SUNNYSIDE, Queens (WABC) — Neighborhood members rallied collectively on Saturday to point out their assist for tenants displaced in final yr’s huge residence constructing fireplace in Sunnyside.
New York Metropolis Council Member Julie Gained led the rally outdoors the constructing at 43-09 forty seventh Ave., which stays uninhabitable.
The five-alarm fireplace happened on Dec. 20, and FDNY Fireplace Marshals decided {that a} renovation contractor utilizing an unauthorized blowtorch to take away lead paint began the blaze.
Tons of of residents misplaced their houses to the raging inferno that occurred simply earlier than Christmas.
The constructing’s landlord, A&E Actual Property, helped relocate many tenants to different buildings on the identical lease fee. However now the owner desires to finish the help.
“We’ve a tenant who has been dwelling and sleeping on the subway system. We’ve tenants who’re overcrowding and persevering with to dwell with household as a result of they’ve nowhere to go,” Gained stated.
JANUARY COVERAGE | Tenants left to select up items weeks after Queens constructing fireplace
CeFaan Kim spoke to some residents pressured to scrub out their belongings.
Additionally in attendance at Saturday’s rally was Home Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who spoke in regards to the energy of the neighborhood.
“This can be a matter of justice, and you bought to know that after we struggle collectively, we win,” Velázquez stated.
In a press release, a spokesperson for A&E Actual Property stated, “We’ve made regular progress stabilizing the constructing, however the harm was extreme and there aren’t any fast fixes right here. We’ve been clear with tenants about these challenges, and that the emergency lodge stays and discounted flats we supplied after the hearth had been a brief answer to provide everybody respiratory room as they made longer-term plans. In the end, the insurance coverage course of will decide the way to compensate all events from the losses within the fireplace.”
Councilwoman Gained additionally desires the owner to pay residents $8 million in damages.
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