News Summary
In Brooklyn, a community rally was held to support homeowner Filmore Brown, who faces foreclosure due to an unpaid water bill dating back to 2019. Local lawmakers argue that his situation highlights a larger issue affecting many homeowners. Brown was not informed about the outstanding bill, which led to the city selling it to a Trust that foreclosed on his property. Calls for reform in notification processes are growing, aiming to prevent similar cases that disproportionately affect residents within communities of color.
Brooklyn, New York – A community rally was held in Brooklyn to support homeowner Filmore Brown, who is facing foreclosure after his home was sold due to an unpaid water bill of $5,000 dating back to 2019. After spending over two decades paying off his mortgage, Brown was unaware of this outstanding bill and its implications until it was too late.
The situation has drawn significant attention from local lawmakers and community leaders, who describe Brown’s predicament as a profound injustice. NYC Councilmember Chris Banks and Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman, among others, have rallied in front of Brown’s home to shed light on this issue, emphasizing that this case represents a broader crisis impacting many homeowners.
According to statements from local lawmakers, the city sold Brown’s outstanding water bill to a Trust, a group of investors, which subsequently foreclosed on his property when the debt remained unsettled. Brown claims he did not receive any warning notices regarding the delinquency from either the city or the Trust. Once the debt was transferred to the Trust, it disappeared from the city’s payment system, leading Brown to unknowingly pay thousands of dollars towards other bills without realizing the water bill was still outstanding.
Brown’s property is valued at approximately $800,000. He resides on the top floor while the lower two apartments are rented out to tenants. As he fights to save his home, Brown expressed feelings of being failed by the city. His case has sparked discussions on the need for reform in notification processes for homeowners facing foreclosure due to small unpaid bills.
Local lawmakers are now advocating for an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding Brown’s foreclosure. There is a strong push for new legislation aimed at improving how notices are sent out for Trusts and foreclosure actions, with the goal of preventing other homeowners from losing their properties over minor unpaid bills.
On a larger scale, the issue of unpaid water bills has been persistent in New York City, especially within communities of color. Recent data indicates that over 6,800 properties were placed into a Trust as a result of unpaid water bills as of last year. This alarming statistic has prompted city officials to emphasize the importance of ensuring that all customers fulfill their financial obligations to help support the maintenance of the water system.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced that they have implemented reforms intended to address these situations and are willing to assist homeowners in settling unpaid debts. The DEP maintains that water and sewer charges function as legal liens against properties, underlining the necessity for all customers to contribute fairly to the system’s financial health.
A spokesperson for the city’s Department of Finance reiterated the city’s commitment to preventing homeowners from losing their properties due to unpaid bills. They noted that outreach efforts are in place to ensure homeowners are informed about their debts and understand the implications of any outstanding balances.
As the rallying cry for justice grows, the implications of Filmore Brown’s situation resonate with many in the Brooklyn community and beyond. The call for change aims not only to protect individuals like Brown but also to create a more supportive environment for all homeowners struggling with similar financial obligations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC7NY: Brooklyn Homeowner Facing Foreclosure
- Google Search: Foreclosure Due to Unpaid Water Bill
- Brownstoner: Tax Lien Sale for Brooklyn Homeowners
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Foreclosure
- Haitian Times: NYC Short-Term Rental Bill and Foreclosures
- Google News: Brooklyn Homeownership Issues
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
