Linden officials say they have safety concerns about senior housing building
The Edward J. Murawski Towers is an 11-story building on Dill Avenue in Linden.
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There are growing concerns about a senior housing building in Union County due to safety.
The Edward J. Murawski Towers is an 11-story building on Dill Avenue in Linden. Built in the 1970s, it has 150 units. The city says many of those units are empty, some for years.
"Sixty-two units that could be fixed right now, they are uninhabitable," said Mayor Derek Armstead. "It's terrible because I receive several calls on a weekly, monthly basis from people who are looking for housing."
The city has growing concerns about the affordable housing shortage, as well as building safety and stability.
"Infestation of bugs and vermin. There's electrical problems, structural issues at the building. A number of issues that have to be addressed," said Armstead.
Earlier this year, with new leadership in place, the city found a building damages report from September 2019. It lists structural damage, including in the bearing walls and floors running up and down part of the building. At the time, over 30 units were partially demolished.
The nonprofit Linden Housing Corporation runs the building and oversees construction. According to the city, the corporation was given $23 million to repair the building. Vendor payments show that over $7 million was paid to a construction company.
"They've had $23 million to do it, I need to know, where's the money?" said Armstead. "We need some accountability."
Upon arriving at the building on Wednesday, News 12 saw several workers at the site, but it was unclear what work was being done.
City officials say the building is out of their control and they are asking for help from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as from federal, state and local officials.
"Do an investigation to make sure the seniors are safe," said Danie Orelien, executive director of the Linden Housing Authority.
News 12 reached out to the Linden Housing Corporation for comment and is waiting to hear back.
