Originally published by Olalekan Adigun via BNN on Feb. 28, 2024
Learn about the dire challenges faced by Bronx apartment residents at 115 East 169th St. as they fight against neglectful management, health risks, legal battles, and community solidarity.
Residents of a Bronx apartment at 115 East 169th St. are caught in a dire struggle against Denali Management, faced with nearly 200 unresolved violations, a malfunctioning elevator, and dangerous lead levels. This conflict has escalated following a fire that left several units uninhabitable, emphasizing the building’s deteriorated condition. The tenants, some with serious health conditions, are now taking legal action to compel the management to make necessary repairs and address the building’s numerous safety and health hazards.
Tenant Struggles and Health Risks
The elevator’s unreliability presents a daily challenge for residents, particularly those with health issues like heart problems and asthma, complicating their access to their homes. Moreover, the presence of high lead levels poses a critical threat, especially to children’s health. Claudiesther Lopez, a concerned tenant, fears for her young daughter’s safety amidst these dangerous conditions. The situation worsened after a recent fire, attributed to an electrical issue, rendered several apartments uninhabitable, further exposing the building’s state of disrepair.
Legal Action and Management’s Silence
In response to Denali Management’s continued neglect, tenants have initiated legal proceedings, demanding immediate action to remedy the pest infestations, structural damages, and safety violations plaguing their living environment. Despite these efforts and attempts to reach out to Denali Management for a statement, there has been no response, leaving tenants in a precarious situation. Their fight highlights a broader issue of landlord accountability and tenant safety in rent-stabilized buildings.
Community Response and Support
The tenants’ plight has garnered community support, with local organizations and city departments stepping in to assist. The city’s Housing Preservation and Development has issued 178 code violations against Denali, and the Department of Health is inspecting the property for rats while offering resources to mitigate the issue. This collective effort underscores the community’s commitment to ensuring safe and habitable living conditions for all residents.
The battle between the tenants of 115 East 169th St. and Denali Management represents a critical moment in the fight for tenant rights and safe housing. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this struggle could set a precedent for how landlord-tenant disputes are addressed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safe and healthy living environments. The tenants’ resilience and the community’s support showcase the collective power in demanding accountability and necessary change.