Cuomo orders probe of Williamsbridge building amid crime, bedbug complaints

Cuomo is ordering state agencies to investigate a government-funded residential building in Williamsbirdge amid allegations of a bedbug infestation and drug-related crime.

News 12 Staff

Oct 20, 2019, 9:36 PM

Updated 1,642 days ago

Share:

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is ordering state agencies to investigate a government-funded residential building in Williamsbirdge amid allegations of a bedbug infestation and drug-related crime.
The governor is directing the state Department of Health of Office of Rent Administration to take action.
The Health Department's inspection team has been ordered to perform an environmental health assessment to make sure that standards are being met.
The Office of Rent Administration has been directed to investigate whether rent-regulated apartments in the building are being adequately maintained. If they are not, the building owner may be penalized.
The manage company is Five Star Management, and Acacia Network is the social services provider.
Gov. Cuomo said in a statement on the issue, "The alleged conditions in this apartment building are horrifying and completely unacceptable. The government's job is to protect the health and safety of all New Yorkers, and apartments in the rent regulation program have an obligation to maintain a decent environment for tenants to live. That's why I am directing state agencies to investigate these disturbing allegations, and if any wrongdoing by the owners of the building or the social services provider is found, we will hold them accountable."
The Department of Buildings says there are no open violations on the building. It says the last violation was in 2018 for elevator issues.
News 12 reached out to Acacia Network for comment and is awaiting a response.
 


More from News 12
2:00
Coney Island NYCHA residents weigh funding options to make building repairs

Coney Island NYCHA residents weigh funding options to make building repairs

2:08
Early-morning patchy fog, cool and cloudy weather for Friday

Early-morning patchy fog, cool and cloudy weather for Friday

1:09
Park Slope eatery boasts 'adults only' rule

Park Slope eatery boasts 'adults only' rule

2:04
Health care workers, community hold prayer to call for SUNY Downstate to stay open

Health care workers, community hold prayer to call for SUNY Downstate to stay open

1:47
Brooklyn students present their social justice solutions on varying issues in national competition

Brooklyn students present their social justice solutions on varying issues in national competition

2:02
Doody’s Home Center announces its closing

Doody’s Home Center announces its closing

1:51
Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

2:11
Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

2:05
Police: 2 men wanted for stealing $2,000 from Bay Ridge store at gunpoint

Police: 2 men wanted for stealing $2,000 from Bay Ridge store at gunpoint

1:58
Explore the seasonal flora and fauna unique to Prospect Park in Brooklyn

Explore the seasonal flora and fauna unique to Prospect Park in Brooklyn

0:25
Police: Person of interest in custody following bomb squad investigation in Midwood

Police: Person of interest in custody following bomb squad investigation in Midwood

1:44
Dyker Heights elementary school students send letters and care packages to at-risk military veterans

Dyker Heights elementary school students send letters and care packages to at-risk military veterans

0:24
NYPD: Man walks into East Flatbush hospital, dies from gunshot wounds

NYPD: Man walks into East Flatbush hospital, dies from gunshot wounds

0:23
Man hospitalized following brutal stabbing in Brownsville, police say

Man hospitalized following brutal stabbing in Brownsville, police say

0:23
Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

1:34
NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

2:18
Landlord battling pancreatic cancer fighting to evict squatter

Landlord battling pancreatic cancer fighting to evict squatter

2:10
NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies

NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies

2:09
Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

1:37
Affordable housing projects coming to Boerum Hill

Affordable housing projects coming to Boerum Hill