Mamdani's Rental Ripoff Report

NYC Mayor Mamdani faces backlash after speaker at news conference calls eviction a form of 'violence'

A speaker at a New York City news conference hosted by Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared that evictions constitute "violence", a claim that drew swift and pointed mockery from conservatives, political commentators, and elected officials who called the event a spectacle unworthy of the nation's largest city.

Antonia Marrero, a member of the Housing Organizers for People Empowerment (HOPE) Tenant Union, made the remarks Thursday while Mamdani stood behind her, visibly smiling. The moment, captured on video and circulated widely on X, became an instant flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the socialist mayor's aggressive housing agenda.

The news conference was staged to promote Mamdani's "Rental Ripoff Report," a 23-proposal policy document that the mayor's office says addresses everything from AI-altered rental listings to code enforcement modernization and formal recognition of tenant unions.

But the policy rollout was overshadowed almost immediately by Marrero's rhetoric, and by the mayor's grinning reaction to it.

Read more...

Mamdani's rip-Off Report:

Mamdani's rent freeze, tax hikes a 'one-two wealth destruction punch

Google Pioneer Who Escaped Soviet Socialism Just Took a Huge Loss Running From NYC’s Version of It

New York City's socialist mayor just froze rents on a million apartments

Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin Sells NYC Rent-Stabilized Stake at Massive Loss Amid Rent Freeze.

Now the man who fled the Soviet Union as a child has made his move. And what Sergey Brin accepted to get out of this city will stun you. Brin Got Six Cents on the Dollar and Called It a Win.

Brin's family office, Amphitheatre LLC, quietly sold its stake in a New York apartment fund late last year – a fund managed by A&E Real Estate controlling nearly 5,900 rent-stabilized units scattered across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

He did not get his money back.

A&E bought out Brin's position for roughly six cents on every dollar of his original equity investment. On paper, his stake carried a gross property value of approximately $79 million.

He took what he could get and left. That was a man who has seen this movie before, who knows exactly how it ends, and who decided that getting out cheap was better than waiting to see if America's biggest city learns the lesson the Bronx tried to teach it fifty years ago.

Google billionaire Sergey Brin exits NYC real estate

Oceanwalk Restaurant at the Lake Worth Casino

Benny’s on the Beach seeking $50,000 rent waiver from LWB during Oceanwalk renovation closure

BENNY’S ON THE BEACH is planning about $400,000 in renovations to its Oceanwalk restaurant at the Lake Worth Beach Casino complex, work that will close the restaurant from Labor Day until mid to late October, interim City Manager Jamie Brown said.

The restaurant is asking city officials to waive two months of Oceanwalk’s lease payments, roughly $50,000, “since they will be closed and have no revenue coming in,’’ he said.

When Brown mentioned the rent-waiver request at a pre-agenda work session June 27, a majority of city commissioners voiced support for approving it:

• “Benny’s brings so much. They're like our big attraction. I would allow that to happen as a courtesy,’’ Mayor Betty Resch said.
• “This business is a good city partner,’’ said Vice Mayor Sarah Malega. “They have a good track record. I think that’s a good return on investment.’’
• Commissioner Chris McVoy indicated he would vote against the request when it’s formally presented to the commission later this summer.
• Commissioner Mimi May said she would support the request if it’s limited to a specific timeframe.

Although there was no quote from Commissioner Anthony Segrich, Commissioner McVoy confirmed that he was the only one who voted "no."

Read Joe Capozzi's article

Rentals available in South Florida

Still too high!

Here are some of the most and least affordable places to rent in South Florida

Here are the available listings for the top five cities with the highest median rents as of Thursday:

• Miami has 160 one-bedroom units available at or below $2,600.

• Miami Beach has 229 one-bedroom units available at or below $2,500.

• Sunny Isles Beach has 63 one-bedroom units available at or below $2,500.

• Coral Gables has 48 one-bedroom units available at or below $2,450. (Zumper only provides price points in $50 increments, so while the median rent price for Coral Gables is actually $2,440, the 48-unit figure is based on $2,450.)

• Aventura has 43 one-bedroom units available at or below $2,400.

Here are the available listings for the bottom five cities with the lowest median rents as of Thursday:

• Sunrise has 23 one-bedroom units available at or below $1,700.

• Homestead has 14 one-bedroom units available at or below $1,650.

• Lake Worth Beach has 31 one-bedroom units available at or below $1,650.

• Lauderhill has 20 one-bedroom units available at or below $1,550. (Zumper only provides price points in $50 increments, so while the median rent price for Lauderhill is actually $1,560, the 20-unit figure is based on $1,550.)

• Miami Gardens has nine one-bedroom units available at or below $1,500. (Zumper only provides price points in $50 increments, so while the median rent price for Miami Gardens is actually $1,510, the nine-unit figure is based on $1,500.)

Source--Yahoo

Never a dull moment in an Airbnb rental in Lake Worth

Lake Worth Beach man accused of catching wife and coworker in bed together, bashing him with aluminum bat

'Don’t come near my f***ing wife again!'

A Lake Worth man battered his cheating wife's lover with an aluminum bat after catching them together in an Airbnb, according to police.

John Dimmig, 33, is accused of assaulting a man at an Airbnb rental in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. Dimmig is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and burglary with battery.

Blood all over the place.

"I felt like he was out to kill me,” the victim told deputies.

Read more..

Deco Green rental housing development on the horizon

Developers obtain $32 million loan to build Lake Worth apartments

At 1715 North Dixie Highway

"Lake Worth CRA sold the property for $2.49 million in 2022. City officials have encouraged development on the east side of the city to spur economic activity.

A joint venture between Miami-based developers Office America Group and Avanti Way Group obtained a $31.5 million construction loan to build an apartment complex in Lake Worth Beach.

The developers said they obtained the loan from a New York-based company, but didn’t disclose the name. It has yet to be recorded in county records.

Located on the 2.3-acre site at 1715 N. Dixie Highway, the Deco Green Apartments will total 125,000 square feet in four buildings, the tallest rising seven stories. It would have 125 apartments and 8,000 square feet of office/retail. The 20,000 square feet of green space would include a playground, a dog park and space for community gatherings."

Read who is behind it all...

Lake Worth Short-Term Rentals

Lake Worth Beach prepares for possible crack down on illegal short-term rentals

LAKE WORTH BEACH is taking a serious look at reviving a seldom-enforced municipal law that could effectively shut down hundreds of Airbnbs, Vrbos and other short-term rental properties across the city.

But before staff starts cracking down, city commissioners want a better understanding of how they would go about effectively enforcing the law — and whether that will require neighbors to rat out neighbors, which may make many residents uncomfortable.

At a special meeting Feb. 9, commissioners said they like short-term rentals and would prefer having the ability to regulate where and how they operate in Lake Worth Beach.

But they can’t do that because of a 2011 state law that gives broad protections to short-term rentals and prevents local municipalities from banning them or limiting the length and frequency of stays.

Read Joe Capozzi's article and find out how Lake Worth might be able to go around the state law.

Short-Term Rentals need to be Regulated

Short-term vacation rentals are illegal in Lake Worth Beach

So, why won’t the city crack down?

THE WHOOPING AND yelling by the women around the pool had been going on for an hour when suddenly the noise morphed into a primordial chant usually heard at strip clubs, loud enough to breach the windows of nearby houses.

“Take it off! Take it off!’’

Was I dreaming?

It was 1:30 in the morning and another good time was being had next door by the latest occupants of the “party house’’ in Lake Worth Beach’s College Park neighborhood.

Read the rest of the story... by Joe Capozzi and read the laws on short-term rentals.

Micro Apartment Rentals in Lake Worth Beach?

Before approval is given, the idea will have to be approved by two city board and then passed by the city commission for two readings.

Lake Worth Beach considering smaller apartments as rents skyrocket

Turned down during the last regime because of fears of Section 8 Housing developing from that decision, the present Democrat commission is all for it.

"There's no set definition for what constitutes a micro apartment, but in Lake Worth Beach, the ordinance requires that dwellings include total square footage between 250 feet and 750 feet with a fully functioning kitchen and bathroom. A common area where residents can mingle also is mandated.

Any developer looking to build micro-apartments in the city needs a parcel of land big enough to accommodate 20 residences under the ordinance."

The goal is to allow someone working for $15 an hour to afford paying 35% of their income on rents. Years ago the benchmark was 25%. One fourth of our residents live below the poverty line.

Read the Palm Beach Post

First Reading: City of Lake Worth to approve Ordinance 07-2022 to help Renters

TITLE:
Ordinance No. 07-2022 – Notice Requirements for Rental Increases and Termination of Monthly Tenancies Without a Specific Duration

SUMMARY:
The proposed Ordinance will add two (2) provisions to the City’s code to require a 60-day written notice of an increase in rental rates that exceeds five percent (5%) and the termination of a monthly tenancies without a specific duration

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION:
Over the past year, the City Commission has witnessed and heard of substantial and steady increases in rental rates within the City. The Commission has been searching for ways to assist rental tenants in the City knowing the likelihood of a rent control ordinance is difficult at best given the state’s preemption of such ordinances and the statutory requirement of a referendum each year such ordinance is to be adopted.

In lieu of a rent control ordinance, Ordinance No. 07-2022 seeks to assist rental tenants in the City in two ways:
First, due to the significant increases in rental rates, Ordinance No. 07-2022 will require residential landlords in the City to give 60 days prior written notice to all residential tenants with a set lease term, or a monthly tenancy without a specific duration, of a proposed rental rate increase that exceeds five percent (5%). This ensures that tenants with a set lease term and monthly tenants without a set lease term or duration are given fair notice (60 days) of any potential rent increase before the rental increase commences. Currently, there is no law that requires such notice.

Secondly, due to concerns with availability of rentals and substantial increases in rental rates, Ordinance No. 07-2022 will require residential landlords in the City to give 60 days prior written notice of termination to all residential tenants without a specific duration in which the rent is payable on a monthly basis. The notice will need to be provided prior to the end of any monthly period. Currently, section 83.57, Florida Statutes, only requires 15 days prior notice before a month-to-month tenancy without a set duration may be terminated.

MOTION:
Move to approve / not approve Ordinance No. 07-2022 on first reading and setting the second reading and public hearing for April 19, 2022

Large rental development, Deco Green, approved in Lake Worth Beach

A 127-unit multifamily project with retail, offices and green space is moving forward in Lake Worth Beach

The Lake Worth CRA says:
• Deco Green is the first new development in Lake Worth Beach to offer 3-bedroom units as part of its unit mix. • The development serves as a good rental option for young professionals and families.

The site plan for a mixed-use rental development in Palm Beach County has now been approved. According to Office America Group Founder and CEO Ricardo Hernandez, the development serves as a much-needed rental option for young professionals and families.

Office America Group, a boutique real estate development firm in Miami got approval for Deco Green, a four-building, 125,000 square-foot mixed-use community with 127 residential units, 8,000 square feet of retail and office space, and 20,000 square feet of green space. The property is located at 1715 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth Beach.

The Applicant, IBI Group on behalf of OAG Investment 5, LLC C, is requesting approval of the following:
1. Mixed-Use Urban Planned Development to construct a 127-unit multi-family development with +/-7,450 square feet of commercial space.
2. Development of Significant Impact to construct a residential development in excess of 100 units.
3. Major Site Plan for the development of a new multi-family, mixed-use development in excess of 7,500 square feet.
4. Conditional Use Permit to establish a mixed-use master plan greater than 7,500 square feet.
5. Sustainable Bonus Incentive Program for additional density, intensity and height.
6. Transfer of Development Rights Incentive Program for a 10% increase in residential density.

The entire city commission unanimously voted in favor of the project at its first hearing and on a 3/2 vote at its second hearing on Aug. 17, McVoy and Stokes dissenting.

And we thought the last commission was development crazy!

Need Help in paying your rent?

Emergency Rental Assistance

The ERA bus will be at 1121 Lucerne Avenue from Noon to 5pm today to assist residents who need ERA. OMG

The Emergency Rental Assistance Mobile Outreach

Need help paying your rent in Palm Beach County?

Well, here is the answer for you!

The Emergency Rental Assistance Mobile Outreach bus will be in Lake Worth Beach on July 30 from noon-5pm!
If you:
🏠Pay rent in a residential dwelling
💸Lost income due to COVID-19
📬Live in Palm Beach County

Eviction Freeze Unlawful

Federal Court Rules CDC’s COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium Is Unlawful

A federal court on Friday ruled that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) overstepped its authority by halting evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And guess what...Congress approved of this over-reach that was supposed to run through the end of July!

Read about it...

What they're doing in Lake Worth is offering rental assistance. What about the landlords who lost an estimated $13 billion during this illegal eviction moratorium?

Beach Tenants want the City to give them Rent Concessions

Coronavirus Florida: Lake Worth Beach mulls ways to help businesses that pay rent to the city

Well, of course...who is surprised about this coming from our leaders in this liberal, progressive, socialist city. Oh, am I being too harsh?

On Friday, March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the CARES Act, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses...This loan provides up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. The loan relief doesn't even have to be repaid.

But our tenants at the beach have appealed to their landlord, the City of Lake Worth, for even more relief. They'll take just about anything.

"The Commission will meet on May 5 and will consider a handful of options that include rent forgiveness, deferral of rent payments or some combination of both."

We are all sympathetic that businesses have had to close during this pandemic and people have lost their jobs but when you open a business you take on all the risks. The federal government is helping out everyone.

Read about it...

202 Lucerne Avenue just sold

Lake Worth Beach Apartment Building Trades for $2.1 Million

202 Lucerne Ave. in Lake Worth Beach Property type: This is a 9,320-square-foot, 14-unit apartment building on less than a half-acre lot.

Watch the rents escalate here.

Property for Rent on N. Dixie

1914 N. Dixie Highway

Don't we have signage standards in this city?

Housing Crisis in the Making?

Comment Up

The Urban Institute researchers predict that more than 3 in 4 new households this decade, and 7 of 8 in the next, will be formed by minorities. These new households—nearly half of which will be Hispanic—have lower incomes, less wealth and lower home ownership rates than the U.S. average. How will this affect Lake Worth?

Read here...

Affordable Housing Rentals on Lake Worth Road

Comment Up

We continue to get the political bull from one commissioner in particular, that the rental rates that Affordable Housing Solutions is charging for the Villages of Lake Worth a/k/a/ the "project" at Lake Worth Road and Boutwell is NOT affordable housing at all but "workforce" housing and it is at market rate. The city continues to try and fool you saying that there is a difference in 'affordable" and "workforce" housing. The Vice Mayor will even ask for confirmation on the distinction from the city manager, to get it on the record.  We all know it is one and the same. And at every commission meeting, there is always one commissioner who will tell us how beautiful this all looks. And they are building more.

The Villages of Lake Worth, located at 2220 Lake Worth Road have rents from $990 for a one bedroom up to $1,390 for a 3 bedroom. They do not have efficiency or 4 bedroom apartments.

What HUD considers affordable:

FY2014 Fair Market Rent Summary according to HUD

Palm Beach County, Florida
	Efficiency	1 Bedroom	2 Bedrooms	3 Bedrooms	4 Bedrooms
Final FY2014 FMRs	$750	$962	$1,202	$1,623	$1,938

More Affordable Housing - Lake Worth

According to the Encyclopedia of Social Work, by the year 2035, slums may become the primary living environment for the world’s urban dwellers.  Boutwell Road is not necessarily urban--yet--but it is in the city limits and the city is helping it along by approving affordable housing and spending $6 million dollars on the infrastructure, money that we will never recapture in ad-valorem.

Under Public Hearings tonight, is the second reading  for the projects named The Village II at Lake Osborne--more workforce/affordable housing on 4.71 acres will be built by Affordable Housing Solutions, Inc.  This is a project to be built in the Park of Commerce but the only commerce we will see is tax revenue down the road from this residential rental development. The rest is all conjecture and wishful thinking.

Our Code requires that all developments over 60 dwelling units provide 2 parking spaces per dwelling unit plus eight guest parking spaces. For every dwelling unit over 60 units, one additional guest parking space for every 8 dwelling units must be provided. So, what this means according to the back-up is that this planned development consisting of 118 units needs to provide 250 parking spaces. They will only have 170 spaces--80 short.

The city implies that there will be lower income people residing there and that they anticipate that each unit will only have one car and many will be walking to Tri-Rail which is directly down the block. They actually believe that many of those residing in this planned development won't even have cars. This commission continues to attract the poor and justifies their decisions on conjecture.

They already gave a waiver on the size of the property. This commission continues to make decisions based on tax revenue and pretty drawings (shiny objects) of what might be and are not looking at the long-term effects of their actions. It's all about the money.