EXCLUSIVE: Morrisania building taken over by squatters
Neighbors inside 1208 Franklin Ave. say squatters are sleeping in the staircases and using hallways as a bathroom.
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Exclusive video shared with News 12 gives a closer look at the unwelcomed visitors neighbors say have been invading their building for more than a year.
Tenants inside 1208 Franklin Ave. said the issues include squatters sleeping in the building and using the hallways as a bathroom.
NYC 311 reports for "trespassing" at the building date back to June 2025, but neighbors said it has been going on for much longer.
"Every time I walk in with my kids, I feel scared sometimes, because maybe they overdose. I don't know what they can do to me," said one neighbor named Yomersy.
Another neighbor who asked to remain anonymous said they have called police, but the response doesn't last.
"They'll do a walk-through, they'll leave, but they won't be back unless you call them again. And who wants to keep calling the cops every day?” asked the neighbor.
More videos neighbors shared with News 12 on Tuesday show people having sex in the first-floor hallway and others sleeping near the elevator with their pants almost off.
Neighbors said they have complained about the unsafe conditions to the building's management, but their calls for help are being ignored.
"I even had to call the super, like I'm here and I feel scared because I have two kids...but they say, ‘Yeah, OK.' They don't do nothing," said Yomersy.
The building's management declined to comment on the issue and refused to connect News 12 with anyone who could provide any answers.
