Burst pipe floods out high-rise apartment in Flatbush
According to the HPD website, the building currently has multiple open complaints and two violations stemming from the incident, and while repairs have begun, tenants there say they do not believe they should still be living inside as those major repairs happen.
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Frustrated residents inside the Sidney in Flatbush say after a burst pipe flooded multiple floors inside the luxury building on 2415 Church Ave., they have been left feeling high and not very dry by their management's response.
"I heard a sound, I thought the shower had come on, but it was my AC unit, a pipe opened and steam was all in my room. It was very bad," said resident Zyaira, who says her unit has since had its floors, carpets, walls, ceiling and appliances ripped out since the flooding started Monday.
"I have my whole life packed into the bathroom, and it's just dust and mess everywhere," she said.
According to the HPD website, the building currently has multiple open complaints and two violations stemming from the incident, and while repairs have begun, with units separated by plastic zip-up tarp walls and humming fans, tenants there say they do not believe they should still be living inside as those major repairs happen.
"I have no idea how long this will last for my apartment. I have not heard from management at all about the extent of the damage or how long it takes to repair it," said resident Kemi Burgen.
She says she does not feel safe sleeping in an apartment that maintenance workers routinely enter in protective suits and safety masks.
"There is so much dust and dirt, and I'm supposed to sleep next to this image," she said.
In a statement, the building's operating company, Kaled Management, said that:
"Our protocol requires the use of N95 masks during demolition and water damage restoration work to control airborne dust and debris within fully contained areas. Protective suits are worn as a standard precaution to prevent dust and debris from contacting clothing, and employees may choose to wear them for personal cleanliness while performing the work. These measures are strictly preventative and are not due to mold or the presence of any hazardous substance in the building."
It did not provide a timeline for repairs or any details on whether impacted residents would be offered temporary housing during the length of the repairs.
News 12 reached out to HPD, which said that violations were issued inside for a lack of hot water earlier this week, but has not yet responded on what criteria an apartment or building would need to reach before temporary housing assistance would be necessary for tenants.
