gentile, Jumaane Williams and Barry Grodenchik that was submitted to the City Council in June.
“The fundraiser went very well and we had an excellent turn out, hitting Indigo Murphy’s capacity of 70 to 75 people,” said Bob Cassara, BHPA’s president. “We just want to raise awareness and money to battle this issue that has plagued our community for so many years. We need people to join us not only from Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights, because this is also a problem for surrounding communities throughout Brooklyn.”
Elected officials like Councilmember Mark Treyger and Vincent Gentile showed their support at the fundraiser, as well as representatives from State Senator Marty Golden’s office, Assemblymembers Pam Harris and Nicole Malliotakis’s offices and Borough President Eric Adam’s office.
All proceeds went to the BHPA. If you would like to donate, visit bit.ly/2aibdLp.