'I walk with pepper spray.' Dumbo woman fears for safety in Breaking Ground building

In an exclusive interview with News 12, she says there are plenty of ongoing safety concerns for women in the building.

Daniella Rodriguez

Aug 30, 2025, 2:44 AM

Updated 4 hr ago

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A woman living in a Breaking Ground building in Dumbo says what’s supposed to be supportive housing has turned into a place she dreads coming home to.
She asked that her name not be used.
In an exclusive interview with News 12, she says there are plenty of ongoing safety concerns for women in the building.
Her concerns follow a recent story about a man found dead inside his apartment in the building.
Breaking Ground released a statement on Monday saying in part it is "committed to the safety and well-being of our tenants and staff."
She said that statement does not match her experience.
She says she has reported incidents by email to her building director but never received a response.
Her most recent encounter led to a police report after she said a man in the lobby repeatedly exposed himself to her.
News 12 reached out to Breaking Ground for comment on how it handles reports of harassment and to ask about tenant's complaint but has not heard back.