When developers tried to force Tranquilina Alvillar out of her rent-stabilized apartment in Williamsburg, she fought back.

You Can Kick This Woman Out of Williamsburg, But She'll Come Back

By
Jennifer Hsu
There Goes the Neighborhood | Apr 6, 2016

Meet Tranquilina Alvillar, who has been living in the same Bedford Avenue apartment for 25 years. 

In 2011, developers bought her building to convert it into modern luxury rental units. The only problem was, they couldn't get her to leave—not with a cash buyout, or by changing the lock, or by demolishing the building all around her. 

"I always pay my rent," said Alvillar. "Why do I have to leave?"

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