LYNN — The movers came just after noon on Tuesday, ready to load up Miriam Cruz’s belongings and cart them away. Less than an hour later, the truck left empty.
Cruz is an elderly Lynn resident battling Lupus and has lived at 4 Laighton Terrace for the last nine years with her boyfriend, Alberto Santiago. The showdown was the latest incident in a months-long eviction battle between Cruz and new landlord, Irving Development LLC.
“This is her home and she doesn’t have anywhere else to go,” said Sonia Rios, Cruz’s daughter.
Irving Development bought the property for $381,500 in May, according to a real estate transaction recorded by The Warren Group. Soon thereafter, it began eviction proceedings against Cruz, sending multiple notices and court summons to her address.
According to Rios, her mother owed about $2,000 in back rent. To help cover that debt, Cruz applied for funding from the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program, a homelessness prevention program run by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
The RAFT program agreed to help Cruz and filled out the paperwork with her, according to Rios. Cruz and her daughter said all Jason Irving, of Irving Development, had to do was sign the paperwork, but he declined to do so.
Lisa McGloin, an attorney representing Irving, did not return calls seeking comment.
Irving reportedly continued with the eviction proceedings, which led to Tuesday’s hours-long protest on Laighton Terrace. Cruz and her family were met with support from community members and Lynn United For Change (LUFC), which organized Tuesday’s protest. The organization describes itself as dedicated to fighting back against “unjust evictions and foreclosures,” according to their website.
“We were hoping Jason would show up today so we can negotiate,” said Drenusha Jusufi, a member of LUFC. “Miriam is willing to pay her rent.”
Paul Minsky, a constable for Lynn, had Irving on the phone during the protest. After a few hours of the protestors chanting and holding their signs, Irving told Minsky he was calling off the eviction, at least for the day. When Minsky told the crowd the news, cheers roared throughout the terrace.
“If Miriam is sent another eviction notice, Lynn United For Change will be back,” said Jackie Berman, a city attorney working with LUFC.
Isaac Simon, an LUFC member, said the postponement should provide time for Cruz and Irving to come to an arrangement.
“This fight is not over but today is an important victory,” Simon said. “We want to leave room for the landlord to do the right thing.”
