In a recent announcement, the mayor’s office disclosed a critical error made by a state-licensed engineer in June 2023. The engineer misdiagnosed a load-bearing column as a mere decorative component in the building plans submitted to the Department of Buildings. This oversight would have severe consequences for the tenants residing in a Bronx building.

The Fallout: Lawsuit and Displacement

The repercussions of this misdiagnosis became evident on December 11, when a portion of the Morris Heights building collapsed, leaving debris scattered on the street below. Fortunately, there were no severe injuries or entrapments, but the aftermath led to significant displacement. Records from the Buildings Department indicate that the structure housed nearly 50 apartments, displacing close to 140 people, including 31 children.

Legal Battle Unfolds

In response to the hazardous living conditions persisting even weeks after the incident, more than two dozen tenants initiated a lawsuit. Their primary goal is to expedite the repair and reconstruction of the collapsed segment of the six-story building. The tenants accuse the landlords of engaging in illegal practices, alleging that they coerced tenants into signing agreements that falsely claimed their apartments were fully repaired in exchange for the return of their keys.

Allegations of Negligence and Endangerment

The lawsuit goes further, asserting that the building owners failed to provide adequate security, allowing “looters” to access apartments and pilfer personal belongings. The tenants describe the overall living conditions as “deplorable,” citing bug and rodent infestations, along with a complete lack of gas throughout the building.

Call for Immediate Action

Zoe Kheyman, a staff attorney for Legal Aid’s Civil Practice, emphasized that the tenants’ hardships began long before the partial collapse. Kheyman urges immediate repairs to lift the partial vacate order and allow tenants to return home. Additionally, she calls for careful consideration during the repair process to prevent exposure to lead dust, mold, and other toxins.

Urgency in Building Repairs

The urgency of addressing the structural issues is underscored by the tenants’ plea for a swift resolution. The landlords are under scrutiny for their allegedly illegal actions and the unsafe conditions that persisted for years before the collapse. The legal battle is not just about seeking compensation but aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected tenants.

A Call for Responsibility and Tenant Safety

The situation at 1915 Billingsley Terrace reveals a complex web of negligence, illegal activities, and hazardous living conditions. The focus now should not only be on legal ramifications but also on expediting the repair process and prioritizing the safety and well-being of the displaced tenants. The incident underscores the need for a robust system that ensures the accountability of licensed professionals and landlords to prevent such oversights in the future.