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Rangel Deal Irks Harlem Residents

Friday, July 11, 2008

The disclosure that Congressman Charles Rangel has four rent-controlled apartments hit a sensitive nerve among New Yorkers. In Harlem, residents were divided about Rangel's living accommodations.

At a press conference outside of Rangel's Harlem apartment complex, fellow resident Lance Smith challenged the congressman saying he failed to help other tenants who wanted to keep their own rent-stabilized apartments.

Smith said he still lives in a two-bedroom apartment there, but he lost a second rent-stabilized apartment after a protracted battle with the landlord.

SMITH: And I sat with the landlord and looked him in the face and said I want the Charles Rangel deal, and the landlord just said I can't touch that - I can't go there.

REPORTER: But another Harlem resident, Jim Green, says he doesn't care how many apartments Rangel has. Green says what's important to him is that Rangel stayed in the neighborhood.

GREEN: What the hell is wrong with a high-ranking black elected official living in the community so the people, little kids and others can see him, all right? Name one black rap star who lives in the community - everyone got mansions out in the suburbs.

REPORTER: Rangel defended having the apartments saying he pays the maximum legal rent for the apartments.

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