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Rangel Enjoys Sweet Deal on 4 Harlem Apartments

Dem faces questions over big savings on rent

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 11, 2008 2:35 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A powerful Democratic lawmaker is getting a sweet deal on four Harlem apartments, the New York Times reports. Charles Rangel has four rent-stabilized apartments, whose rents are controlled by city law. Three of the apartments are combined into one luxury unit, and the fourth is used as an office—despite the requirement that such apartments be used as a primary residence.

Rangel pays approximately half the market rate for the apartments in a building known as Harlem's most prestigious address. Ethics experts are wondering if the big savings on rent constitute a regulation-busting gift, and if the perk is making Rangel more considerate of his landlord than his apartment-squeezed constituents. Rangel, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, declined to comment. "Why should I help you embarrass me?" he snapped before hanging up on a reporter.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Nov. 9, 2007.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Nov. 9, 2007.   (AP Photo)
In this photograph provided by Meet the Press, Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., appears on Meet the Press' Sunday, April 1, 2007, at the NBC studios in Washington.
In this photograph provided by "Meet the Press," Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., appears on "Meet the Press'" Sunday, April 1, 2007, at the NBC studios in Washington.   (AP Photo/Meet The Press, Alex Wong)
Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., arrives to attend a meeting with Barak Obama at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, Tuesday, June 17, 2008.
Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., arrives to attend a meeting with Barak Obama at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, Tuesday, June 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
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Rangel to face questions on rent deal
NBC 4 New York

Congressional bio of Rangel
U.S. House of Representatives

 
New York City • congressman • housing • rent • Charles Rangel • Harlem • political scandal

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