East Flatbush apartment complex residents concerned for safety in their homes
Tenants, like Rochelle Hobson, say they fear for the safety of their children. They say it's not just for security reasons, but for sewage issues as well.
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Residents of Rutland Plaza on East 93rd Street in East Flatbush say they are living in poor conditions.
“It’s right in your face. The sewage, the killing, everything the unlocked doors, the leakage, the people's apartments are actually like falling apart," said resident Patricia Walters.
Safety is just one concern among residents.
News 12 was able to get into different buildings without a key.
Just weeks ago, News 12 reported two teenagers were found shot in the lobby of one of the buildings in the complex.
One of the plaza's buildings has 518 Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Complaints for the past two years.
Long-time resident Isaac Caldwell tells News 12 he feels uncomfortable in his own home.
“I come to the building some time with the suit on and I have to take my jewelry off. And it's very disturbing. You feel uncomfortable and, you know, you have to be careful at the time and night that you come in and what you have in your pockets is just insecure," said Caldwell.
News 12 reached out to the location's management company - Amistad Management Corporation - but the person for that location said they didn't want to comment.
Tenants, like Rochelle Hobson, say they fear for the safety of their children. They say it's not just for security reasons, but for sewage issues as well.
“He has health conditions because of the raw sewage. He had an infection three times last year. I have respiratory problems. The toxic smells in this building are absolutely atrocious," said Hobson.
A spokesperson for HPD tells News 12 the building was selected for HPD’s Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP).
They say it's a targeted initiative that ramps up enforcement in the city's most poorly maintained buildings.
The spokesperson says they are ramping up oversight, issuing violations and if necessary, requiring major repairs to address hazardous conditions.
They say they will "continue using every tool available to hold the landlord accountable."
