Tenants in Bed-Stuy demand repairs amid poor living conditions
Tenants came together Friday evening to speak about issues ranging from mold to severe radiator leaks.
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Residents at 575 Herkimer St. in Bed-Stuy are calling attention to what they describe as hazardous living conditions in their apartment building.
Tenants came together Friday evening to speak about issues ranging from mold to severe radiator leaks.
Delaney Poon, one of the displaced tenants, says she can no longer live in the apartment due to the deteriorating conditions.
"It’s been really expensive for me, extremely disruptive, and just a hazard to my health," Poon said. "Moving my things out of the apartment has become almost impossible."
Inside Poon's apartment, mold has overtaken her bedroom wall, spreading so badly that it caused a hole in the floor, leading to an infestation of rats and roaches.
Other residents say they are facing similar struggles.
Court documents reveal the tenants’ long-standing battle with their landlord, Brian Teppel, of Gilman Management.
News 12 made several attempts to reach the landlord for comment but were unsuccessful. Calls and emails to Teppel went unanswered.
"We don’t need more inspections. Please come in and do these repairs. We’ve been ready,” said Jaren Forbes, leader of the 575 Herkimer Tenant Association.
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) says there are 251 open violations reported at the 38-unit building.
"Over 200 violations for 38 units? It’s a blatant disrespect,” Forbes said.
The tenants say that they just want more transparency and to feel at home again.
