The time has come in the year for the Rent Guidelines Board to sit down and decide how much to increase the rent in rent stabilized apartments in the Bronx and the city.

One of the reports the board looks at is the Income and Affordability Study. However, the numbers in this year?s report are contradictory. There were some positive changes and some negatives.

The report found unemployment is down, the lowest its been in 30 years. It also found that the economy is on the rise for the third straight year and homelessness is declining. Board officials say all of the information indicates a flourishing city and population.

On the flip side, the report also found household income for tenants living in rent stabilized apartments decreased by 8.4 percent between 2001 and 2004. Evictions also appear to be up. And while fewer families are in homeless shelters, the report found the number of families being placed in permanent housing is down.

Before the board makes its final decision on June 22, it will hold public hearings. Community members will be able to voice their opinions on June 6 and June 19.