Jul 12, 2008 7:06 am US/Eastern
Rangel: Nothing Wrong With 4 Rent-Stabilized Apts.
Congressman Unfazed By Controversy Over His Below-Market Housing
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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US Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY) has four rent-stabilized apartments in Harlem at a time when the city is expreriencing a chronic shortage of low- and moderate-income housing.
AP
In a city where rent stabilized apartments are increasingly scarce, Congressman Charles Rangel has not one, not two, not three, but four of them in the same, posh Harlem high-rise.
And CBS 2's Political Reporter Marcia Kramer says he's unabashedly unapologetic about it, as he says he's done nothing illegal. Period.
"I know darn well there's nothing wrong," Rangel says of the situation.
Yes, he lives in three of the apartments – a one-bedroom, and a two-bedroom that have been combined, and a studio next door. And yes, it has been written up in a 2003 book which showcases bronze statues and antiques Rangel has picked up in his travels.
But the Democratic congressman says the rents he pays are the ones set by the Rent Guidelines Board every two years.
"I did not negotiate, I did not ask for a lower price," he says. "I'm paying the legal rent now because it's a good deal."
Rangel says living in the building for 20 years has kept his rents well below market value.
For example, he pays $1,329 for the two-bedroom. Market rate is $2,600.
He pays $1,329 for the one-bedroom, too. Market rate for that one is $1,865.
And he pays just $606 rent for the studio, whereas market is $1,300.
The only concession Rangel was willing to make was to wonder whether he should be able to use the fourth rent stabilized apartment on the tenth floor as a campaign office.
But even though Rangel has broken no laws, some constituents question the appearance.
"I think that something better could be done with those apartments considering he is a top earner," says Harlem resident Jennifer Byrd.
"As a renter, it seems to be a little unfair," says Mannie Baron, another Harlem resident.
Others say they don't see the big deal.
"I don't have any problem with my Congressman having four apartments," says Henry Singleton.
Rangel made a point of saying he doesn't think the apartment controversy will affect his reelection or his job as head of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Also living in the building is Gov. David Paterson, who also pays below market rent. Paterson's father, Basil Paterson, and Percy Sutton also live there.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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