Borough President Diaz announces major new development for Free Legal Services NYC

Borough President Diaz announces major new development for Free Legal Services NYC

Free Legal Services New York City has found a new home in the Bronx.

Legal Services NYC in the Bronx will soon open their ADA accessible home at the Hub on E. 149th Street and Brook Avenue.

The new office, which will be a community space where all clients can access free civil legal services, will include a new green space and provide more accessibility for clients.

Last year, the New York City Economic Development Corporation announced its selection of Triangle Equities as the developer for the project at the Hub, with legal services NYC as the purchaser.

The company has come one step closer to making their dream a reality with a pledge of support from the New York City Council and Councilwoman Annabel Palma, Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo, Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., and the Bronx delegation of the New York State Assembly.

On Friday, March 23, Borough President Diaz along with other elected officials held a press conference to announce the major development.

“By more than doubling their size, Legal Services NYC-Bronx will continue to provide much needed free legal services to thousands of Bronx residents in their time of need. I look forward to seeing the completion of this new facility and know this new holistic approach will help improve the lives of Bronxites for years to come,” said Diaz.

Project director of Legal Services NYC-Bronx, Jennifer Levy said the company is overwhelmed by the show of support they have received from Bronx elected officials.

For years, we have been searching for an office that is large enough for our 70 person staff, for all of our clients to receive services in confidential and dignified surroundings, to hold community meetings, and that is fully ADA accessible,” said Levy. “We have an opportunity to purchase newly constructed office space as part of a city-sanctioned development project but would not be able to make our dream a reality without the continued backing of our community leaders. We are grateful to all of them.”

Senator Gustavo Rivera said by expanding their services, Legal Services NYC in the Bronx is helping to ensure that Bronxites who qualify and need free legal service have access to them.

“In these critical times when individuals are made vulnerable by dealing with various and often confusing legal systems, it is vital that organizations that offer free legal assistance make services more accessible,” Rivera said. “This is an important victory for Legal Services NYC-Bronx and I congratulate them on their commitment to the Bronx.”

Elsie Perez a client of Legal Services NYC in the Bronx said Legal Services NYC changed her life.

“My son was in trouble. The bullying at his school had gotten so bad that he was threatening suicide and was close to failing out of school,” Perez said. “I went to the principal, but nothing changed. My Legal Services attorney turned everything around. My son is now at a school that doesn’t tolerate bullying. His grades are in the top 10%, but even more important, he is no longer depressed and afraid to leave his room. Legal Services saved my son’s life.”