BROOKLYN, NY – In a troubling case that has caught the attention of many, a Brooklyn resident is battling to reclaim his home after losing it due to a minor unpaid water bill. The bill, which was a fraction of the home’s value, led to a foreclosure that has sparked outrage and legislative review.
Fillmore Brown, a dedicated homeowner in East Flatbush, found himself in a nightmare when his home was sold at auction. After paying off his mortgage, Brown was blindsided by the sale, triggered by a $5,000 water bill he was unaware of.
The city had transferred the unpaid bill to a trust, composed of investors who eventually foreclosed on the property. Brown discovered the sale when strangers attempted to change the locks on his house.
Brown’s lawyer has launched a lawsuit against the city, arguing that proper notice was never given. The city, however, maintains that paperwork was served during the pandemic, though Brown insists he received no warning.
This issue is not isolated to Brown. In East Flatbush alone, numerous homeowners face similar challenges with tax lien sales, often due to unpaid water bills. Council Member Chris Banks is advocating for legislative changes to prevent such situations, proposing improved notification systems and the exclusion of water bills from trust sales.
Although previous attempts at state-level legislation have failed, Banks is determined to see change. Meanwhile, the city has committed to reviewing the proposed changes and working to protect homeowners.
As reforms are put in place to extend support and resources to property owners, Brown remains hopeful. The community’s rallying and legal efforts continue as he seeks to regain possession of his cherished home.