New York, NY —

Tenants of Starrett City got the backing of federal housing officials today. Residents, fearful they would be priced out of their affordable apartments have been trying to stop the sale. WNYC's Cindy Rodriguez reports.

REPORTER: The secretary of the department of housing and urban development stopped short of telling tenants he would block the $1.3 billion sale of Starrett City.

Instead Alphonso Jackson told tenants gathered inside a church auditorium that he would aggressively review the offer made by Clipper Equity.

Jackson said he believes he has the authority to block the sale and Senator Chuck Schumer said if not, the senate and house would pass a bill giving him that power. Jackson said he would review the land deal and come to a decision in two weeks.

Tenants say they feel confident now the deal won't go through.