No Place For Trump At Trump Place? Residents Sign Petition Demanding Name Change
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Residents on Manhattan's west side said there's no place for Trump at Trump Place.
As CBS2's Jessica Moore reported, some people have signed a petition to have the name changed.
"It's been an embarrassment to live in a building with Trump's name. I wasn't happy about it when I moved in, but he wasn't running for president," Ilene said.
"He's disgusting, and you know it's embarrassing to tell people you live in a Trump building," Marjorie Jacobs said.
Jacobs moved in 5 years ago after she lost her home in Superstorm Sandy.
"The dogs are very comfortable and it's a pet friendly area. The building is truly beautiful," she said.
Jacobs said the stigma of living in Trump Place tarnishes its gilded exterior.
She's one of nearly 500 people who've signed a petition on change.org to remove the Trump name from the building.
Some residents didn't want the name taken off, but also didn't want to go on camera.
Trump responded to the boycott on Good Morning America.
"I think the brand is hotter than it's ever been, but it doesn't matter to me. I don't care. It doesn't matter. I don't care about the brand, I care about the country," he said.
Equity Residential, which owns Trump Place said it has a contractual obligation to keep the Trump name.
"We will assess the continued use of the name at the appropriate time taking into consideration the issues raised by the residents," they said.
Residents said the building's staff members are being fitted for new uniforms that are noticeably absent of the Trump name, they hope it's a sign of a shifting culture.
"I'm very optimistic," Ilene said.
Only time will tell whether their voices will Trump the contract.
Twelve buildings in New York City currently bear the Trump name, he owns three of them, but not the ones at Trump Place -- they are Trump in name only.
