Tons of highly combustible grain from an unlicensed bakery in Williamsburg were removed Wednesday as tenants spent another day locked out of their building.
The city's Office of Emergency Management removed the rodent-infested grain from the illegal matzo bakery, which is located in the basement of 475 Kent St. Authorities found the grain, which will be destroyed, Sunday. Officials evacuated about 200 residents, mostly artists and renowned photojournalists.Building owner Nachman Brach was issued violations for failing to maintain the building, conducting construction without a permit, not having a sprinkler system and not having working standpipes to fight fires.
Longtime residents of the building, which is zoned for commercial, not residential use, have said a similar vacate notice was issued about two years ago.
The Red Cross is offering housing assistance for tenants, many of whom the organization said have already found shelter on their own.