New Haven – Tenants of the 70‑unit Blake Gardens apartment complex gathered on Wednesday outside Ocean Management’s new office at 192 Fitch Street to demand a new, multi‑year collectively bargained lease and a clear path to purchase the building themselves.

Union’s renewed demand

The Blake Street Tenants Union, now renaming itself the Blake Gardens Tenant Union, was joined by allies from the Connecticut Tenants Union, UNITE HERE and New Haven Rising. Vice‑president Sarah Giovanniello told the crowd, “We don’t even want to rent anymore. We want to buy the place ourselves.”

Ocean Management listed the property – 311 Blake Street, now branded “Blake Gardens” – for $13.5 million, while the city’s most recent tax appraisal valued it at $5,956,700. The union argues the asking price is inflated and that the sale threatens affordable housing for families in the neighborhood.

Background and current lease situation

Shmuel Aizenberg’s firm bought the complex for $9.2 million about five years ago. In 2023, tenants secured what they call the state’s first collectively bargained lease between a tenants union and a landlord. That agreement is set to expire, and many residents are currently on month‑to‑month leases.

The union is seeking a lease of three years or longer, an extension of the 2023 memorandum of agreement, and a “pathway” that would allow tenants to purchase the building. Aizenberg said he has not agreed to extend the existing agreement but called the sale “a routine business decision” and described the asking price as “very reasonable” given the company’s recent interior and exterior improvements.

Negotiations and offers

Aizenberg told the Independent he would consider a serious purchase offer, but the union has not yet submitted a formal proposal. Luke Melonakos, vice‑president of the Connecticut Tenants Union, said the union first contacted Aizenberg about the expired leases on July 6 and only discovered the sale listing earlier this month.

Union leaders say Aizenberg promised a written proposal on rents and apartment improvements at a recent meeting but failed to follow through. When Giovanniello texted to request confirmation of multi‑year leases and an extension, Aizenberg did not respond. Melonakos described the union’s sense of urgency as well‑founded.

Potential rent increases and financing plans

Marketing materials for the property indicate a projected 25 percent increase in rental income, which the union interprets as a potential 25 percent rent hike for current tenants. Aizenberg expressed disappointment at the union’s demand for a response within 24 hours but said he is willing to continue talks next week.

The union previously attempted to buy the building in 2024 when it was listed for $13.95 million. Hannah Srajer of the Connecticut Tenants Union said the group is now working with community partners and exploring financing options such as Low‑Income Housing Tax Credits, Federal Home Loan Bank mortgages and state programs, though those depend on securing an accepted offer.

Living conditions and tenant concerns

Tenants report recent power outages, a non‑functional laundry room, overflowing garbage, mice, roaches and broken security cameras. Garrett Kimball, a 39‑year‑old tenant who works through New Haven Works, said losing his apartment could jeopardize his job and that he feels insecure about investing in his home.

Aizenberg disputed the descriptions, stating the property is well maintained, professionally managed and equipped with an on‑site superintendent and an online maintenance request system. He did not directly address the specific complaints about heat, power or laundry facilities.

Next steps

The union plans to meet with Ocean Management on November 4 at 5 p.m. to discuss a possible purchase and the conversion of the building into permanently affordable cooperative housing. If the property is sold to another buyer, the union says existing agreements will protect current tenants and they will push the new owner to the bargaining table, including a right of first refusal for any future sale.

“I don’t think wanting a stable home is asking for too much,” said Kimball, echoing the union’s call for long‑term security for families in New Haven.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.