PRESS RELEASE

June 10, 2006
VOL. I No. 2

BRUSH has been at the forefront of many media discussions regarding the management practices of The Pinnacle Group. During the month of May, the New York Daily News ran countless articles about the plight of many tenants living in Pinnacle-owned buildings. As a result, various community boards convened a special meeting to discuss the management practices of the company and New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer was called upon to take action.

In the Wednesday, June 7th edition of the New York Daily News, Juan Gonzalez again assails the nefarious practices of Pinnacle, the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal has launched an investigation trying to discern a pattern of conduct, Cardinal Egan of the New York Archdiocese of the Catholic Church is speaking at the rally on Saturday June 10th in Washington Heights, and the Housing Committee Chair of the New York State Assembly, the Honorable Vito Lopez of the 53rd Assembly District in Brooklyn is launching an investigation. Also, the Village Voice ran an article about BRUSH’s attempt to preserve affordable and quality housing by examining the management practices of companies like Pinnacle. The President of BRUSH, Kim Powell was featured on cable TV with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! (a cable news program), and the New York Daily News Columnist, Juan Gonzalez, to talk about the “overpriced” proposed condominium conversion plans filed by The Pinnacle Group with the New York Attorney General’s Office.

BRUSH is currently working with tenant associations, legal service agencies, and various non-profit organizations in an effort to challenge the practices of companies like The Pinnacle Group. Thus far, through their general meetings held each month, BRUSH has put pressure on The Pinnacle Group, and successfully forced them to dismiss a few of the eviction proceedings the company brought against tenants.

As a result of the pressure of the community the Pinnacle Group has called upon BRUSH to assist them in developing their community ties. BRUSH has met with the company and reports that their efforts to improve and enhance the company’s relationship with the community is an evolving process.

Elected officials as well as community–based organization, such as, Mirabal Sisters have now joined in BRUSH’s efforts to challenge the company’s practices. BRUSH is currently working with various organizations and other New York City boroughs to organize and develop strong tenant associations.

Donations and suggestions may be sent to:

BRUSH
Hamilton Grange Station
Box 98
New York, New York 10031

NEXT MEETING: TBA

For more information:
Contact 646-248-6915 or kimlpowell@aol.com or harlembrush@yahoo.com