The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is set to move from its long-time Lower East Side headquarters to two new offices, one in Midtown Manhattan and another in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. The organization will spend an estimated $22,000 per month on rent for the combined spaces. This move comes as the chapter's co-chairs, Gustavo Gordillo and Grace Mausser, have been approved for annual salaries of $95,000 each.
The Manhattan office, located at 315 West 35th Street, is situated in a 14-story building described as featuring a doorman, 24/7 security, and a furnished rooftop. This space, which will house the chapter's first meeting on September 27, will cost $15,000 per month. The DSA is renting this space from the Chetrit family, a real estate development firm that has faced lawsuits from tenants regarding rent-stabilization laws.
The chapter is also establishing a new headquarters in Brooklyn, a two-level office in Bed-Stuy costing $7,000 per month. This location is noted for its "large teardrop lighting" and central air conditioning, aiming to provide a "high-end artist loft" feel. The organization had previously launched a fundraising drive for this Brooklyn space in May, increasing its target to $100,000 and having raised over $68,000 as of recent reports.
In contrast, the previous headquarters on Jefferson Street in the Lower East Side, which was on a month-to-month lease, cost $5,200 per month. Reports indicate this former space was a small ground-floor room with walls painted red, and meetings were occasionally disrupted by external factors. The chapter recently canceled an in-person "DSA 101" meeting at the old location due to a leak.
Co-chair Grace Mausser reportedly announced the new office plans and the salary allocations at a recent chapter meeting. The move to more upscale accommodations has drawn criticism from some political observers, with one former city council member quipping about the juxtaposition of socialist ideals and luxury office space.