Stoop Law (above) uses Zoning and Civil Rights Laws to halt the advance of home displacement.  Last year, Aristotle — launched a lawsuit against Washington DC arguing that it deliberately acted to remove and push out black residents. Stoop Law reflects one of many efforts to use legal strategies against gentrification. The Lower Eastside (LES) and China Town Community have brought a number of suits against New York City and are constant challengers to city rezoning and development.

Although lawsuits can be a slow moving strategy, Stoop Law and LES/Chinatown have both experienced successes which force the city to contend with community concerns.