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Filed Under:Kevan Abrahams, Laura Curran, Mike Xirinachs, Rent Regulation
Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (credit: Nassau County Government)Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (credit: Nassau County Government)

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Long Island lawmakers and renters gathered in Garden City on Monday to urge state lawmakers to extend the rent-regulation laws set to expire June 15.

Rent regulation is not just a New York City issue, said Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams.

“We’re seeing our young people, our young population, shrinking, shrinking and shrinking,” he said. “It’s happening because we’re not focused on making sure we protect the rights of renters.”

Tens of thousands of Long Islanders live in rent-controlled housing, and they worry about being priced out of their homes, WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported.

“If the law’s not strengthened, they’re going to up my rent, and where am I going to go?” Diane, a senior citizen, said.

Added county Legislator Laura Curran: “We’re seeing our seniors leaving, our young people being priced out, and if Nassau County wants to remain economically viable, we need to have places for people to live.

“If there’s one thing that Nassau County needs it’s more affordable housing,” she added. “If there’s something it doesn’t need, it’s less.”